Taste the Townships

2 Nature Wines (and 1 beer!) from the Eastern Townships

Published on Jul 20, 2021

These days, nature wines are taking up more and more space on the shelves of the SAQ. But actually, what is a nature wine? Do we elaborate this type of wine here?

By Marc-Antoine Bergeron

A nature wine is a wine that is organic or bio-dynamically produced, from the vine to the bottle, via the cellars, in the most natural way possible. This means without the addition of synthetic products and with minimum interventions. The action of the yeasts is a big part of the process. Winemakers who work their products this way often choose natural or spontaneous yeasts. Sulphiting processes are almost non-existent in this practice. The same goes for filtering, which is usually very basic, or non-existent as well, in order to preserve as many aromas as possible.

And yes! We have producers who elaborate wines using this approach in the Eastern Townships. Let me present you with three of my favourites.

1

Goute en Ta ! 2019 | Vignoble la Bauge

The Vignoble La Bauge’s is the perfect example of nature-inspired organic viticulture. Here you’ll discover several farm animals and exotic species roaming about throughout the estate. They contribute to the maintenance and ecology of the vineyard. Sheep graze between vines, which limits the use of farm machinery; Alpacas eat Japanese beetles and other insects harmful to the vines, therefore avoiding the use of chemicals. These animals subsequently provide excellent manure to enrich the soil and the vines. Their “Les Beaux Jus” series is the vintage that best represents the natural spirit of their vineyard wines. Goute en Ta ! 2019 is a blend of Gewurztraminer, Geisenheim and Muscat Ottonel that offers a very fine nose with aromas of exotic fruit, honey and flowers while still giving off a sharp freshness. A perfect white wine for those hot summer days!
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2

Limousin rouge 2019 | Côte des Limousins Vineyard

We’re starting to see these products everywhere, but you should know that this vineyard has been around for quite some time. They planted their first vines in 2001, across from the magnificent Yamaska National Park. The co-owners and winemakers, Chantal and Bernard Brodeur, hosted a Table Champêtre for several years and enjoyed having their guests taste their wine. Since 2018, their facilities and know-how have allowed them to produce wine their own way. For example, their Limousin Rouge 2019 is an aromatic red wine with complex aromas of vanilla and spices followed by a wonderful bouquet of red and black wild berries and woodland aromas. The mouthfeel is dry and fresh offering an average amount of tannins. Perfect for pairing with your beef tartare and grilled meats.
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3

Saison du Coteau | Robin, bières naturelles

This last favourite of mine isn’t about wine but rather a natural beer! Established in Waterloo, the Robin, Bières Naturelles brewery offers amateurs of these kinds of natural alcohol beverages some amazing concoctions! Barrelled cuvées that provide a lot of flavour and texture to the beers produced here. I’m especially partial to the Saison du Coteau series. This series is produced with grape marc from the Coteau des Artisans vineyard in Bethany. Their beers have offer complex fruity and herbaceous aromas, and a very dry and slightly effervescent mouthfeel.
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Marc-Antoine Bergeron

A native resident and true lover of the Eastern Townships, Marc-Antoine has worked in the region’s restaurant business for more than twenty years. His love of the trade has inspired him to perfect his knowledge in sommellerie. Indeed, acquiring a wine expertise has been his passion for several years now, and even prompted him to enter and win the “Battle of the somm 2019” contest. Today, the wine and spirits field has become a full-time occupation for Marc-Antoine. Whether for restaurant businesses or for private sommelier services, he loves to share his knowledge and have people discover new wines. Follow him through his column to learn more about this fascinating world as you learn more about our fabulous local products and producers!
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