Generally speaking this area gets quite cold in the winter, too cold for Foch, Seyval or Aurora. However, those who have been practicing this intense cold climate viticulture in Quebec have unique techniques to reduce the chance of winter damage of these vines that have marginal hardiness for this climate. Often the vines are removed from the trellis and put on the ground before winter. This is what we do with our St. Croix in Edmonton. Often the snow cover alone is enough to protect them but sometimes they are covered in straw or even buried in soil for further protection from the cold. I tasted several wines in this trip and found some that were excellent and others that were alright but none that I disliked. Of course everyone's tastes differ in what they like and dislike in the flavour and characteristics of wine.
I have yet to visit this region since then but on a recent trip to Montreal I went looking for some Quebec wines in the local wine store. I asked the clerk if they had any in stock but was advised they did not carry any. They suggested that I go to another specialty wine store at the Eaton Centre. However, I continued to peruse what wines in the store and stumbled across a small display of Quebec wines that they did in fact carry. I advised the clerk that they did have Quebec wines and they were astonished. I've talked to other who live in Quebec and many don't know they have a vibrant viticulture and wine industry. Others that have heard of Quebec wines are reluctant to try them, they have an impression that the wines are inferior to those typically found in the wines stores. In fact, the wines being produced from the Quebec viticulture industry can be excellent and many are winning awards on the national scale.
The Bottle in the middle comes from L'Orpailleur vineyard in Dunham, Quebec. This wine is made from Seyval Blanc and is classic Seyval - fruity, well balanced, very nice.
The bottle on the left is from Vignoble Riviere du Chene located in St. Eustache, Quebec. I gave this one away as a gift to a friend down the street who grows Vandal Cliche in his back yard. This is white wine and the bottle is named William and is made from Vandal Cliche grapes. Don't know much about them except that they apparently make a very nice dry white wine and this variety of grape was actually created in Quebec. If the other two and those I've had previously in Quebec are any measure of what this one is like, then it should be great. Hoping for an invite from the neighbor to try this one out when he opens it up.
If your out that way to visit or if your live near these wine regions you've got to check them out. You'll definitely find something you like. Looking forward to the next visit!
