CWA 2010: Hybrids

(25 entries, 9 medals)

Hybrids were created to provide some of the character of French vinifera varieties to grapes that are hardy enough for North American winters. Reds like baco noir and maréchal foch often show a distinctive flavour, one that many judges found objectionable, although the flavour is improved by generous barrel aging. “Too foxy,” said Sid Cross, “although some had coffee, maple syrup, bacon aromas.” The whites, such as vidal, l’acadie blanc and a new Swiss-developed variety called blattner were more appealing. “I really enjoyed this flight,” said Véronique Rivest. “They are well balanced and pleasurable.”

Silver

Salt Spring Vineyards 2009 Blattner White, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia     $22

Bronze

Quails’ Gate Winery 2007 Old Vines Foch Reserve, Westbank South, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $40

Sandbanks Estate 2009 Dunes, Prince Edward County, Ontario     $13

L’Acadie Vineyards 2009 Estate L’Acadie, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia     $20

Pelee Island Winery 2008 Baco Noir, Pelee Island, Ontario     $11

Pelee Island Winery 2009 Monarch Vidal, Pelee Island, Ontario     $10

Starling Lane 2008 Maréchal Foch, Vancouver Island, British Columbia     $24

Rockway Glen 2007 Reserve Baco Noir, Ontario     $18

See more results from the Wine Access 2010 Canadian Wine Awards