Nova Scotia gets its first appellation

The idea behind the Tidal Bay appellation arose when winemaker Peter Gamble began consulting at Benjamin Bridge winery in the Gaspereau Valley. He approached a few others, and they created a committee to work out the standards, the legal work and the name, Tidal Bay.

"We wanted a name that, even internationally, would resonate as distinctly Nova Scotian,” says Gamble. “With the province's wine-producing regions virtually defined by the massive maritime climatic influence, with thousands of miles of close shoreline, countless bays and the highest tidal waters in the world in the famed Bay of Fundy, Tidal Bay seemed a perfect fit."

An appellation encourages participants to make wine with qualities and characteristics unique to its particular place of origin. Appellations also help increase consumer awareness and the appeal of a region’s wines.

Tidal Bay Wine Requirements

Tidal Bay wines — which must be approved by an independent tasting panel made up of Atlantic wine professionals — are premium, crisp, fruity but dry-ish, minerally and aromatic white wines, with modest alcohol (less than 11 percent), made from 100-percent Nova Scotia-grown grapes. The wines reflect Nova Scotia’s cool climate and Maritime terroir and are suitable for drinking with local seafood.

The majority of the blend must be made of one or more of l’acadie, seyval, vidal and geisenheim 318, but more than 20 other grapes are permitted. There is a 15 percent maximum of aromatic grapes like New York muscat. Residual sugar must be kept to a maximum of 20 grams per litre, or twice the acidity, but. otherwise, there is leeway in winemaking style.

Winery Association of Nova Scotia

Although not yet set in provincial law, Tidal Bay is an official appellation under WANS (Winery Association of Nova Scotia) and its creation and regulations were approved by the WANS board of directors.

So far, the appellation has been popular.

"Our customers, whether they're locals or here on vacation, have really embraced the Tidal Bay appellation wines,” says Blomidon winemaker Simon Rafuse. “It just fits so well with the lifestyle out here."   

Seven wineries released Tidal Bay wines from the 2010 vintage, and more are expected to join in with the 2011 vintage. Wines are available at the wineries, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, various private stores and farmers’ markets. They’re identifiable by the clear, Bordeaux-shaped bottles with the words “Tidal Bay” on the labels.

Click here to view tasting notes for Tidal Bay wines.