For those who may not be so wine savvy and by no means am I; an Appellation Grape is a legally defined grape which can only be grown in a certain region or a country in order for a wine to wear a certain title, for wee little Nova Scotia this grape is Tidal Bay. Only true Champagne can come from France; if the grapes come from anywhere else it is merely a sparkling wine. For example, Baby Duck is not Champagne, although has her own unique delicious qualities. Interesting to note (thanks to Wikipedia) Chianti, Italy, 1716, was the world’s first vineyard to be protected for her exclusivity as a Chianti.
Tidal Bay by Grand Pre is a fave:
Tidal Bay’s white wine grape can only be found in Nova Scotia, and the wine has to hold a few specific standards in order to take the name Tidal Bay. We are the only region/Canada in North America who has bragging rights to an Appellation Grape. I think that is pretty special for a province which is well known for her beauty & character, but not so well known for her richness in culture.
Tidal Bay is a still fairly new wine as she only came to be in summer of 2012. It is a light, crisp, aromatic white wine which pairs exceptionally well with seafood. When you uncork a bottle if you listen closely you can hear the Atlantic Ocean on a still summer day. Well, I just made that up, but I will say Tidal Bay has fast become one of my preferred whites.
For more details on Tidal Bay & other wines of Nova Scotia visit winesofnovascotia.ca .
Peace & Love – Rachel
You Know Jacques! 