Category Archives: Sparkling Wine

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Sparkling Wine, Frizzante, etc.,

QUEENSTON MILE SPARKLING PINOT NOIR, Pétillant Naturel – Ancestral Method, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

17 Monday Nov 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $24.95
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Queenston Mile Vineyards
Alcohol: 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Interesting, but in a good way. A rustic style sparkling. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Cloudy bloody Mary in colour with good acidity, low intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Cherry, rhubarb, Fuji apple, strawberry, Oyster mushrooms

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Don’t disturb the sediment in the bottle before opening as if you do (and I did), it will uncontrollably bubble over.

Winemaker’s Note: “100% Pinot noir harvested September 22nd 2020 from Estate Vineyard. Bottled during wild fermentation on October 14th 2020. This wine was left unfiltered on its lees for extended ageing in bottle.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Escargot.

My Opinion: Recommended

November 16, 2025

SIEUR GAILLARD EXCELLENCE CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX, MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE, NV, Entre-deux-Mer, Bordeaux, France

09 Sunday Nov 2025

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $20.00
Grape: Sémillon, Muscadelle and Cabernet Franc
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Prague
Country: France
Region: Entre-deux-Mer, Bordeaux
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Sieur Gaillard
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Elegance in a bottle. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium+ intense nose, & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, golden apples, pear, honeydew melon, light yeast & vanilla.,

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “Harvested by hand. Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, secondary fermentation and aging on the lees for 12 months in bottles.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Eggs Benedict.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: November 9, 2025

HENRI D’AUGAN BRUT CRÉMANT de BORDEAUX ROSÉ, TRADITIONAL METHOD, NV, AC Crémant de Bordeaux, France

20 Monday Oct 2025

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Cost: $22.95 (Clearance: $18.95 & $15.05 depending on the store)
Grape: Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Semillon
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Henri D’Augan
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A versatile, elegant, easy drinking sparkling brut rosé. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Light copper in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose, & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Peach, pear, honeydew melon,

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: It’s a steal if you can get it at $15.05 as I did.

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 5 – 7 years on its own or pair it with Spanish Eggs.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: October 19, 2025

LCBO: 42003

KACABA IRRESISTIBLE JOANNE’S BLEND SPARKLING ROSÉ 2023, VQA Ontario, Canada

11 Friday Jul 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Kacaba Vineyards & Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $30.15
Grape: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Kacaba Winery
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A refreshing off-dry sparkling rosé perfect for the patio. Score: 88/100.

Tasting Note: Pink in colour with good acidity, a medium+ intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Strawberry, Bing cherries, rhubarb & MacIntosh apples

Negatives: On the pricy side.

Interesting Point: Make sure the wine is very cold to bring out the freshness of the fruit.

Winemaker’s Note: Charmat method

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 2 – 4 years on its own or pair it with Korean BBQ chicken wings.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: July 6, 2025

CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN BLANC DE BLANCS, NV, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

06 Sunday Apr 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $32.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Beamsville Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Cave Spring
Alcohol:  12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

An elegant Traditional Method Brut style sparkling wine that is very versatile with food pairings. Score: 93/100.  

Tasting Note: Deep straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon zest, yellow plums, green & golden apples, light brioche, butter toasted bread & roasted almonds.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Point: “Bottle fermented in the Traditional Method from Chardonnay, it was aged sur lie for a minimum of 26 months prior to disgorging, resulting in a dry brut style sparkling wine exhibiting delicate effervescence and mineral nuances reflective of its origins.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 4 – 6 years on its own or pair it with Oyster Rockefeller.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: March 30, 2025

LCBO: 213983

NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY, BLANC DE NOIRS, MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE, 2019, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

24 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $40.00
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Four Mile Creek, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Medium body yet full flavoured sparkling with a nice depth. Score: 93/100.

Tasting Note: Deep straw in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Buttered toast, lemon zest, peach, pear, MacIntosh apples & oak spice.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “Sparkling wine was aged for 54 months on lees. The grapes were gently whole cluster pressed to avoid any pick-up of colours or hard phenolics. It was fermented in stainless steel for its primary ferment, and then was placed in a 750mL for tirage and secondary fermentation and aging.” Winery

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 8 – 10 years on its own or pair it with Maritime lobster & crêpes.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: February 23, 2025

NIAGARA TEACHING WINERY DEAN’S LIST BLANC DE BLANCS 2019, MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

10 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Highly Recommended, Niagara College Teaching Winery, Non LCBO Wine, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding, Winery Review Series

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Cost: $ 35.18
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: Winery
Country: Canada
Region: St. David’s Bench, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Niagara College Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

This new vintage, traditional method Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine has risen to the top of my favourites for Canadian production. It shows crispness & finesse along with good value. Score: 95/100.

Tasting Note: Deep straw in colour with fine mousse, good acidity, a medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Brioche, toast, lemon, pear, green apples & almonds.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: “This wine was gently whole cluster pressed to avoid any hard phenolics and maintain a clean, neutral based wine.  It was fermented in stainless steel for primary fermentation and was but on tirage or secondary fermentation in 2020.  This 100% Chardonnay based wine was aged on lees for 54 months.” 

Pairings: Drink this now or in the next 6 – 8 years on its own or pair it with Eggs Benedict.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: February 9, 2025

WESTCOTT VINEYARDS BRILLIANT ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE, NV, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

24 Thursday Oct 2024

Posted by in Canadian Wines, Recommended, Sparkling Wine

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Cost: $40.00
Grape: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Region, Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Westcott Winery
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Don’t let the earthy style sparkling rosé sway you away from this beautifully made wine. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Bright deep salmon in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Strawberry, rhubarb, peat moss, portobello mushrooms & thyme.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “Made in the Traditional French Champagne method. Skin soaked for 2 hours. 24 months lees contact, hand riddled, disgorged and labelled at Westcott.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with hamburger from Westcott patio.

My Opinion: Recommended

Tasted: Oct 22, 2024

LCBO: 38733

JACQUES BRUÉRE CAP CLASSIQUE BLANC DE BLANCS 2012, Robertson, South Africa

20 Sunday Oct 2024

Posted by in Highly Recommended, Sparkling Wine, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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Cost: $27.95
Grape: Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO Vintages
Country: South Africa
Region: Robertson
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Bon Courage Estate
Alcohol: 12.0% Alcohol/Vol.

A creamy, full body vintage traditional method Sparkling wine full of character. Score: 94/100.

Tasting Note: Deep gold in colour with good acidity, fine mousse, medium intense nose & a long length on the finish. This wine features: Yeast, light brioche, lemon-lime, pear, Fuji apples, honeycomb & limestone.

Negatives: None

Winemaker’s Note: “The base wine was kept on the lees for 8 months initially
during the first fermentation. 10% of the Chardonnay was Barrel Fermented. The “magic of the bubbles” begins during the 2nd fermentation that occurs in the bottle thereby extending maturation on the lees for 100 months. After “disgorgement” (removal of the yeast lees) and “dosage” (adding base wine and sugar) the final product is left on the cork +- 9months, and then released.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 5 years on its own or pair it with oysters.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Top Pick

Tasted: Oct 20, 2024

LCBO: 23971

HENRY OF PELHAM SPARKLING WINE, NV, VQA Ontario, Canada

13 Sunday Oct 2024

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Cost: $17.95 (Sale price until Oct 13, 2024: $15.95)
Grape: Blend of white grapes
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location: LCBO General List
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 ml
Producer: Henry of Pelham
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A great Canadian alternative to Prosecco. Score: 90/100.

Tasting Note: Straw in colour with good acidity, fine to medium mousse, medium intense nose & a good length on the finish. This wine features: Lemon tart, peach & pear.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: New to LCBO stores

Winemaker’s Note: “The grapes used in this blend were picked in late September to obtain the perfect balance between acidity and sugar. The base wine was fermented cool to preserve aromatics with no malolactic fermentation done in order to maintain freshness. Secondary fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks to produce elegant bubbles. Minimum 30 days aging on lees.”

Pairings: Drink this now or in 3 – 4 years on its own or pair it with Charcuterie Board.

My Opinion: Highly Recommended

Best Buy

Tasted: Oct 13, 2024

LCBO: 37965