David Lawrason’s Weekly Wine Pick: a rarely seen Nova Scotia sparkler
Benjamin Bridge Nova 7
$25 | Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia | 89 Points Benjamin Bridge is a new Nova Scotia sparkling winery that’s been drawing raves for its Champagne method bubblies that are fermented and aged in-bottle. But quantities are so tiny it remains essentially unavailable. Nova 7 is a less expensive, higher volume, tank-fermented edition from local Nova Scotia varieties, and it returns to the LCBO, in limited quantities, this Saturday.
The taste: This is a pale, light (6.5 per cent alcohol), medium-sweet sparkling wine in the tradition of Italy’s Moscato d’Asti. Expect a very intense, floral nose with muscat-like green melon, plus the scent of ginger ale and lime. It’s clean as a whistle and sliced by tight, green apple acidity. Very good length.
How to drink it: Serve stone cold as a lunchtime, brunchtime or patio sipper. It will also work beautifully as a summer dessert wine.
Vintages. LCBO 256289 (appearing August 4—get it while you can).
