Canadians can now order alcohol from other provinces. Here are seven wines to try | Canada Voices

Canadians can now order alcohol from wineries and breweries outside of their home province, thanks to a July 21 agreement between nine provincial premiers.

The opening of direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverage provides consumers with more options and is hopefully a step toward eliminating the interprovincial trade barriers that prevent producers from benefiting from direct access to retail and hospitality accounts.

The agreement offers a framework for individual provinces to tailor to their needs. This may involve implementing registration and reporting requirements as well as any associated markups or additional fees on shipments to consumers.

Consumers usually grab favoured varieties or styles of wine as they need them. Ordering directly from a winery requires more planning and commitment, as it’s usually necessary to purchase multiple bottles to make the cost and effort of shipping more advantageous.

With that in mind, here are seven current releases that are worth stocking up on. These are some bottles that stood out in recent tastings, including during my time as a judge for the National Wine Awards of Canada competition in Niagara in June. Whether you choose to drink them now or save bottles for later, they are exciting wines from some of the country’s best winemakers.

Bachelder Les Villages Bench Pinot Noir 2024 (Canada), $34.95

Rating: 92

Thomas Bachelder changed the course of chardonnay and pinot noir production in Canada when he arrived in Niagara in 2003. The Montreal-born, Burgundy-trained winemaker brought a courage of conviction to the industry, championing a focused approach that included organic grape growing and bottling individual vineyards. His affordable Les Villages label is a blend of barrels that weren’t included in the more expensive single vineyard wines. The result is complex and compelling pinot noir with a supple texture and a pleasing mix of fruit, earthy and savoury notes. This has 12.5 per cent alcohol by volume and 2 grams a litre residual sugar. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price direct, bachelderniagara.com.

Clos du Soleil Célestiale 2022 (Canada), $29.90

Rating: 92

This is a stylish Bordeaux-style red wine, which blends merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot from four vineyards in the Similkameen Valley. Winemaker Michael Clark positions this as the more approachable style to its concentrated and complex big brothers, the Estate Reserve and Signature labels. This 2022 vintage is developing nicely, with a ripe core of red, blue and black berries that gains structure from vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Great value. This has 14.4 per cent ABV and 0.39 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price direct, closdusoleil.ca, $32.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $32.99 in Saskatchewan

Creekside Estate Iconoclast Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2024 (Canada), $24.75

Rating: 92

Creekside has carved out a niche as a leading producer of sauvignon blanc, syrah and blends in Niagara. The Iconoclast label is always a reliable choice, offering wines produced in smaller quantities that have been carefully farmed and crafted. The current release of sauvignon blanc and semillon blend is made by combining two varieties that were harvested, fermented and aged separately in French oak barrels. The finished wine displays the vibrant, fruity character of sauvignon blanc alongside the richness of semillon, resulting in a stunning white with a viscous texture and long, lingering finish. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available direct, creeksidewine.com.

Fielding Estate Riesling 2023 (Canada), $19.95

Rating: 91

Established in 2005, Fielding has produced pure and expressive wines from the family’s vineyards and other sites across Niagara. The estate-grown riesling, cabernet franc and sparkling wines are always well-made and well-priced. The 2023 Estate Riesling is a classic Niagara example, with peach and citrus flavours contributing to its juicy and refreshing character. This fragrant white wine is showing signs of development, with wet stone, savoury and vinyl (others might say petrol or kerosene) notes adding complexity to the fruit-centric flavour. This has 10.2 per cent ABV and 16 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available direct, fieldingwines.com.

Synchromesh Long’s View Riesling 2025 (Canada), $30

Rating: 92

Charles and Linda Long’s organic vineyard in Naramata, formerly known as the Bob Hancock Vineyard, provided the grapes for this beautiful expression of riesling that offers a compelling mix of floral, fruity and earthy aromas and flavours. The balance of juicy and zesty flavours make this enjoyable now, with the potential to mature in the cellar. This has 10.9 per cent ABV and 33 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2035. Available direct, synchromeshwines.ca.

A surprising Spanish wine region finds success with crisp whites

Tantalus Blanc de Blancs 2023 (Canada), $36.52

Rating: 93

Since its first release in 2005, Tantalus has been among Canada’s most exciting wineries, with a focus on riesling, pinot noir and chardonnay. Since 2009, winemaker David Paterson has overseen the cellar and produced the winery’s sparkling wine with a riesling-based bubbly. The range of sparkling wine made from the Kelowna estate has expanded and improved, as can be seen from the impressive character of the newly released Blanc de Blancs from the 2023 vintage. Made from a single block of chardonnay, it shows an expressive and toasty style that is beautifully balanced with a creamy texture and refreshing finish that suggests flavours of apple and lemon zest. This has 12.0 per cent ABV and 4.27 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2033. Available at the above price direct, tantalus.ca, various prices in British Columbia.

Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2023 (Canada), $36.95

Rating: 94

Fans of Tawse chardonnays tend to have a favourite between the richer and rounder Robyn’s Block and the bright and complex style of Quarry Road single vineyard releases. I enjoy them both, but admittedly find myself reaching for the razor-sharp, focused character of Quarry Road more often. The 2023 vintage gains richness and complexity from flinty, spicy and toasted aromas, while the palate is shaped by juicy, savoury and zesty flavours. This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2033. Available at the above price direct, tawsewinery.ca, $35.95 in Ontario.