Tasting Note (by Janet Dorozynski DipWSET) One of my most compelling discoveries during the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada, demonstrates just how far Québec’s wine industry has progressed. Produced from organically grown chenin blanc and fermented with indigenous yeasts without added sulphites, this is a dry and textured wine that combines depth, purity, and precision. The breadth on the mid-palate and aromatic concentration is impressive, especially considering Quebec’s cool climate. The palate is crisp yet well structured, with persistent honeyed floral, apple, pear, and citrus flavours. The wine spends 10 months in oak, with subtle vanilla notes perfectly integrated. The warm 2024 growing season is evident in the wine’s ripeness and unusual depth for a cool-climate chenin blanc, along with the surprising 13.5% abv. A very appealing wine that is drinking well now. 

Backgrounder:
Clos Sans Frontières is a small, family estate located in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, in Québec’s southernmost wine-growing region near the United States border. Its name, which translates as “vineyard without borders,” reflects both its geographic location along with its spirit and commitment to expanding perceptions of what Québec can achieve with vitis vinifera grape varieties (only). The two-hectare vineyard, surrounded by natural stone walls, sits on clay-loam soils enriched by sedimentary deposits left behind as the ancient Champlain Sea receded after the last glacial period. The chenin blanc vines were planted in 2017 and 2020. Founded by engineer-turned-vigneron Danny Slater, Clos Sans Frontières is guided by minimal intervention and environmental stewardship. The vineyard is farmed organically and winemaking utilizes indigenous fermentations, low-intervention practices and wines made with little or no added sulphites. A gold for at the 2026 National Wine Awards of Canada marks an important milestone not only for the winery, but for the Québec wine industry as a whole. 

Accolades: Gold National Wine Awards 2026