Tasting Note (by Janet Dorozynski)   Hybride 2025 demonstrates the quality and character that cold-hardy northern grape varieties can achieve in Québec’s evolving wine landscape. A blend of 80% frontenac blanc and 20% St. Pépin, the frontenac blanc undergoes a short maceration on the pomace of St. Pépin, La Crescent, and Brianna grapes. Blended and aged in neutral barrels for 11 months, the wine is unfiltered and unfined with no added sulfites. And clocks in at a surprising 14% ABV. The nose provides aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple and citrus peel, accompanied by subtle notes of honeycomb and fresh bread. The palate is both vibrant and textural and delivers a satisfying interplay of freshness from balanced acidity coupled with gentle spice notes and depth. The finish is long and layered with a distinctive stony edge and hints of citrus and dried herbs. Though drinking well now, the wine’s texture and concentration suggest it will develop additional complexity over the short term.

Backgrounder – Domaine Oak Hill was established by Louise Macdonald and Sylvain Lalonde, who settled on a 50-hectare property in Melbourne after an extensive site search. They planted 3,000 hybrid vines in 2016 with the objective of producing natural wines that express both grape variety and place, while farming with the lowest possible environmental impact. Located within Québec’s Appalachian Plateau region, the vineyard’s sandy loam soils over schist provide excellent drainage. Organic and biodynamic principles guide all farming activities, and the wines are certified by both Ecocert and Demeter. A second vineyard with 10,000 northern hybrid vines was added in 2021, which incorporated incorporates trees, shrubs, and native ground cover to strengthen ecological resilience. Intervention in the cellar is limited, allowing native fermentations and vintage variation to shape the wines. Domaine Oak Hill has become a noteworthy example of regenerative, small-scale viticulture in Québec, producing wines that are authentic, distinctive, and deeply connected to their environment.