Tasting Note, by Janet Dorozynski – The Farniente Noir de Noir is a great value, sparkling red made from frontenac noir.  It offers fine, integrated bubbles and impressive vitality. Reminiscent of a very good dry Lambrusco, and thanks to the warm and dry vintage, this fizzy red is juicy and round and a radiant deep ruby colour. Dark cherry and cassis aromas and flavours finish with a hint of sour cherry tartness on the long finish. At 12.5%, it is vibrant and highly drinkable, especially when served with a slight chill. Perfect with traditional Italian fare (red sauce pastas or pizza) or to slip as an aperitif.

Backgrounder: Founded in 2008 by former teachers Martin Laroche and Mylène Gaudette, Domaine Le Grand Saint-Charles is a family-run winery. Inspired by experiences in Burgundy and Sonoma, California, Laroche and Gaudette wanted to create wines that expressed the personality and place of the Monteregian Hills. The estate’s 4.5 hectares of vines occupy the eastern slope of Mont Yamaska, which shields the vineyards from harsh winter winds and creates a favourable microclimate, along with sandy, gravelly loam soils that provide excellent drainage and growing conditions. They converted a cidery on the property into a winery and vineyards, initially planting Quebec hybrids (frontenac noir and gris, petite perle, vidal and Saint-Pépin). They have now expanded into vinifera such as pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet franc and savagnin. Certified organic, the winery follows a low-intervention philosophy. Fermentations occur spontaneously, and wines are bottled with minimal sulphur and without filtration whenever possible. The winery is powered by geothermal energy and passive solar design. Alongside the still and sparkling wines, the estate continues its cidermaking tradition with heritage apples grown on the property.