Quebec is completely bubble!

It's that time of year when there's no shortage of opportunities to celebrate. And to have a truly festive feast, bubbles are a must! This year, forget Champagnes, Cavas, and Proseccos. Quebec bubbles are in the spotlight. And for good reason: the selection is constantly improving, and the surprises are multiplying.

But let's start at the beginning: how do bubbles form in wine?

The Birth of a Bubble

Are bubbles in wine magic or science? A little bit of both, actually. Two methods of producing bubbles are most commonly found in Quebec products.

First, there is the traditional method. Still wine is transformed into sparkling wine by adding yeast during bottling, after the first fermentation. The yeast will eventually convert the sugar in the must into alcohol during the second fermentation. Since the carbon dioxide from this second fermentation cannot escape from the bottle, it will dissolve into the wine. And just like that, bubbles are born!

The other way to create bubbles in wine is the ancestral method. Pet Nat (natural sparkling wine), which is steadily gaining in popularity, is not so new after all. It is actually the oldest way of producing bubbles. Once the grapes have been pressed, fermentation begins to transform them into alcohol. The temperature of the wine is lowered to below 10°C so that the yeast stops working and “goes to sleep.” This is the time to bottle the wine. The temperature is then raised and fermentation resumes in the bottle. Once again, the carbon dioxide produced by fermentation remains trapped in the bottle and dissolves into the wine! Another bubble is born.

The Quebec Bubble: A Unique Product

Quebec sparkling wines are becoming the real stars of Quebec wine production. And it is not by trying to imitate others that our sparkling wines stand out, but rather by drawing on their unique characteristics. Our northern climate is also a major asset when it comes to producing sparkling wines that stand out. It promotes higher acidity and lower sugar levels, which are ideal for producing good sparkling wines. The future of Quebec wine production is likely to be punctuated with bubbles!

Here are a few suggestions, and there are even more to discover in person at the Marché des Saveurs du Québec at Jean-Talon Market and Les Douceurs du Marché at Atwater Market.

01  Le Mousse des vents du Vignoble Seigneurie de Liret 

Produced using traditional methods, this rosé sparkling wine stands out thanks to the use of rustic grape varieties that are among the most representative of Quebec's terroir. Vidal, Frontenac Blanc, and Baco Noir give it its beautiful color and aromas. 

02 L’intégrale 2021 du Vignoble Domaine Bergeville 

A classic among Quebec sparkling wines! An organic white sparkling wine, the vines are cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Floral and mineral notes combine to give us a very elegant wine with a long finish. The perfect pairing with seafood. Note that L'Intégrale is unfined, making it suitable for vegans.

03 Le Frizzotis Rouge du Vignoble La Cache 

Have you ever tried a red sparkling wine? Surprise your guests with this unusual wine! Made from Sainte-Croix, Maréchal Foch, and Vandal-Cliche hybrid grape varieties, this wine will charm you with its notes of blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries. It is dry, unfiltered, and unclarified. Try it as an aperitif with savory charcuterie or with a pork tenderloin with cranberry sauce or a beet and goat cheese salad! 

04 Blanc de Blanc du Vignoble La Cantina 

Finally, we highlight the Blanc de Blanc cuvée from La Cantina vineyard located in the Oka Valley. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the nose opens with a bouquet of floral aromas followed by notes of citrus and pear.  Quite versatile, it is well suited to festive gatherings, from  aperitifs to dinner. Ideal with all your seafood, shellfish, and fine cheeses, for example.

Cheers!