The Tidal Bays of Nova Scotia
With the official release of the 2018 Tidal Bay from wineries around the province, this year’s lineup is sure to be a hit with wine lovers everywhere.
The Details
So what is it that makes Tidal Bay so unique? Well, Tidal Bay is to Nova Scotia is what Champagne is to France – an appellation wine. It can only be called a Tidal Bay if 100% of the grapes are grown in the province and be approved by an independent blind tasting panel. The wines must be fresh, crisp, somewhat dry, still white with a bright, ‘signature Nova Scotia’ aromatic component. The majority of the wine must also be made individually or from a combination of Nova Scotia’s signature grape varietals including L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval, Vidal or Geisenheim 318.
Pair Tidal Bay with fresh Nova Scotia seafood, aromatic cheeses, spicy poultry dishes and for best results, beautiful ocean views!
Raise a glass to the 2018 lineup. Cheers!
The 2018 Selection
May 10th marked the official launch of the 2018 selection of Tidal Bay wines from vineyards across the province. Thirteen Tidal Bay wines were released with their own take on the unique blend. Check out the full list of 2018 wines below.
The following are Taste of Nova Scotia members who have released a 2018 Tidal Bay:
Avondale Sky
The Nose: Notes of melons, citrus, plum, and lavender, with hints of spice and minerality.
The Palate: Rich yet crisp, with ripe fruit and a touch of sweetness.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Geisenheim-318, Petite Milo, Ortega
Benjamin Bridge
The Nose: Hints of lemon rinds, cantaloupe and mint are enhanced by sea mineral undertones.
The Palate: Immediate freshness and vigor, with suggestions of ripe peaches and Honeycrisp apples. A bright, uplifting finish lingers with enduring notes of key lime and flint.
Grape Blend: l’Acadie Blanc, Ortega, Geisenheim 318 and Riesling.
Blomidon Estate Winery
The Nose: Expressive notes of Golden Delicious apple, camomile & key lime.
The Palate: Dryishly crisp, the lively palate makes this Tidal Bay the perfect complement to Nova Scotia seafood and a true representation of Blomidon’s seaside vineyard.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc & Seyval Blanc.
Domaine de Grand Pre
The Nose: A distinctive brightness in the glass with a fresh yet complex aroma.
The Palate: Dryishly crisp, with body and fullness that lingers with every sip.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Ortega, Muscat & Seyval Blanc
Fox Harb’r Vineyards
The Nose: Fresh aromatics of lemon with overtones of apple and minerality with a nuance of tropical fruit.
The Palate: Apple and tropical fruit aromatics flow through to the palate and are expressed with a bright acidity and a touch of sweetness. The finish is refreshing and lingers with apple and minerality.
Grape Blend: Riesling, New York Muscat and L’Acadie Blanc.
*This is the first year that Fox Harb’r Vineyards has released a Tidal Bay.
Gaspereau Vineyards
The Nose: An elegant aroma of apple and apricot with a hint of minerality and underlying nuances of tropical fruit and floral notes. Complex and integrated, the bouquet lingers long after the glass has been taken from your nose.
The Palate: A balance of sweetness, acidity and aromatics. Notes of rose, orange zest and apricot present on the palate with a prevalent and integrated vein of minerality. A light apple flavor with hints of lychee fruit linger into a smooth yet refreshing finish.
Grape Blend: Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Ortega and Muscat
Jost Vineyards
The Nose: Wisps of honeysuckle and rose petals, leading to deeper aromas of ripe white peach.
The Palate: Hints of pink grapefruit and lemon. A touch of spice lingers in the background, adding depth and character.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Ortega and Muscat.
Lightfoot & Wolfville
The Nose: Crisp and aromatic.
The Palate: Citrusy and bright with hints of apple blossom and a refreshing saline finish.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Geisenheim-318, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay
*Lightfoot & Wolfville’s Tidal Bay is certified organic.
Luckett Vineyards
The Nose: Superbly fresh with an electric pear aroma.
The Palate: Lemon zest and grapefruit.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Vidal and Traminette
Planters Ridge
The Nose: Aromas of baked pear, lychee and citrus.
The Palate: Orange blossom and fancy apple with a mouthwatering finish.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, NY Muscat, and Seyval.
Saint-Famille Wines
The Nose: A tropical bouquet of passion fruit, apricots, light floral notes and honey.
The Palate: Tart white peach and a strong, crisp minerality.
Grape Blend: Giesenheim-318, L’Acadie Blanc, Riesling, Seyval, Seigfried, and Muscat
The following wineries have also crafted a 2018 Tidal Bay:
Mercator
The Nose: Focused and vibrant with distinct citrus notes of fresh lemon and grapefruit rind.
The Palate: Crisp and refreshing with a backbone of minerality & a hint of sweetness.
Grape Blend: Vidal Blanc, L’Acadie Blanc, and Petite Milo
Eileanan Breagha Vineyards
The Nose: Neutral but fresh, with slight hints of fruit.
The Palate: Clean and well balanced with a lingering fullness and a touch of pear or apple.
Grape Blend: L’Acadie Blanc, Cayuga, St. Pepin, Seigerrebe and New York Muscat.
*This is the first year that Eileanan Breagha Vineyards has released a Tidal Bay.
For more information on Tidal Bay and other provincially made wines, head to Wines of Nova Scotia
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