Similarly to the rest of us, Terry Pomerantz’s curiosity about wines also leads him to take an interest in the best wines in Quebec.
“I hear so much talk about Quebec wines that I had to try some out for myself! I know little about Quebec wines, so I rely heavily upon experts’ opinions and wine lovers’ recommendations on the SAQ website”.
Best Quebec White Wines
We owe Quebec whites’ excellent reputation to white wines like those from the Orpailleur, in Dunham. Amongst other excellent Quebec white wines, there are:
Chardonneret from the Pinard et Filles vineyard
This blend of Chardonnay (85 %) and Savagnin (15 %) is one of the best Quebec whites. Bottled without fining or filtration and without sulfur, this natural white wine is quite mature.
Sold exclusively in select restaurants and grocery stores.
Clos de France from the Mas des Patriotes vineyard
This organic white wine is made from 100 % Chardonnay. This white wine is dry, light and delicate, with notes of lemon and white fruits.
It pairs perfectly with fresh trout, or with shrimp and avocado appetizers.
SAQ Code: 14 803 517
Price Range: $ 25 to $ 30
The Natashquan from the L’Orpailleur vineyard
Among the best white wines from Quebec, the Natashquan is a blend of Vidal (60 %) and Chardonnay (40 %). This white wine from the L’Orpailleur vineyard is full-bodied and rich, with distinct flavors of grilled oak, almonds, pears and apples.
SAQ Code: 14 563 681
Price Range: $ 30 to $ 35
The Gentil, a Riesling from the Sainte-Pétronille vineyard
This organic dry white wine is made from Riesling and Pinot Gris.
For sale at the vineyard boutique and select specialty shops.
Price Range: $ 20 to $ 25
The Saint-Pépin from the Les Brome vineyard
This delicate white wine is one of the best Quebec whites. It is made from 100 % St-Pépin grape variety, which releases flavors of honey, vanilla and white flowers.
SAQ Code: 10 919 723
Price Range: $ 25 to $ 30
Best Quebec Red Wines
Quebec red wines have taken a while longer to conquer the hearts –and pallets- of wine aficionados. Amongst favorite red wines from Quebec, and those most appreciated by SAQ customers, let’s mention:
The Chat Botté Rouge Bourbon from the Chat Botté vineyard
Several wine connoisseurs consider the Chat Botté Bourbon to be one of the best Quebec red wines. It is a blend of Marquette (45 %), Frontenac (33 %), Radisson (13 %) and Sabrevois (9 %). It has distinct flavors of wooden undertones, candied cherries, barley sugar and vanilla.
SAQ Code: 14 505 667
Price Range: $ 25 to $ 30
The Cantina Vallée d’Oka from the Rivière du Chêne vineyard
This medium bodied and delicate Pinot noir (100 %) has cherry, undergrowth and tobacco undertones. Cigar aficionados will love it as an aperitif. The Cantina Vallée d’Oka pairs perfectly with duck breast in maple sirup and pork skewers on the BBQ.
SAQ Code: 13 952 941
Price Range: $ 25 to $ 30
The Coteau Rougemont le Grand Coteau
This red wine from Montérégie is made from 80 % Marquette and 20 % Frontenac. Full-bodied and generous, this grape variety blend has acidic notes with black cherry, licorice and violet undertones.
SAQ Code: 12 358 190
Price Range : $ 20 to $ 25
The Halte des Pèlerins from the La Halte de Pèlerin vineyard
This medium bodied blend of Frontenac, Sabrevois and Sainte-Croix has generous flavors. It has delicious spice, berry and tobacco undertones.
SAQ Code: 11 833 770
Price Range: $ 20 to $ 25
The Petits Cailloux from the Petits Cailloux vineyard
Full-bodied and with generous flavors, this red wine from Montérégie is made from Frontenac (40 %), Sainte-Croix (35 %) and Maréchal Foch (25 %). This wine has cocoa, oak and berry undertones.
SAQ Code: 11 679 944
Price Range: $ 15 to $ 20
Best Quebec Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines made in Quebec have absolutely nothing to do with sparkling ciders from the 70s. Wine amateurs have given the following sparkling wines excellent ratings:
The Domaine Saint-Jacques Brut 2018
A powerful sparkling wine made from the traditional methods used in Champagne, releasing flavors of apples and white flowers. This sparkling wine is made from 50 % Chardonnay and 50 % Vidal.
SAQ Code: 14 721 888
Price Range: $ 30 to $ 35
The Bulles de la Côte from the Côte-de-Vaudreuil vineyard
This sparkling white is a blend of Frontenac gris (48 %), Prairie Star (35 %) and Frontenac blanc (17 %). It has subtle flavors and nuances of toasted bread. This wine is the perfect pairing for lobster.
Code SAQ: 14 543 698
Price Range: $ 25 to $ 30
The Domaine de Lavoie in Rougemont
Made from a masterful blend of Vidal (38 %), Eona (33 %), Cayuga (27 %) and Geisenheim (2 %), this sparkling wine from Montérégie is loaded with flavors, with luscious undertones of Granny Smith apples.
SAQ Code: 12 358 237
Price Range: $ 15 to $ 20
Even if Terry Pomerantz is a real amateur of wines from Toscany, Bordeaux and California, he has definitely noticed the progress being made on exceptional wines in Quebec.
“I am convinced that in a few years, just as was previously the case with our artisanal beers, wines from Quebec will find their place on shelves amongst the best wines in America, if not the world!”
An avid wine lover, Terry Pomerantz shares his love of fine bottles, guided by a responsible approach to the art of living. Discover his advice on food and wine pairing, his favorite bottles, and the ideal choices for each season and occasion. Immerse yourself in his passion and learn to fully appreciate each bottle in good company.