CIDERS AND WINES, NADIA FOURNIER’S PERSONAL FAVOURITES TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER!

Now that the sun is spreading its rays onto our terraces, making us want to bask in their warmth as we enjoy a cool glass, it is the perfect time to ask Nadia Fournier, a well-appreciated wine expert, which wines and ciders are her pick for this season.

Nadia has known Brome-Missisquoi for several years now and is a full-time  resident since 2013. Wine columnist, reviewer and consultant, she is also the sole author of Le Guide du Vin Phaneuf since 2011, following the mentorship of the renowned Guy Phaneuf, an emblematic icon, not only in the wine sector, but with the population in general. In great part, thanks to him, we can all say we are somewhat connoisseurs!

“Over the past few years, Brome-Missisquoi has developed quite a lot,” says Nadia,” Not only from a wine-growing point of view, but in general as well. We find more and better restaurants, beautiful boutiques, interesting activities, etc. A very rich ecosystem has established itself here.”

In fact, this specialist contributes in many ways to this ecosystem, notably by signing the wine list for LUMAMI, cuisine nature at BALNEA spa and réserve thermale, in Bromont.  “I try to integrate local products and find the best wine pairings for the menu.”

Products She Truly Loves

It is with a true passion that Nadia talks about our local wines and ciders. In her view, they all merit our attention. At least all the ones she knows! Because, of course, she hasn’t tasted all of Brome-Missisquoi’s offer, yet. Nevertheless, she, for sure, has noted a definite evolution in our region; “Over all, the know-how of wine and cider makers is now well-established and their products have become more specific and consistent.” According to her, Léon Courville, Vigneron has progressed enormously during the last few years. “Their Cuvée Charlotte and Cuvée Julien are truly top grade,” she states. L’Orpailleur Vineyard has also presented a lot of consistency in its production by proposing year after year, great quality products. “Their Vidal dry is more and more specific as well as their effervescent wines, their roses and their whites … simply, all good.”

Just outside of Farnham, Les Pervenches vineyard has also attracted the attention of this specialist. “During the past couple of years, their wines have reached a remarkable level of quality. They are organic and all very good.” Moreover, the friendly owners demonstrate true craftsmanship in their work.”  The St-Pépin, developed by Château de Cartes, a wine and cider producer of Dunham, has caught Nadia’s attention as well. Let us not forget to mention Le Clos Saragnat in Frelighburg; “their ciders are impeccable, especially their ice cider and their bitter cider. By using heritage apple varieties, they have given an added value to their products. Plus, their production is entirely organic.”

A little reminder: Christian Barthomeuf was the first to make ice cider in Quebec, in the early ’90s.

Although, in our region, our wines are younger than our ciders, Nadia believes, “it is therefore even more commendable to see the high-quality level, these products have attained. I truly think the best is yet to come”

Have a great summer!