What a bountyful harvest!
After a gorgeous an exceptional season, it is time to harvest the fruit to make different wines and liqueurs. But why not try the Hydromel, a honey-based wine?
From the Upper Laurentians area, La Maison Desrochers offers "La Cuvéee du Diable" (10291008, $16.10, 375ml). Golden yellow in colour and sweet, this wine is made using traditional methods. Aged for three years in oak barrels, it boasts a intense nose exuding pear and floral aromas. On the palate, its refreshing acidity and unctuous texture precede a long finish. It is perfect as an aperitif and goes quite well with cheese and light chocolate pastries.
If you're looking for something a tad stronger, "Médiéval Réserve" (11259296, $25.05, 750ml) is a honey wine made by Intermiel, in Mirabel. A gold medal recipient at the Mazer Cup International Mead Festival held in March 2010, this wine is amber in colour and sweet. It boasts an intense nose exuding woody, empyreumatic, spicy and fruity aromas. With its taste similar to a porto, it goes very well with cheese and desserts.
From Rougemont-based Le Vignoble DeLavoie comes "Rouge Mont Rouge, Cuvée spéciale"(741173, $14.65, 750ml). After six months spent in oak barrels, this red wine is purplish red in colour and dry. It boasts a medium nose exuding woody and fruity aromas. On the palate, its lively acidity and slender texture precede a short finish. For under $15.00, this surprising wine will be the perfect complement for game meat and cold cuts.
Bon appétit!
