It is no secret that Ontario wineries produce world-class sparkling wines. And wineries in Ontario’s youngest viticultural appellation, Prince Edward County, are making some of the best. The County, as the locals call it, has similar growing conditions to that of another famous sparkling wine region: Champagne. Both regions have a cool, marginal climate and rocky limestone soils which together provide the ideal conditions for cultivating Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two most important grape varieties used in making bubbly.

Grange of Prince Edward County Crémant Citrine VQA 2012 not only shares the same grapes as the wines produced in the Champagne region, but it was also made in the same way—using the ‘traditional method’. This means that the second fermentation took place in the bottle (instead of a tank) giving it tinier, softer bubbles. Like Champagne, this wine was also in contact longer with its lees (dead yeast cells leftover from the fermentation process) which imparted the aromas and flavours of toast, nuts, and yeast associated with a quality sparkler.

The primary difference between this well-made Ontario sparkling wine and Champagne is not the taste or quality, but the price. The cheapest Champagnes now available at the LCBO are all over $40. At $35, you won’t want to wait for a special occasion to pop open this bottle. Find it at the Picton LCBO and other select stores throughout the province.