Benjamin Bridge: The Nova Scotia Winery That Crossed the Country (Video)

What a terrific chat with Jean Benoit Deslauriers, Head Winemaker at Benjamin Bridge!

Click on the arrow above to watch the video.

Listen to Jean’s stories about Nova Scotia wines.

Discover more juicy tips that will make you wine smart.

Cheers,

Natalie

P.S. Join us next Sunday, September 17, at 6 pm eastern right here with Laura Catena, a fourth generation Argentine vintner, physician and author..

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Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and find out who’s coming up next.

Click on the arrow above to hear Caroline’s stories from the colourful winemaking history of the Torres family.

Watch previous episodes of the Sunday Sipper Club (SSC) and find out who’s coming up next.

If you’d like to read the comments for this tasting, or make a comment yourself, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/natdecants/videos/10155419125424845/

Here’s a sampling of our lively discussion from our tasting…

Brenda Van VlietYes, given to us by good friends who live in NS. Toasted my retirement with it! They also took us as guests to a BB summer evening event. Excellent.

J Laurie Demmings56:42 Where do I join that Club?

Elaine Bruce57:11 Fascinating info- thank you

J Laurie Demmings57:33 Wonderful session BB

Rachelle O’Connor44:11 Hi Jean-Benoit! With all of your great talent and knowledge, where do you see the future for wineries in Nova Scotia? It is certainly an exciting time!

Lise Charest Gagne46:36 Jean Benoit if you were not doing this what do you think you would be doing? What other hobbies or interests do you have?

Lise Charest Gagne55:13 The Nova 7 although has impressive acidity it doesn’t come off as acidic because of the other characteristics

Yo’av Kaplun0:00 Yes!!! I have had their Moscato. Which is drier than most Italian iterations of that varietal. Yet it’s excellent and worthy of its premium price sticker.

Pam Hatton7:10 Having been to GR’s Restaurant and knowing the exacting standards, this is quite the coup! I served BB NV and Rose to French guests this summer while in NS (and squirrelled some away for later)! They loved it as much as we do. So proud to see your success!

Dave Head42:48 Paul, Garagiste is a online seller, they bring in small artisinal stuff.

Beverly Asleson51:32 Which of your white wines has less acidity?

Ruth Blakely57:57 We can buy BB in Edmonton now! Congrats on your success

Ruth Blakely49:42 What challenges are you facing selling fine wines from a lesser known region?

Ruth Blakely1:24 Hey Nat, I’ve had Benjamin Bridge at Color de Vino, an small wine shop in Edmonton

Lise Charest Gagne23:34 I have this area on my must visit list in the near future

Lise Charest Gagne59:08 Thank you il be looking into the BB club sante!

Dave Head39:06 JB, Garagiste is a good state side wine merchant

Lise Charest Gagne33:47 Dear God I love Nova 7! I’ve tanked a few bottles in my hottub in a toque!

Lise Charest Gagne27:14 What is the price point on this one?

Lise Charest Gagne21:21 I wish the LCBO carried more BB I like to stock up on the bubbly for hottub season

J Laurie Demmings50:47 I had BB Tidal Bay last night with Lobster Pasta Dish Delish

J Laurie Demmings41:16 Nova 7 has 2 spots in my Wine Rack ..The Gentle Sparkle is versatile & perfect for Guests & Dinner

Malcolm Lamont1:11 Toured Benjamin Bridge in 2016. Phenomenal wines:)

Brenda Van Vliet0:00 Yes, given to us by good friends who live in NS. They also took us as guests to a BB summer evening event!

Yo’av Kaplun0:00 Should have mentioned in Ontario as the LCBO stocks it in very limited quantities from time to time. As we speak there are only three bottles in stock of Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 (Vintages #256289)

Ruth Blakely27:35 Love that style of sparkler

Dave Head21:40 Lise you can order direct

Lise Charest Gagne38:28 Riesling dry or sweet

Lise Charest Gagne17:08 Yes love BB

J Laurie Demmings42:45 Love Love

❤️Nova 7 Crisp taste

Jean-Benoit Deslauriers,

Head Winemaker at Benjamin Bridge

In 2008, Jean-Benoit joined the Benjamin Bridge winemaking team in time to release his first Canadian wine, Nova 7 by Benjamin Bridge. Since then he has crafted all of the winery’s classic method sparkling wines and its still wines, in consultation with Peter Gamble (the winery’s lead consultant) and the late Raphaël Brisbois (its sparkling wine specialist and former chef de cave of Piper-Heidseick).

Originally from Québec, Jean-Benoit began his winemaking apprenticeship at VOE (Vinedos Organicos Emiliana), a biodynamic vineyard/winery in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, which was created by one of Chile’s largest producers, Vina Santa Emilina, to produce exceptional wines.

Having mostly worked in California, he made wine at Casa Barranca (2004-2008), the first certified organic winery in Santa Barbara County. In California, his winemaking efforts garnered accolades and standout reviews from Robert Parker and Steven Tanzer (90+). Since 2008, Jean-Benoit’s winemaking has elevated Benjamin Bridge’s wine programs to new heights with consistent 90-95+ scores and unanimous high praise from the nation’s leading wine critics along with growing international recognition.

In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time proven techniques, expert guidance, and most importantly its acclaimed, distinctive wines.

The Benjamin Bridge vineyards are located in the heart of the Gaspereau Valley on the Bay of Fundy, where the cool climate bears an uncanny affinity with the Champagne region of France. Our experienced winemakers work in collaboration with international experts to produce world-class Méthode Classique sparkling wines and limited edition luxury wines.

Our innovative sparkling wines display the hallmarks of classic prestige cuvées from Champagne, but with a Nova Scotia signature. “They are, without question, the best sparkling wines I have tasted in Canada,” says Tony Aspler, Canada’s most renowned wine authority.

Our collection of hand crafted fine wines, including perennial sell-out Nova 7, together with our sparkling wine program, have helped raise the profile of Nova Scotia terroir and its winemaking in Canada and internationally.