Jost Vineyards

This is Jost Vineyards’ first sparkling effort. In fact, this is the first Nova Scotian bubbly made from 100 percent local grapes. In this case, those grapes are the regional staple, L’Acadie Blanc, proving yet again the worth of this quality grape in the province. While most Nova Scotia wineries now make their L’Acadie Blanc in a straight forward clean style, there have been oak aged, sur-lie, off-dry, and even icewines made with the obliging L’Acadie. Incidentally, most of these more avant-garde bottlings have appeared under a Jost label - a reflection of Hans Christian Jost’s persistent efforts to explore the margins of this fledgling wine region and the extremes of versatility in the region’s #1 grape. So, being first out of the gate with a fizzy version of L’Acadie should come as no surprise.

The wine, which goes by the name of “Prost” (German for Cheers!), has a pale straw yellow color with green hues and a moderately persistent fine mousse. The nose is highlighted by apple fruitiness and a lightly floral bouquet, reminiscent of Muscat. The wine possesses the great acidity which all good sparklers come with, balanced by just a touch of residual sugar. A delicate effervescence dances across the palate as lemon and apple flavours carry through on a clean and satisfying finish.

The wine has just been released, well timed for the holidays, and one additional reason to celebrate – 2008 will be the first time Nova Scotians will be able to ring in the New Year with a finely made home-grown bubbly!

Reviewed December 20, 2007 by Adam Dial.