Published: Saturday, August 19, 2017
As colourful and vivid as the artwork on its label, Gaspereau Vineyards Gina’s Red is a cleverly crafted red wine that demonstrates how winemaking truly is an art form. There are myriad flavours expressed in the nose and palate, including blueberry, dark plum, and mild baking spices, as well as subtle anise notes in the background. Winemaker Gina Haverstock makes the vineyard her canvas year after year by creating exciting blends from the varietals at hand.
Taking a silver medal in the National Wine Awards of Canada, this wine is a blend of four local varietals: Marechal Foch, Marquette, Triomphe D’Alsace and Lucie Kuhlmann. Although the components do spend time in oak, the decision to use Hungarian oak (over the other options of American or French) gives the wine a gorgeous vanilla hint while adding body and a broad texture. Don’t get me wrong, there is still good fruit presence in this wine, but the varietals used naturally add a bright acidity, and the oak gives it more depth, creating a complex red wine.
After tasting many red wines from across Nova Scotia, Gina’s Red is one of the more ‘Old World’ style wines I have tried. This is shown in its moderate alcohol content and its balance of fruit and terroir flavours. Its subtle use of oak speaks to harmony and grace as opposed to being loud and unidirectional. It reminds me a little bit of Italian wine, making me think of pairing it with tomato-based pasta dishes and classic Italian pizza.
If you are hosting a solar eclipse party this weekend or on Monday when this celestial event actually occurs, pair Gina’s Red with solar eclipse mini pizzas featuring tomato and basil. Whether you are able to view the eclipse or not, with this fresh combination you’ll see the light! … Cheers!