Still searching for a point of comparison…
Name: Versant Rouge
Vintage: 2015
Producer: Vignoble et Cidrerie Coteau Rougemont
Region/Country: Québec, Canada
Grape Varietal(s): Frontenac Noir and Marquette (proportions unknown)
Consumed: On a weekend getaway in Montreal
Recommended By: Filled a display case at the SAQ in Montreal.
Cost: $15.20
Bottle Presentation: A clean, distinctive look, with a modern colour palette.
Appearance: Dark purple.
Nose: Blueberry jam and blackcurrant, with bacon, pronounced cedar and earthy notes, as well as a touch of cinnamon.
Taste: Off-dry, low tannins and acidity, light body, with powerful green cedar notes. The flavours evolved into blueberry jam, homemade green tomato ketchup, under-ripe plums, Christmas berries, and blackcurrant leaf.
Finish: Short and sweet cedar/green finish.
Overall Impression: The green character of this wine suggested the grapes could have benefitted from a longer residence on the vine. Saying that, the emerging complexity, once the wine opened, proved interesting, resulting in some unexpected tastes. Still, the varietals, which we’ve never tasted, made it difficult to rate this offering’s quality.
Nevertheless, we applaud the winery’s efforts given the challenging climatic conditions in Quebec, and we hope to see this winery and the Quebec wine industry evolve and perfect its craft. Although we have yet to visit the winery, the pictures of the location are beautiful. We look forward to visiting the winery at some point.
Value: 2.5/5