Crafted in a traditional Tawny Port style, but rooted firmly in Nova Scotia’s terroir, this fortified wine is made from estate-grown Frontenac Noir grapes, a resilient cold-hardy hybrid known for its deep colour, vibrant acidity, and rich fruit character, providing a robust foundation for extended aging. Fermentation was halted mid-way through by the addition of a high-proof neutral grape spirit, distilled locally in small batches from our own base wines, allowing us to preserve the natural sweetness of the fruit while fortifying the wine to a stable 18% alcohol.

This wine is aged in old (neutral) oak barrels using a solera-style system, a traditional fractional blending and aging method that builds complexity over time. The oldest content for this wine goes back to 2013, and each addition every few years adds new layers of character, while maintaining continuity across vintages.

The result is a wine with an average age of 10 years, offering remarkable depth and nuance. This inaugural release marks the culmination of over a decade of patient aging and experimentation. Bottled in limited quantities, this is a rare and expressive example of what’s possible for long-aged, cool-climate fortified wines in Nova Scotia.

Technical Details

Varietal Composition

100% Frontenac Noir (Lightfoot Home Farm, Wolfville)

Alcohol

18%

pH

 3.32

Total Acidity

9.72 g/L

Residual Sweetness

78 g/L

Tasting Notes

Rich and amber-hued in the glass, the wine reveals layers of dried fig, toasted walnut, caramelized sugar and baking spice, with a hint of citrus peel. The inherent acidity of the Frontenac grape keeps the palate lifted and the finish long and elegant.

Ideal pairings include aged cheeses such as clothbound cheddar or gouda, spiced or toasted nuts, desserts such as pecan pie, sticky toffee pudding or dark chocolate mousse.

Service Temperature: 12-16°C

Recommended Drinking: Drink now, or hold up to 10 years.