Here are six Canadian wines to drink instead of U.S. labels

Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked premiers to restock American alcohol products while a new trade deal is negotiated. But that doesn’t mean U.S. booze will be getting the red carpet treatment here. When Jack Daniel’s, J. Lohr and other popular brands are made available to consumers across the country again, they will never be as competitive as they were before Mr. Trump was sworn in for his second term.

Carney asks premiers to restock U.S. alcohol, end procurement bans as tariff talks continue

Over the past 17 months, Canadian drinkers have realized their value. The lack of sales here has significantly contributed to the decline in fortunes of California wine, Tennessee whiskey and regional specialties. Allowing those bottles to gather dust on the shelves will have a similar impact.

Many have expanded their taste by being forced offerings other than their tried-and-true labels. Shiraz from Australia, malbec from Argentina or red wines from Niagara or the Okanagan might have become their new favourite house wine.

If U.S. booze returns, will Canadians buy it or ‘let it rot’?

A survey conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights reports that 56 per cent of Canadians who previously purchased U.S. alcohol would boycott if it became available again. A further 19 per cent would limit their purchases, while only 16 per cent said they would return to familiar ways. The rest said they were unsure.

Last summer, some readers were still on the hunt for alternatives to their favourite American brands. They were looking for rich and rewarding chardonnays and plush and plummy cabernets. Today, requests for one-to-one replacements are rare. Instead, they are more likely to ask what is good, what is new, and what is exciting. Here are six Canadian wines that fit that bill.

G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir 2024 (Canada), $19.95

Rating: 89

G. Marquis Vineyards is one of the many brands produced by Magnotta, which grows grapes across 180 acres of vineyards in Niagara. This inexpensive pinot noir conveys earthy and spicy aromas with a sweet core of red fruit as part of its smooth and easy character. While the sweeter character is more commercial than complex, there’s solid pinot noir character on display here, which isn’t often the case at this price point. This has 12.5 per cent ABV and 9 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

Grand Pré Estate Winery Chardonnay 2024 (Canada), $24.39

Rating: 90

This unoaked chardonnay from vineyards in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is made in a satisfying pure and fruity style. The aroma suggests abundant ripe apple and pear notes, while the palate balances those sweet fruit notes with a focused, linear structure that’s more serious than the aroma suggests. This is a stylish white wine with intensity and drive that’s easy to appreciate. This has 12 per cent ABV and 0g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price direct, grandprewines.com, $28 in Nova Scotia (Bishop’s Cellar).

Inniskillin Montague Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (Canada), $28.99

Rating: 90

Established in 1979, Inniskillin’s Montague Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake has long been a source of distinctive chardonnay and pinot noir. The current release shows a riper style that’s more opulent than the barrel-fermented chardonnays coming out of vineyards in Beamsville, Vineland or Jordan. Time in bottle has allowed this compelling white wine to shine, thanks to its compelling honeyed lemon and oak spice aromas. The flavours are a harmonious blend fleshy orchard fruit and warm spice that carry through to a long, persistent finish. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price at Wine Rack locations in Ontario, $28.99 direct, winerack.com, $29.19 direct, greatestatesniagara.com, $34.99 in Prince Edward Island.

A Canadian-made replacement for bourbon, and two other flavourful spirits for late summer entertaining

Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2023 (Canada), $26.56

Rating: 91

Arterra’s shared ownership of Le Clos Jordanne, a specialist pinot noir producer in Niagara, means the Jackson-Triggs winemaking team has access to grapes from the prime vineyards in Jordan. This complex and savoury pinot is a blend of grapes from the Talon Ridge and Le Clos Jordanne vineyards, which were aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. The resulting wine is appealingly savoury and complex with an earthy and floral fragrance. The leaner style offers attractive focus, balance and length as part of its serious character. This has 12.7 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price direct, jacksontriggswinery.com, $24.99 at Wine Rack locations in Ontario and winerack.com.

Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (Canada), $27.95

Rating: 92

Mission Hill enjoyed its first international success in 1992 when it was named the best chardonnay at the United Kingdom’s International Wine & Spirit Competition. The winemaking program has evolved significantly since then, and chardonnay continues to be one of the Okanagan’s most exciting grape varieties. The Reserve Chardonnay label is always one to watch, with the 2023 vintage offering a more distinctive and satisfying style than usual. The ripe and round character is enhanced by an appealing core of bright and fleshy fruit flavours that linger. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, $26.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $29.99 in Manitoba, $36.32 in Newfoundland.

Tinhorn Creek Reserve Merlot 2022 (Canada), $26.99

Rating: 91

Since the release of its first Reserve Merlot from the 2001 vintage, Tinhorn Creek has enjoyed success with this complex and concentrated red wine. The 2022 release serves up complexity on the nose and a generous character on the palate. The texture is rounded and complete, with persistent ripe fruit and cola flavours. Its rich and mellow character makes for a red to savour. This has 14.7 per cent ABV and 0.3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $39.99 in Manitoba.