Vignoble La Mission
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: Vignoble La Mission is located in Southern Quebec in Bringham. Taste wines that are made by a winemaker with a French winegrowing and winemaking background, but distinctly reflect Quebec.
Located in southern Quebec, the first vines at Vignoble La Mission were planted in 1997. Jean-Christophe Hirsch, one of the partners recounted a romantic story behind the name La Mission. A previous owner named the vineyard and winery. According to the story, a Quebec girl married a Mexican boy. They built a house in Quebec that had many artifacts from Mexico. It reminded people of a Mexican mission. Jean-Christophe likes the name. He mentioned that it is the same in three languages. He also likes to refer to it, “as the mission of the winemaker.”
Jean-Christophe is from the Beaujolais region of France. While growing up it was an obligation to work his cousin’s vineyard. As Jean-Christophe grew up, the obligation became pleasurable. The Beaujolais vineyard has been in the family for generations. Jean-Christophe mentioned that he did not want to make Beaujolais style wines in Quebec. He is interested in making wines that reflect the terroir of this region. When asked if his cousin would sell his Quebec wines, Jean-Christophe thought for a moment and then said his cousin would sell his wine, but Jean-Christophe would rather sell them himself.
Vineyards and Boutique
The property sits on 20 hectares, three of which are currently under vine. Varieties planted include Marechal Foch, Vidal Blanc, Geisenheim, Lucie Kuhlman, Seyval Noir, Sabrevois and St. Croix. Plans are in the works to plant Viognier and Pinot Noir. To protect the vinifera grapes, a geotextile material covers the vines during the winter.
Wine travelers can view the vineyards while enjoying a picnic lunch on the grounds. Wine tastings are conducted in the small boutique wine shop.
Jean-Christophe spoke of the challenges of grape growing in Quebec. Grapes may not always mature especially the red grapes. He noted that in Europe, vineyard workers can work in vineyards 12 months a year. In Quebec the workers have to do all the vineyard work in seven months.
The wine boutique is in the lower level of a mission-style house near the vineyard. Cases of wine line the walls and a small tasting counter is the center point of the room. Behind the tasting counter a wall displays the name, “La Mission.” Above the name a painting of grapes was a gift to Jean-Christophe for his 40th birthday. The image of the painting is on the wine bottle labels.
Wines
Jean-Christophe began the wine tasting saying, “We are not shy of white wines.” The 2010 Vin Blanc was crafted from Vidal Blanc grapes. The must had skin contact for 24 hours prior to pressing. The yellow colored wine had a floral aroma with citrus and a hint of pineapple on the taste. The finish was crisp. The 2010 Vin Rosé was made with Sabrevois. It had an orange color and red berry fruit aroma. There were raspberries on the taste. The crisp finish had raspberries yielding to strawberries.
A red wine made with a blend of Marechal Foch and Lucie Kuhlmann was a ruby color. There were dark fruits and a hint of baked bread on the aroma while the taste was of plum and dark fruits. The wine had mild tannins and was fruity. There was a baked bread taste on the finish. Another Marechal Foch and Lucie Kuhlmann blend was the Vin Rouge Fortifié. The wine was fortified with brandy. The aroma and taste were reminiscent of dried fruits. The finish was slightly sweet and crisp. Pair the wine with cheese.
The 2011 Vin de Vendanges Tardives was a late harvest wine made with Vidal grapes. The light yellow colored wine offered tropical fruits and floral notes with a touch of honey. The 2009 Vin de Glace (Icewine) was also made from Vidal grapes. The dark yellow colored wine offered floral and yellow stone fruit on the aroma. The taste had honeysuckle, apricot and tropical fruit notes. The sweet, crisp finish was long and was fruity and floral.
Spend some time at Vignoble La Mission. After tasting the wines take a glass or bottle of your favorite and relax in the picnic area near the vineyards.
Vignoble la Mission
1044, Pierre-Laporte (Rte 241) Brigham
Québec, Canada J2K 4R3
GPS: N45º 14.879’ W72º 42.736’
Article written June 2013
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