Domaine de la Source à Marguerite
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Domaine de la Source à Marguerite located on Île d'Orléans across from Quebec City produces wines with SAQ certification. The winery produces wines with many fruits and different grape varieties. The owners believe that the wines produced here reflect their personality and reflect the island.
Diane Dion and Conrad Brillant are the proud owners of Domaine de la Source à Marguerite. The name of the winery dates back to the 1600s when a group of nuns ran out of water. Mother Marguerite Bourgeois “made a spring appear.” The spring is known to never have been dry. The couple purchased the land with the orchards in 2001.
Vineyard and Orchard
Diane and Conrad planted the vineyards that today have 8,000 grapevines. The property includes 4,000 apple trees and 250 pear trees. Apple varieties include Jersey Mac, McIntosh and Spartan. Grape varieties include: Frontenac Gris, Mitchurinetz, Léon Millot, New York Muscat, De Chaunac, Baco Noir, Louise Swenson, Swenson White and Aurore.
Diane took us on a car tour of the vineyards and orchards. The vineyards are planted on gently sloping land that descends toward the St. Lawrence River. The property takes many hours, days, weeks and months of work. Family and friends are invited to help with the harvest.
The narrow property extends from the beautiful St. Lawrence across the main island road and reaches towards the middle of the island. The winery building is a renovated barn located closer to the St. Lawrence River. The orchards are located further away from the river.
Tasting Room/Boutique
Domaine de la Source à Marguerite’s tasting room is located on Chemin Royal, a road that circles the island. This is a great location for the winery market place. The boutique is easy to locate with a red rooftop and bright red flower boxes lining the covered entrance. It reminds one of a farmer's fruit stand. It is open year round. Visitors can also enjoy pick your own apple opportunities in September and October. During the winter, there are activities including snowshoe and cross-country skying throughout the vineyard and orchards.
The tasting room offers a warm personality with a wood stove and an array of products to browse including Savons. Near the entrance two tables with chairs offer a little seating where one can enjoy spending a little time; or bring a picnic basket and enjoy relaxing on the grounds. Views from the tasting room include the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains in the distance.
Wines
Domaine de la Source à Marguerite wines have SAQ certification. Le Poire de l’ile 2011 was a light yellow pear wine. Pear notes were throughout the wine. The finish was dry. Cuvée du Domaine 2010 was a blend of Marquette and Marechal Foch. The ruby wine offered an aroma and taste of black fruit, leather and spice. Frontenac Red Bouquet d’automne was a light red. The wine was fruity with notes of red fruit including cherry and strawberries The taste was slightly sweet and fruity. The dry finish lingered. Pairing suggestions included chicken, paté or salad. The wine may be used as an aperitif.
Icewine Brises d’hiver 2011 was named for (Winter Breeze.) This wine was made with Frontenac Gris. The color was dark gold and amber. The aroma and taste included dried fruit and citrus. The taste was smooth with a crispy finish. La Cuvée des Ti-Coq 2011, an Ice Cider, was a double gold winner and was a gold color. The aroma was of apple and the taste was sweet with honey and honeysuckle. The finish lingered with apple nuances.
When visiting Domaine de la source à Marguerite plan to use the available picnic tables for a picnic lunch.
Domaine de la source à Marguerite
3788 Chemin Royal
Ste-Famille, Quebec G0A 3P0
Article written June 2013
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