The Grange of Prince Edward, a winery located in Ontario's Prince Edward County, has released the 2023 Lafontaine du Loup Brut — a traditional method sparkling wine that marks a significant milestone as the first vintage produced entirely from fruit grown on the estate's own vineyards.
Winemaker Jonas Newman selected two specific north-facing, shaded blocks for this wine, conditions that naturally preserve acidity and freshness by slowing ripening. The 2023 Lafontaine du Loup Brut blend comprises 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay, both hand-harvested on the same day and co-fermented together. The traditional method sparkling wine exhibits pronounced autolytic characteristics including fresh brioche, toasted almond, preserved lemon, and golden apple, balanced by a distinct mineral line and a creamy mid-palate with fine, persistent bubbles.
Approximately 1,000 bottles of the 2023 Lafontaine du Loup Brut are now available from a total production of 2,460.
Traditional Method Sparkling Wines
The Grange of Prince Edward Debuts 2023 Lafontaine Du Loup Brut
Trend Themes
-
Estate-grown Sparkling — Single-estate fruit creates a clearer provenance story for premium sparkling wines, opening space for traceable luxury bottlings tied to specific vineyard conditions.
-
Cool-climate Winemaking — North-facing shaded blocks and slower ripening highlight how climate-conscious site selection can differentiate wines through natural acidity, freshness, and regional identity.
-
Limited-release Brut — Small production runs strengthen scarcity-driven appeal, giving boutique wineries a platform for direct-to-consumer exclusivity and collector demand.
Industry Implications
-
Wine and Spirits — Premium sparkling programs rooted in traditional methods can reshape regional wine positioning by elevating local producers into higher-value celebratory categories.
-
Agri-tourism — Estate-grown vintage releases add experiential value to vineyard visits, linking tastings, terroir education, and local destination branding.
-
Luxury Retail — Scarce craft beverages with detailed production narratives fit emerging premium retail models centered on authenticity, provenance, and limited availability.