Anthony Carone: Pioneer of Quebec Pinot Noir

There is a lot of buzz about wineries in Quebec. Professionals and consumers alike have been recently pondering whether or not this is a place that can make good wine, or if terroir can even exist here?  These are not new debates, and it is worth mentioning that in any wine region, new or old, we are always learning, evolving, and experimenting.

To get a better understanding of wine in Quebec, the best person to paint a clear picture is someone who has been in the wine industry for the past 20 plus years, and who has a keen and clear vision of where they want their wines to go.  A pioneer, who has taken the all of the risk to plant European wine grapes in one of the most exciting regions of Quebec- that person is  Anthony Carone from the Lanaudière region of Quebec.

In 1990, Anthony left his desk job to undertake the risky initiative of making wine in Lanoraie, just northeast of Montreal.  To say he is experienced is an understatement. He was the very first to plant Pinot noir, one of the most difficult and finickiest wine grapes to grow in the 1990’s.  Since then, he has been experimenting with the different expressions of Pinot Noir, and one of his first cuvees was launching the VENICE brand; an elegant and structured Pinot Noir with some oak aging.  After gaining numerous awards and high scores from top wine critics, he launched the VERITÀ label; a fresh and pure expression of Pinot Noir, aged 100% in stainless steel. 

An opinionated person, you cannot help but be drawn to his honesty and his passion for wine making.  Stepping out of his comfort zone, he most recently launched  a 100% Pinot Noir called Apex -  a natural wine with minimal intervention and made following his family's traditional process.  This special parcel of Pinot Noir grapes had no chemicals added during the growing season and wine making process. Anthony is constantly pushing the limits and his love for Pinot Noir grown in Quebec and his vineyard boasts approximately one third planted with Pinot Noir grapes and the following trio of wines are estate grown on his Lanoraie vineyard.  

All three wines are an incredible example of the different expressions of Pinot Noir grown on Quebec soil.  At the moment, there is a rare opportunity whereby all three styles of Pinot Noir available at the same time.  These wines are available exclusively at fine grocers and online at www.bonjourcarone.com. 

Venice Pinot Noir 2015  $35

Coming from sandy loam soils, this Pinot Noir was aged 8 months in oak barrels, 75% in used American and 25% in New French oak.  Very fresh in style, there is an added complex notes of cloves, cedar, tobacco and earth.  There is a harmonious balance of acidity and fruit intensity with supple tannins that add just the right amount of texture.  An incredibly structured wine, with elegant style and a long, soft finish.  Drink now or in the next 5-6 years.

Verità Pinot Noir 2015  $28

Coming from sandy loam soils, this is a very fruit forward style of Pinot Noir.  Delicate and delicious notes of cherries, blackberries and dried cranberries on the palate with added spice and cloves.  The acidity is spot on, very refreshing with finely integrated tannins and soft mouthfeel.  The finish is fruity and fresh.  It is a very approachable and thirst quenching wine.  Drink now or in the next 2-3 years. 

Apex Vin Nature Pinot Noir 2017 $22

Made with indigenous yeasts, fermented on skins (70% stems)  for 12 days with manual punchdowns throughout,  no enzymes, gravity filtration, nothing added – nothing removed.  Aged in stainless steel tanks, this is the very first vintage of Apex and it is outstanding.  This is if very fruit forward, with finesse and freshness.  Crunchy, bright red fruit like strawberries, cherries, and red currant. Spice and earth framed by an incredible acidity and raspy tannins.  APEX is extremely well balanced and incredibly easy to drink.  Finish is all about the delicious and bright fruit.  Drink now.