On the northern shores of Nova Scotia, Jost Vineyards has been making award-winning wines built on a 300-year winemaking heritage. Hans Wilhelm Jost moved his family from the Rhine region of Germany to Nova Scotia in the early 1970s, bringing with his a 300-year family tradition of winemaking. Hans Wilhelm wanted to break with tradition & bought a 700-acre farm, selling beef and hogs, grains, straw and corn.
“No grapes,” recalls Hans Christian Jost, son of the late Hans Wilhelm, recollecting the early days. “My dad was trained as a winemaker but he wanted to farm. My family had been making wine in Germany since 1640, but we moved here to do everything except grow grapes.”
Hans Christian, shares in a recent interview with Canadian Business Journal the turn of events that changed his late father’s mind. In November 1983, Jost Vineyards was officially born when the Josts’ received a license to turn the garage of the family house into a winery, followed by the construction of the operations that summer. True pioneers of the Nova Scotia wine industry and to that end, Canadian wine industry too, Jost has helped put Nova Scotia on the world wine map.
The Savvy Team has had the pleasure to work with Hans Christian & feature his wines at various winemakers dinners we have hosted. We recommend that when your plans take you to Nova Scotia be sure to visit the winery or pick up a bottle of any of their red, white or dessert wine (they make a port too!) at a wine shop or the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).
Jõst Vineyards ‘Eagle Tree’ Muscat 2010
$14.99
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Crafted from New York Muscat grape variety that is grown extensively throughout Nova Scotia, this crisp dry wine combines aromas and flavours of luscious tropical fruit with the tang of grapefruit. There’s a fine balance of bright acidity and juicy fruit, a clean texture and a tasty and lasting finish.
A gold medal winner at the Atlantic Canada Wine Awards.
Suggested Food Pairing: Lobster of course!
Susan has more reviews Nova Scotia wines on NatDecants