Natural-wine hotspots in the Nation’s capital
Several casual-upscale restaurants and wine bars in the heart of Ottawa and Gatineau feature menus that showcase the distinctive qualities of low-intervention natural wines.
While these wines might present a challenge to diners inclined to favour the conventional aromas, flavours and textures of a noble grape, I’ve found that, though they can be described as “wild” or even “funky,” they can also reward and re-fresh the dining-out experience. In doing so, they also have ensconced themselves in the industry, embraced by more than just a core of dedicated sommeliers.
At each of Bar Lupulus, Arlo Wine Bar (in banner photo), Fauna Food + Bar and Soif Bar à vin (above), natural wines characterized as biodynamic, relying on only indigenous-yeast fermentation and with no filtration and minimal additives exhibit what Fauna’s wine director calls an “ethos” of authenticity that foregrounds the grape, the terroir and the winemaker.
For more, visit Vine Routes …
