Did you know that among our community of working artisans, some have a very special commitment? In fact, some of them have had their products certified by reserved designations. But what does it eat in winter, and why is it important? Let's find out.
First of all, what is a reserved designation?
You probably know that a company can protect a logo or slogan that differentiates it in the marketplace with a trademark. In a somewhat similar way, the Quebec government has created a tool, the appellation réservée, which it can use to protect distinctive Quebec agri-food products.
Exceptional local products, such as ice cider or Quebec wines, can be protected by a reserved appellation. These products are sometimes protected because of their link with a particular terroir, or because of a particular characteristic. As a result, only producers who comply with specifications and obtain certification may use these designations. For example, you can't sell organic carrots if they haven't been certified!
To date, eight reserved designations are recognized in Quebec:
- Le Biologique
- Charlevoix Lamb
- Sweet corn from Neuville
- Canadian cow's milk cheese
- Quebec Icewine
- Quebec Ice Cider
- Quebec Wine and
- Farmhouse Cheese
We invite you to meet 5 passionate artisans committed to producing products with reserved appellations.
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01
Vignoble de l’Orpailleur
Visit websiteIn operation since the early 1980s, Vignoble de l'Orpailleur in Dunham is co-owned by Charles-Henri Des Coussergues, a true pioneer of the Quebec wine industry. The winemaker has been at the heart of many major projects for Quebec wine production, including the founding of the Association des vignerons du Québec (renamed the Conseil des Vins du Québec in 2018). He was also instrumental in the creation of reserved appellations for Vin du Québec and Vin de glace du Québec. These Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs) now protect over 200 bottles made by some thirty winemakers. With their strict specifications, these PGIs assure consumers that the product is made from 100% Quebec grapes.
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02
Laiterie Charlevoix
Visit websiteFounded in 1948, Laiterie Charlevoix is a family business specializing in the production of fine cheeses. Among these products, the Labbé family manufactures two Canadian cow cheeses which are protected by a reserved appellation: 1608 de Charlevoix and Hercule de Charlevoix. Canadian cow cheeses are protected by an appellation since they are made from the milk of the oldest dairy cow in America (she arrived in 1608 on Samuel de Champlain's boat!). Today, the Canadian cow is on the verge of extinction, but the name contributes to the survival of the breed by promoting its milk.
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03
Fromagerie Pied-de-Vent
Visit websiteFounded in 1948, Laiterie Charlevoix is a family business specializing in the production of fine cheeses. Among these products, the Labbé family makes two Canadienne cow cheeses that are protected by a reserved appellation: 1608 de Charlevoix and Hercule de Charlevoix. Canadienne cow cheeses are protected by an appellation because they are made from the milk of America's oldest dairy cow (it arrived in 1608 on Samuel de Champlain's ship!). Today, the Canadienne cow is on the brink of extinction, but the appellation contributes to the breed's survival by promoting its milk.
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04
Ferme Langlois (Chez Médé)
Visit website355 years of history and 12 generations of farmers: that's the legacy we see when we visit Ferme Langlois de Neuville. In fact, the Langlois family is one of a proud group of local producers who helped create a protected geographical indication to protect the mythical sweet corn of Neuville. Ferme Langlois also stands out for its processing and canning expertise, which is part of the family heritage.
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05
Distillerie Grand Dérangement
Visit websiteDistillerie Grand Dérangement was the first to produce a certified organic Quebec gin. Its founder, Marcel Mailhot, an organic market-gardener, decided to set up the distillery in order to enhance the value of local ingredients, processed with respect for environmentally-friendly know-how.
Stay tuned for more blog posts coming soon...
The Société du Réseau ÉCONOMUSÉE is proud to collaborate with the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants. We're delighted to be working together to support the development of reserved designations and Quebec's culinary identity.
