Aspler award tops vintage career
for winemaker Bosc
By PETER DOWNS
Niagara Falls Review
Saturday, March 6, 2004
When he immigrated to Montreal from France about 40 years ago, Paul Michel Bosc figured there was no way Canada’s climate would allow him to carry on his family’s long tradition of winemaking. He thought the closest he would get to wine production was the job he landed at Quebec’s liquor control board. But as he drained poor-quality Niagara wine into a tank to be refiltered, he thought he might be able to help the company do a better job. He called the winery — the former Chateau-Gai — and told them about the five generations of experience his family had making wine in France and Algeria. A week later, Bosc was hired, beginning a 15-year association with the winery as its chief winemaker and director of research. It also marked the beginning of Bosc’s influence helping to boost the quality and reputation of Ontario’s wine industry.
Bosc, who went on to found Chateau des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1978, was honoured Friday night by his peers with the Tony Aspler Award of Excellence at the Cuvee 2004 wine awards. The award recognizes an individual or institution for furthering "aims and aspirations" of the province’s wine industry. "I am somewhat overwhelmed by this award," Bosc, 68, said after being presented the award during a ceremony at White Oaks Conference Resort. "I am very proud. All of this would not be possible without my family and our staff."
Chateau des Charmes is credited with running the first commercial vineyard planted solely with high-quality vinifera grapes, which have become the staple of Niagara’s wine production. Bosc remains active at the winery as its president, but his sons Pierre Jean and Paul Andre run the day-to-day operations. "This award means you get recognized and hard work pays," said Bosc.
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