Every year around mid-November, everyone starts asking the same question: where can you find a good panettone in Canada? At Viva panettone, we've been making them by hand in Montreal for 5 years. Here's what you need to know to choose yours.
What is panettone?
Panettone is a Christmas brioche from Milan. The classic version is tall and filled with raisins and candied citrus, but today it comes in many flavours. In Italy, it's shared throughout the holiday season, often at Christmas, with a coffee.
Ordinary panettone or World Cup–worthy panettone?
In 2021 and 2024, we had the chance to take part in the Panettone World Cup (Coppa del Mondo del Panettone), alongside some thirty of the best artisans in the world. What we've learned: the difference comes down to three things.
The starter. A great panettone rises with a natural sourdough starter that's fed every day, the lievito madre. It's what gives panettone its flavour, its lightness and a long shelf life without preservatives.
Quality ingredients. Real butter, fresh eggs, vanilla, house-made candied citrus...
Patience. Between kneading and rising, it takes more than 72 hours to complete a panettone. You can't rush the starter. That time is what creates a soft, stringy crumb that pulls apart in long strands when you tear it.
Local panettone or imported from Italy?
Most panettones sold in Canadian grocery stores come from Italy. Some are very good, but to be on the shelves in December, they were often made weeks or even months earlier. A panettone made in Montreal comes out of the oven shortly before you eat it. It's fresher, more fragrant, and it supports local artisans.
Our artisanal panettones, made in Montreal
At Viva panettone, everything is made by hand in our workshop in Saint-Léonard. Each panettone takes about 72 hours to be ready. This year, we're offering:
Flavour | Description | Size |
|---|---|---|
Candied citrus, raisins and exceptional vanillas Winner of the North American finals of the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone in 2021 and competitor in 2024 | 200g, 500g, 750g, 1Kg | |
Double chocolate from Bassan chocolate makers | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Melted chunks of maple sugar | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
House-made candied apples and Quebec maple | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Candied apples, Dulcey blond chocolate and spices | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Haskap berries, sour cherries, blackberries and sweet clover | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Coffee cremino made with Brûlerie Faro coffee and Bassan milk chocolate | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
House-made pistachio cremino | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Dark chocolate and raspberry chocolate | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Candied pears and dark chocolate | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
House-made candied lemons | 200g, 500g, 1Kg | |
Raspberry chocolate, pistachio cremino and white chocolate Celebration panettone for Viva panettone's 5th anniversary | 750g |
An easy Christmas gift idea
A panettone pleases just about everyone: your mother-in-law, your coworkers, the host of your Christmas dinner. It comes in one of our beautiful, colourful boxes, ready to give. For businesses, we also take corporate orders, even in small quantities. Write to us at info@vivapanettone.com and our team will help you create the perfect Christmas for your business.
Where to buy our panettones in Montreal and Quebec
In December, they go fast. Don't wait until the last minute!
Location | Address |
|---|---|
Viva panettone workshop | 8248 Rue du Creusot, Saint-Léonard, QC H1P 2A4 |
Viva panettone x La Biscuiterie de Montréal pop-up shop | 6464 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3C4 |
Viva panettone shop | 5333 Av. Casgrain #1, Montréal, QC H2T 1X3 |
Not in Montreal? We ship everywhere in Canada. You can order online at vivapanettone.com.
Frequently asked questions about panettone
What is the best panettone in Canada? It's a matter of taste! Look for an artisanal panettone made with a natural sourdough starter, made close to home and as fresh as possible. In Montreal, we invite you to try ours at Viva panettone, presented twice at the Panettone World Cup.
Where can I buy an artisanal panettone in Montreal? At our Viva panettone shops, at our workshop, or at one of our partners.
How long does an artisanal panettone keep? 120 days from its production date, in its sealed packaging, at room temperature.
How should I store an artisanal panettone?
At room temperature, in its original packaging.
Conclusion
A good panettone is above all about time and good ingredients. If you're looking for an artisanal panettone in Canada this year, visit us in store or order on our website. Happy Holidays!