35. Canada Flashcards
Describe the climate and geography of Canada’s winemaking regions.
- continental
- average annual temperature is low
- average daytime temperature in July and August is very high
- cold, long winters (Icewine)
- larger lakes provide some warming influence
What is the most important DVA of Ontario? Describe the climate influences.
Niagara Peninsula
The lake cools down and heats up slowly
-extends growing season into autumn to ripen fully
-delays bud burst in the spring helping to minimize frost damage
good air flow, low fungal disease
What is the most popular grape of Ontario? Describe the wines.
Riesling
- fresh
- fruity
- dry and off dry
- finest Icewines
What two grapes are commonly used for Icewine?
Riesling and Vidal
Describe Vidal.
- hardy
- little character in dry wines
- high quality Icewine (not as good as Riesling)
What other grapes are grown in Ontario?
White - Chardonnay: dry, pure fruit, retrained oak
Black - Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
How many DVAs are in British Columbia? What is the most important
5 total
-Okanagan Valley
Describe the geography and climate of Okanagan Valley.
- huge DVA
- lies between two mountain ranges
- low rainfall
- semi-desert environment
- long day lengths (helps ripening)
- large glacial lakes help to moderate temperature and extend the growing season)
What grapes are grown in British Columbia?
Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Icewine (Riesling, Vidal)
What is Canada’s appellation system?
Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
Which 2 provinces use the VQA system?
Ontario, British Columbia
How does the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) work?
- Each province is broken into smaller Designated Viticultural Areas (DVA), with are then divided into regional appellations and then sub-appellations.
- All wines must be 100% grapes grown in province
- All must must be 100% from V. vinifera varieties or using select hybrids.
