C35 - Canada (reviewed) Flashcards
What is the general climate in Canada?
Continental throughout
Although average annual temperatures are low, July and August have very hightemperature extremes moderated large lakes
Winter: Temperatures can drop far below zero for long periods long, freezing winters ideal for Icewine
What are the main DVAs
- Ontario: Three, most important : Niagara Peninsula
- British Columbia - five, most important Okanagan Valley
Discuss Niagara Peninsula climate
On the south-western corner of Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario cools down and heats up more slowly than the surrounding land,
- Delays budburst in spring helps to minimise frost damage
- Extends the growing season in Autumn which allows grapes to ripen fully
- Increases air flow helps to reduce fungal disease
Discuss Niagara Peninsula white varieties
- Most successful variety: Riesling
- Fresh, fruity, dry and off-dry whites
- Vidal: The finest Icewines
- A hardy hybrid with little character as a dry wine but makes good Icewines (though without the acid structure or aromatic complexity of Riesling)
- Chardonnay: Good quality, Dry, Pure fruit and restrained oak
What are the black varieties most commonly grown in Niagara Peninsula?
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Where in Canada is British Columbia?
The west coast
Describe the climate of Okanagan Valley
- In the rain shadow of two mountain ranges which are on either side of the valley so very low annual average rainfall
- Semi-desert environment
- Due to latitude, day length is very long during the growing season and this prolongs the time in which photosynthesis can take place, aiding grape ripening
- Glacial lakes help to moderate temperature, extending the growing season - It enables successful ripening of grapes in the north, and black grapes in the south
What are the most widely planted grapes in Okanagan Valley?
Merlot
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Other than still, dry wines, what else is produced in Okanagan Valley?
Icewine from Riesling or Vidal
What is the appellation system of Canada?
Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
- Used by Ontario and British Columbia
- VQAs are divided into Designated Viticultural Areas (DVAs)
- DVAs are divided into regional appellations, then sub-appellations
- Every VQA wine must be made 100% grapes that are grown in that province
- They must be made 100% from V. vinifera varieties or selected hybrid