Canada Flashcards
Why is a majority of Canadas land unsuitable for viticulture?
High latitude and extremes of temperature
What two things pushed quality production in Canada?
- US/Canada trade deal opened Canadian wine market to American imports and removed subsidies from growers
- the Vintners Quality Alliance (appellation system) was established in Ontario and BC
Inland areas of Ontario and BC see what climate?
Extreme continental with hot summers and freezing winters
What moderating natural factor is needed for successful viticulture in Canada and what is its effect?
Lakes- moderate temperatures. Winter- lake effect snow insulates from winter freeze and the lakes reduce the risk of winter freeze all around
Fall- retain and release summer heat to lengthen growing season
Spring- retains and releases winter cold to delay bud break past risk of frost
Canadas vineyards sit at what latitudes?
41-51*N
Humidity near lakes increase the need for what mitigation?
Sprays for fungus/ canopy mgmt to improve air flow - VSP most common training
Which hybrid makes the majority of ice wine?
Vidal
Why does Vidal make the majority of ice wine in Canada?
It is cold hardy, can withstand the extreme winters, high acid, slow ripening, and has thick skins to withstand the freeze/thaw cycles of ice wine
Why is ice wine expensive?
Yields are low due to concentration of sugars from freezing, dehydration of late harvest, predators, bad weather, and rot. Labor is expensive, hand harvesting at night in freezing temps is not ideal, mechanization available where able.
VQA variety on label %
85%
VQA blend on label %
95%
In Ontario, where are vineyards planted?
Near lakes Erie and Ontario for moderating influence on extreme temperatures
What is the most planted variety in Ontario
Vidal
90% of Canadas ice wine comes from what province?
Ontario
Ontarios most planted vinifera?
Riesling and Chardonnay
Latitude of Ontarios vineyards
41- 44 N - same as central Italy and Bordeaux
Primary appellations in Ontario
Niagara Peninsula
Lake Erie North Shore
Prime Edward County
% of grapes in bottle if Ontario appellation named?
85% and rest must come from Ontario
80% of the vineyards in Ontario are in what appellation?
Niagara Peninsula
Explain the effect of Lake Ontario and the Niagara escarpment have on vineyards in the winter
The lake cools slowly as it is very deep. As it releases its warm air, cool inland air flows down the escarpment creating a cycle that allows for a longer fall growth season, reducing the risk of frost and fungal disease. The escarpment also protects vineyards from SW winds that are cold.
Niagara escarpment topography and influence
Benches and gentle northern slopes
Altitude and cooling lake breeze = coolest region and high acid
Early ripeners - chard, pn, Riesling, cab franc
Why is Niagara on the Lake riper than Niagara Escarpment?
Large, flat land on shores of Lake Ontario. Slightly warmer with less diurnal range due to moderation from lake at night, and longer fall growing season due to lake
Warmest area of Ontario and its varietals
Lake Erie North Shore - Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv - ripe fruit but not as structured as Niagara Peninsula
Prince Edward County main hazard
Due to latitude- winter freeze
British Columbia latitude
48-51* N - shorter growing season but longer days than Ontario
Inland summer diurnal swings create ripeness while retaining acid
Top varietals in British Columbia
Merlot, PN, PG, Chard, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc
Compare Ontario Merlot and BC Merlot
BC is more full bodied with higher tannins, alc, and riper fruit
% of grapes from mentioned Ontario appellation
85%
% of grapes from mentioned BC appellation
95%
Appellation that makes up 85% of BCs plantings
Okanagan Valley
Key roles Okanagan lake plays in viticulture
Temp moderation in extreme continental climate
Irrigation
Varietals in N vs S of Okanagan
East facing slopes in N- PN, PG, Riesling, chard, gewurz
S- Merlot, cab franc, cab sauv, Syrah
The similkameen valley has what influence from mountains
Air funnel through valley
Altitude creates diurnal range
Mountains trap heat warming evenings
Lacks lake for moderation
Coastal regions in BC with Maritime climate suited only to early ripening varieties
Vancouver island, gulf islands, Fraser valley
Route to market for Canadian table wine
Consumed domestically
