Canada

Question 1

Canada’s most important wine regions are located in which two provinces?

Answer 1

Ontario (east)

British Columbia (west)

Question 2

What is the climate throughout most of Canada’s wine regions?

Answer 2

Continental.
Although average annual temperatures are low due to extended cold winters, average daytime temperatures in July and August are often very high.
Climate can be harsh due to northerly latitude, but large bodies of water help moderate it.

Question 3

Because Canada can experience sub-freezing temps for extended periods, what style of wine is well suited for this climate?

Answer 3

Icewine

Question 4

What is the appellation system in Canada?

Answer 4

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)

Question 5

Each province – Ontario and British Columbia – must use ______% grapes grown solely in their province.

Answer 5

100% from the province

The wine must also only be made from 100% V. vinifera varieties or approved hybrids.

Question 6

How many DVAs does Ontario have?
What is the most important one?

Answer 6

Niagara Peninsula

Question 7

Niagara Peninsula is on the southern shore of Lake ________.

Answer 7

Ontario

Question 8

Discuss two ways Lake Ontario helps the Ontario region from a viticulture standpoint.

Answer 8

Lakes cool down and heat up more slowly than land, so:

In autumn, Lake Ontario gives off warmth it stored over the summer, thereby extending the growing season and helping grapes fully ripen;
In spring, Lake Ontario delays budburst, minimizing frost damage.

Question 9

What two grape varieties often form the base for Canadian Icewines?

Answer 9

Riesling and Vidal

Although many producers are using Cabernet Franc to make red icewine as well.

Question 10

What black grape varieties are planted in Ontario?

Answer 10

Cabernet Franc (most planted)
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir

Question 11

British Columbia has 5 VQAs.

What is its most important one?

Answer 11

Okanagan Valley

Question 12

The Okanagan Valley VQA is influenced by what climatic feature?

Answer 12

It’s in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range, creating a semi-desert environment with low annual rainfall.

Question 13

Due to its very northerly latitude, daylight hours in Okanagan Valley are long or short?

Answer 13

Long

Long daylight hours prolongs the time photosynthesis can take place which helps ripen the grapes at this northerly latitude

Question 14

In Okanagan Valley, what other features besides the rain shadow help extend the growing season (and moderate temperatures)?

Answer 14

Large glacial lakes

Question 15

What are the most widely planted white grape varieties planted in Okanagan Valley?

Answer 15

Pinot Gris
Chardonnay

Question 16

What are the most widely planted black grape varieties planted in Okanagan Valley?

Answer 16

Merlot and Pinot Noir

Question 17

Is Icewine produced in Okanagan Valley?

If so, what grapes are typically used for Okanagan Valley Icewine?

Answer 17

Icewine is produced in Okanangan Valley, usually from Vidal or Riseling.

Question 18

Which two Great Lakes form the boundaries of the Ontario wine region?

Answer 18

Lake Ontario, Lake Erie

Question 19

Does Ontario produce more red or white wine?

Answer 19

Ontario mainly produces white wines:
- Riesling: fresh, fruity, dry and off-dry, as well as the finest Icewines
- Vidal: less acid, little character dry, or high quality Icewine
- good quality dry Chardonnay.
There are very high-quality Pinot Noir.

Question 20

Grapes for Canadian icewine must be harvested frozen on the vine, and must be harvested at ____ or colder.

Answer 20

The grapes must be naturally frozen on the vine and harvested and pressed in a continuous process while the air temperature remains at or below -8°C.

Question 21

What is the minimum residual sugar level for Canadian Icewine?

Answer 21

The residual sugars (at least 100 grams per litre in BC and 125 grams per litre in Ontario) and alcoholic strength are purely the result of the natural sugars of the grapes having frozen naturally on the vine