Canada Flashcards
Learn the geography, grape varieties, climate, soil, wine styles, and producers of Canada.
Canada’s most important wine regions are located in which two provinces?
Ontario (east)
British Columbia (west)
What is the climate throughout most of Canada’s wine regions?
Continental - can be harsh due to northerly latitude, but large bodies of water help moderate it.
Because Canada can experience sub-freezing temps for extended periods, what style of wine is well suited for this climate?
Icewine
What is the appellation system in Canada?
The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
Each province – Ontario and British Columbia – must use ______% grapes grown solely in their province.
100% from the province
The wine can also only be made from 100% V. vinifera varieties or approved hybrids.
What is the most important VQA of Ontario?
Niagara Peninsula
Niagara Peninsula is on the southern shore of Lake ________.
Ontario
Discuss two ways Lake Ontario helps the Ontario region from a viticulture standpoint.
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.
What two grape varieties often form the base for Canadian Icewines?
Riesling and Vidal
Although many producers are using Cabernet Franc to make red icewine as well.
What black grape varieties are planted in Ontario?
- Cabernet Franc (most planted)
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir
British Columbia has 5 VQAs.
What is its most important one?
Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley VQA is influenced by what climatic feature?
It’s in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range, creating a semi-desert environment with low annual rainfall.
Due to its very northerly latitude, daylight hours in Okanagan Valley are long or short?
Long
Long daylight hours prolongs the time photosynthesis can take place which helps ripen the grapes at this northerly latitude
In Okanagan Valley, what other features besides the rain shadow help extend the growing season (and moderate temperatures)?
Large glacial lakes
What are the most widely planted white grape varieties planted in Okanagan Valley?
- Pinot Gris
- Chardonnay