Canada Flashcards

Learn the geography, grape varieties, climate, soil, wine styles, and producers of Canada.

1
Q

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

A

Ontario (east)

British Columbia (west)

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2
Q

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

A

Continental - can be harsh due to northerly latitude, but large bodies of water help moderate it.

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3
Q

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

A

Icewine

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4
Q

What is the appellation system in Canada?

A

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)

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5
Q

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

A

100% from the province

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

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6
Q

What is the most important VQA of Ontario?

A

Niagara Peninsula

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7
Q

Niagara Peninsula is on the southern shore of Lake ________.

A

Ontario

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8
Q

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

A

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

  1. In autumn, Lake Ontario gives off warmth it stored over the summer, thereby extending the growing season and helping grapes fully ripen;
  2. In spring, Lake Ontario delays budburst, minimizing frost damage.
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9
Q

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

A

Riesling and Vidal

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

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10
Q

What black grape varieties are planted in Ontario?

A
  • Cabernet Franc (most planted)
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Pinot Noir
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11
Q

British Columbia has 5 VQAs.

What is its most important one?

A

Okanagan Valley

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12
Q

The Okanagan Valley VQA is influenced by what climatic feature?

A

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

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13
Q

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

A

Long

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

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14
Q

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

A

Large glacial lakes

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15
Q

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

A
  1. Pinot Gris
  2. Chardonnay
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16
Q

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

A
  1. Merlot
  2. Pinot Noir
17
Q

Is Icewine produced in Okanagan Valley?

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

A
  • Yes, Icewine is made in Okanagan Valley;
  • Riesling or Vidal.