Canada

Question 1

What are the wine regions of Canada

Answer 1

Ontario - Niagara Peninsula

British Columbia - Okanagan Valley

Question 2

What is the climate in the Canadian wine regions?

Answer 2

Continental - low average temperatures and very high I July and August
Very cold winters that drop below zero for long periods making it suitable for ice wine

Question 3

What does VQA stand for? What are the laws?

Answer 3

Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)
Each province is broken down into smaller Designated Viticultural AreaS (DVA’s)
Each DVA must use 100% grapes grown in that province
100% from V. vinifera varieties or select hybrids

Question 4

How many DVA’s does Ontario have?

Answer 4

Three

Question 5

How does the Lake Ontario help grapes grow?

Answer 5

The lake cools down and heats up more slowly extending the growing season but causing warm air flow over the land.
This also helps to reduce fungal disease.

Question 6

What are the wines of Niagara Peninsula? What are the characteristics?

Answer 6

Riesling - fresh, fruity, dry and off dry, and ice wine
Vidal - used for ice wine
Chardonnay - pure fruit and restrained oak
Pinot Noir - cool climate classic

Question 7

How many DVA’s does the British Columbia have?

Answer 7

Five

Question 8

What are the climate characteristics of the Okanagan Valley DVA?

Answer 8

Lies in a rain shadow between 2 mountains
Low annual rainfall - Semi desert conditions
Day lengths are very long aiding in ripening
Glacial lakes moderate temperature

Question 9

What are the main grape varietals are British Columbia?

Answer 9

Merlot
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Chardonnay
Ice wine from riesling or Vidal