Canada Flashcards
Basic Info
12,500 ha
Most of the country is too cold
98% comes from two provinces; Ontario (Niagara Peninsula) and British Columbia (Okanagan Valley) with small amounts in Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Most famous for Ice Wine of which production began in the 1970’s when German immigrants began making Eiswein. Canada now world’s largest producer.
First focused on American Hybrids then V. Vinifera in the 1980’s when the border opened with America and the intro of VQA Vintners Quality Alliance.
Prohibition from 1916 to 1927 did not impact wine since it was exempt. But after a series of provincial liquor boards and government run monopolies was introduced and strictly control the sale of alcohol.
Climate
Ontario and inland British Columbia have an extreme continental climate. In the summer, daytime temps can reach above 30C and in winter below -20C. So most vineyards are planted near lakes to moderate temps.
In the winter reduces risk of freeze, in spring heats up slowly delaying bud burst and lessening risk of frost, retains summer warmth in winter lengthening ripening season.
In winter when water evaporates and meets cold air can produce snow which can cover and insulate the vine at night. But in the coldest areas, winter freeze can still be an issue. Climate change is making winters increasingly unpredictable.
Lake also causes higher levels of humidity for fungal diseases.
Drought is a regular concern inland BC, which is in the rain shadow of two mountain ranges. Can be an issue in hotter years in Ontario.
Located b/n 41N and 51N almost at the northern limit for viticulture. This can make for a shorter season compensated by longer daylight hours in the summer.
Vineyard Management
Very advanced with up to date technology and technique. Increasing awareness on the importance of soil and microclimate.
Careful canopy management needed nea lakes where high humidity increases fungal disease risk. VSP is most common with some experimentation with Geneva Double Curtain, Scott Henry, Lyre for open canopies that promote airflow.
In hotter drier areas like Okanagan Valley pests and diseases are less of a concern and organic is on the rise. Moths, mealy bugs, leafhoppers, birds, deer, bears. Drought may be a concern and drip irrigation is prevalent.
Growing season is short. Bud break might be in May and harvest late August. But harvest can continue into Nov (and Feb for Icewine). Weather during harvest is unpredictable with rain and autumn frosts. Sig vintage variation.
Where winters are bitterly cold (PEI), some bury vines, but this is labor intensive. Some experimenting with geotextiles to drape over and protect. Or just push up soil around the graft.
Grape Varieties
Hybrids dominated for much of history with still sig plantings in Ontario (33% though many used for International Canadian Blends not VQA). Small amount in BC after a pulling scheme in 80’s.
Vidal is most important hybrid and makes majority of Icewine. Can stand harsh winters and has high acid (not as high as Riesling). Slow ripening and thick skins make it suitable for sweet late harvest and Icewine (though not as aromatic or age worthy as Riesling). High acid, tropical
Since 80’s sig increase in vinifera. In particular: Merlot, Cab Franc, and lesser Cab Sauv; Chard, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Gewurz, Riesling. Some experimentation with Syrah, Viognier, Malbec.
Icewine
World’s largest producer, most in Ontario.
Grapes must be harvested at -8C or below. Temps are often reached during Canadian winter. Some hand harvest, but labor is hard to source so many now machine.
Freezing concentrates the sugars and fermentation naturally stops around 9% - 11% and 200 - 250 g/l RS. The grapes need high natural acidity to balance sweetness. Intense stone and tropical fruit, mostly from Vidal with the best from Riesling. But also Cab Franc, Gewurz, Chard.
Fermented and stored in stainless; oak maturation sometimes used for extra flavor.
Very expensive to produce. Yields as low as 10% that of normal wine. Partially due to dehydration but also grapes can be damaged or lost due to weather, rot, animals while waiting for temps to drop. So prem and super prem. In 2017 15% by vol and 66% by val for export.
Icewine is a trademark owned by Canadian Vintner’s Assoc. Rigorous production standards incorporated into the VQA system. Only naturally frozen on the vine, exclusively grapes from Canada from vinifera or Vidal, min prescribed sugar levels (higher than for Eiswein), no artificial concentration or addition of sugar allowed.
Wine Law and Regulation
Ontario introduced Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) legislation in 1988 and BC followed in 1990.
VQA wines must be from grapes in the respective province. 100% vinifera or certain permitted hybrids.
Have certain standards for grape growing and wine production such as min must weight and chaptalization limits. Wines are tested through sensory evaluation and laboratory analysis.
VQA wines with a single variety on label must be 85%. If two or more listed must b 95%. Approved regional sub-appellations can be on the label.
Sig portion of wine bottled in Canada is produced in party by imported must or wine, termed International Canadian Blends (ICB). Say “Cellared in Canada” but must state that imported wines were used. Much lower priced vs VQA wines.
Wines made from Canadian grapes that do not qualify for VQA may state “Produce of Canada” on the label.
Ontario Viticulture
Largest wine producing region with 7,300ha at 41 - 44N
Mainly planted on the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario which moderate the extreme continental climate. Too cold further from the lakes. The cooling influence of the lake in summer means wines are typ med plus to high acid. But long growing season also gives ripe flavors.
Wide variety of soil (clay and sand and gravel / rocks to a lesser). High concentration of limestone along the lakes from an ancient seabed and a long period of glacial activity.
Produces 90% of the Icewine and Vidal most widely planted.
Ontario Grapes
Among non-late harvest: 50% white, 45, Red, 5% Rose. Riesling (high acid, citrus, peach, floral from dry to sweet) and Chard (med plus to high acid, apple, citrus, with some tropical in warmer sites / vintages) most imp vinifera white.
Cab Franc most planted black; elegant fresh wines with red plum, red berry, green pepper, herbal. Many age in oak for texture and complexity. Often in Bordeaux style blends and Icewine.
Merlot in Bordeaux blends or on its own. Soft med body reds, with med tannin and dark fruit.
Pinot Noir is small but showing potential. Gamay on the increase.
Ontario Appellations
First to adapt VQA in 1988. Three primary appellations: Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore, Prince Edward County.
If sub app on label, must be 85% from that app and rest from Ontario.
Typ good to very good and mid to prem. Bachelder and Norman Hardie
Niagara Peninsula
Largest wine producing region in Ontario; over 80%. Diverse stretching from shore of Lake Ontario up to the Niagara Escarpment (a north facing limestone bluff which rises to 100m). Wide variety of soils and microclimates partially due to a number of river valleys flowing down from the escarp.
Most vineyards are on benches partway up the escarp and on slopes just above them. Some are situated by the lake and some on top of the escarp.
Lake Ontario and the Escarp have a major influence on the climate. Ontario one of the deepest Great Lakes so takes a long time to cool down in Autumn. Lake and Escarp aid the circulation of air. In winter, land away from lake cools quickly; cold air above this flows down the slope of the escarp. At the same time warm air over the lake rises and flows inland. As cold air goes down escarp, replaced by the warm air. This provides a warming airflow in winter and cooling in summer prolonging the season and reducing risk of fungal disease and frost. Escarp also protects area from south westerly winds which can be bitterly cold in winter.
On top of the ridge, above the escarp, away from lake influence climate is more continental with warm summers and cold winters.
Two regional appellations. Niagara Escarpment and Niagara on the Lake. If labeled as such must be 85% grapes from there with remainder from Niagara Peninsula.
Niagara Escarpment
Covers the benches and gentle northern slopes of the escarpment (but not the land nearer the lake nor the plateau on top).
Combo of altitude and cooling lake breezes make this the coolest part of the peninsula resulting in high acid wine.
Early ripening Chard and Pinot can be good quality. Cab Franc and Riesling also.
Niagara on the Lake
Large area of the relatively flat land along the shores of Lake Ontario, directly to the west of Niagara River.
Slightly warmer than the slopes of the escarpment as proximity to the lake reduces the night time temp drop and means autumns are warmer longer.
Chard, Riesling, Pinot, and Cab Franc but slightly riper and fruitier than from the Escarpment. Also better suited to Bordeaux blends.
Lake Erie North Shore
Stretches along gently sloping shores of Lake Erie and a number of islands including Pelee Island.
Vineyard area almost completely surrounded by water, which plays a key role in moderating temperatures.
Shallowest of the Great Lakes and so warms up more quickly in spring and cools down more quickly in autumn. So winter freeze is a more common issue than in Niagara.
Warmest of Ontario’s vineyards as it is in the far southwest corner of the province. Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv usually ripen fully. More ripe fruit but often less structure than from Niagara Peninsula.
Prince Edward County
Towards the eastern end of Lake Ontario, it is Ontario’s most northerly. Almost entirely surrounded by water and fully exposed to winds coming over Lake Ontario from the west.
Due to latitude winter freeze is a regular concern forcing producers to protect their vines over winter by burying or covering.
Situated on a broad limestone plateau, with stony topsoil that conducts heat and radiates it at night, aiding ripening in this very cool region.
Pinot and Chard with very high acid.
British Columbia
Home to 1/3 of Canada’s vineyards. Small number close to the Pacific with a cool maritime climate and main area 400km inland sheltered from the ocean by several mountain ranges.
48 - 51N for a shorter (vs Ontario) growing season, but longer days during growing season. Long hot summer days and cool nights for a high diurnal range. For ripe fruit and high acidity.
Merlot most planted black grape. Fuller bodied, higher tannin, more alcohol vs Ontario.
Pinot Noir riper and fruitier with higher tannin, elegant in cooler sites, increasing plantings.
Cab Sauv intensely fruity wines with high tannin and acid with aging potential and more consistency vs Ontario.
Pinot Gris most white; dry or off-dry; med body, med to high acid, melon, pear with some in a lighter Pinot Grigio style.
Chard in a variety of styles with best med body with ripe stone fruit.
VQA are good to very good with some outstanding. Mid to prem. Le Vieux Pin and Mission Hill.
If appellation named, must be 95% with rest from BC.
