Canada Flashcards
Where are Canada’s most important vineyards situated?
in provinces of Ontario and British Columbia
What is the climate of Canada wine regions?
harsh continental but with moderating influences from large bodies of water (lakes). low average annual temps , average daytime temps in July and Aug are often high. winters are cold and temps drop far below zero for long periods
What is produced in Canada besides red and white wines?
Icewine - world renowned
What is Canada’s appellation system
VQA - Vintners Quality Alliance
Which tewo provinces utilize the VQA system?
British Columbia and Ontario
What is each province broken down into smaller areas in Canada called?
Designated Viticultural Areas (DVA)- which is further divided into regional appellations and sub appellations.
What is the % of grapes that must be used from that direct province in VQA?
100%
What % must wines be made from grapes from V. vinifera or selected hybrids in Canada
100%
How many DVAs does Ontario have and what is the most important?
3 - Niagara Peninsula
Where is the Niagara Peninsula?
on the southwest corner of Lake Ontario
Describe the climate of Niagara Peninsula?
the lake cools down and heats up more slowly than the surrounding land this extends the growing season in the autumn allowing grapes to fully ripen and delays budburst in the spring helping to minimize frost damage. Air flow also helps to reduce fungal disease.
What varietal does well in Niagara Peninsula
Riesling
Describe a Riesling from Niagara Peninsula
fresh, fruity, dry and off dry and Icewines.
What are two varieties used for Icewine
Riesling and Vidal
Describe a Vidal grape
hardy hybrid that has little character when made into a dry wine, but it can make high quality Icewines. - but with less acid structure and aromatic complexity than Riesling
What type of Chardonnays are made in Niagara Peninsula
good quality, dry, generally with pure fruit, and restrained oak.
Describe production of black grape varieties in Niagara Peninsula
producers are making high quality wines from Pinot Noir, but planting of Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, and Merlot are increasing.
How many DVAs does British Columbia have and which is the most important
5 - Okanagan Valley
Describe climate of Okanagan Valley
lies in a rain shadow between two mountain ranges, which result in very low annual average rainfall and a semi-desert environment. Day lengths are extremely long during growing season due to northern latitude and this is when Photosynthesis takes place aiding grapes in ripening.
What helps to moderate temps and extend the growing season, enabling successful ripening of white grapes in the north and black grapes in the south?
large glacier lakes
What is icewine produced from in Okanagan Valley
Vidal and Riesling
what are the main varietals produced in Okanagan Valley
Merlot, pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay
