Canada + New York Flashcards
Describe the basic legal framework for making and selling wine in Canada
No national law, with each province responsible for their own wine laws.
This creates confusion as there are different standards in the two main provinces: Ontario and British Columbia.
What are the two most significant provinces for viticulture in Canada?
Ontario and British Columbia
What is the VQA?
The Vitners Quality Alliance. Established in Ontario in 1990 and set rules for the appellations throughout Ontario. British Columbia also established its own VQA rules. VQA rules in Ontario must be adhered to whereas in British Columbia they are voluntary.
What are the VQA rules for Ontario?
- All VQA wines must contain 100% fruit sourced from Ontario.
- If labelled with an appellation, minimum 85% of fruit must come from that appellation.
- If labeled with a sub-appellation (only Niagara has sub-appellations) must contain 100% of fruit sourced from that sub-appellation.
- if labeled as a single vineyard wine, 100% of fruit used must come from that vineyard
- with exception of sparkling wines, all VQA bottlings must be vintage-dated and 85% of fruit must come from that vintage
- if varietally labelled, must contained at least 85% of the stated variety.
What are the VQA rules for British Columbia?
- All VQA wines must contain 100% fruit sourced from British Columbia
- If labelled with an appellation, minimum 95% of fruit must come from that appellation.
- if labeled as a single vineyard wine, 100% of fruit used must come from that vineyard
- if vintage-labelled, 85% of fruit must come from the stated vintage
- if varietally labelled, must contained at least 85% of the stated variety.
Where is British Columbia located?
In the far west of Canada, north of Washington State
What is a DVA? How many are there in British Columbia?
Designated viticultural areas. There are 9 DVAs:
Fraser Ivalley Vancouver Island Gulf Islands Lillooet Thompson Valley Shuswap Kootenays Okanagqn Vallry Similkameen Valley
What are the two important DVAs of British Columbia?
Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley
Where is the Okanagan Valley located? What are some climatic factors that influence the region?
Along the Okanagan River that runs north to south across the border with the United States. The River is approximately 300kms east of Vancouver. Importantly a range of mountains to the west of the Valley creates a rain-shadow, keeping torrential rains from the Pacific Ocean from hitting the wine region.
The Valley is cooler and wetter in the north, with the dryer and warmer southern areas home to most of the viticulture in the region. All parts of the Valley are assisted by the deep Lake Okanagan, moderating temperatures throughout the day and night.
What varieties are grown in the Okanagan Valley?
White: Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay
Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir
What are the two sub-appellations of the Okanagan Valley?
Okanagan Falls and Golden Mile Bench
What are the two major lakes found in the Okanagan Valley?
Lake Okanagan and Lake Osoyoos
Where is Ontario located
Along the south-eastern border with the United States, with Lakes Huron, Ontario and Erie in the north-west, east and south respectively.
What are the key climatic factors of Ontario for viticulture purposes?
It’s latitude, at the very fringes in which viticulture is possible. The three major lakes of Huron, Ontario and Erie are very cool in the winter months, delaying bud-break beyond dangerous frost seasons. In the summer they retain heat and slowly release it, acting as a warming influence for well-placed vines.
What are the 3 DVAs of Ontario? Which is the most significant?
Niagara Peninsula, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County.
Niagara Peninsula isn’t far the most important.
