Canada: Viti/vini, Business

Question 1

What are Canada’s two most important provinces for wine production?

Answer 1

Ontario (esp Niagara Peninsula)
British Columbia (esp Okanagan Valley)

Question 2

What is the general climate of Canada’s growing areas, and what steps must be taken to ensure vines will survive and produce?

Answer 2

Extreme continental

Plant near lakes for temp moderation

Question 3

What is the lake effect?

Answer 3

Helps delay bud break until risk of frost is past
Retains warmth into autumn to extend growing season
Produces snow in winter to insulate vines

Question 4

What is the most common training system in Canada and why?

Answer 4

VSP

Canopy needs to be open to improve air flow (risk of fungal diseases around lakes)

Question 5

Which region in Canada is particularly known for its extreme cold climate?

Answer 5

Prince Edward County in Ontario

Question 6

What steps do growers take in Canada to protect their vines from winter freeze?

Answer 6

Draping fabrics over vines
Pushing up soil around grafts
Burying vines

Question 7

Describe the process of making Icewine.

Answer 7

Grapes are left on vine to freeze (concentrates sugars in grapes)
Grapes harvested at -8°C or below
Fermentation in stainless steel; usually stops around 9-11% with 200-250g/L RS

Question 8

What is Canada’s wine law called?

Answer 8

VQA

ICB (International Canadian Blends)

Question 9

Describe the VQA in Canada.

Answer 9

Must be from 100% vinifera or permitted hybrids
Min 85% of stated variety
Sensory evaluation panel/lab analysis with standards from each appellation

Question 10

How is alcohol distributed in Canada?

Answer 10

Provincial liquor boards control the distribution and sales of alcohol; shipping wine between provinces is either illegal or highly complex

Question 11

Why has wine tourism become essential for Canadian wine business?

Answer 11

Because of the illegal/highly complex nature of consumer shipping between provinces; producers rely heavily on cellar door sales