Canada: Wine Regions Flashcards
What two lakes are important for viticulture in Ontario?
Erie and Ontario; moderate extremes of the continental climate
Which region is best known for the production of Icewine in Canada?
Ontario (90% of production)
What are the three most planted Vinifera grapes in Ontario?
Riesling
Chardonnay
Cabernet franc
What are the three primary appellations in Ontario? Which produces the most wine?
Niagara Peninsula (80% of vyds)
Lake Erie North Shore
Prince Edward County
What is the Niagara escarpment and why is it important for viticulture?
North facing limestone bluff above Lake Ontario
Cold air flows down escarpment, replaced by warm air from lake above, extends growing season
Protects vyd areas on benches from cold winds
What are Niagara Peninsula’s two regional appellations?
Niagara Escarpment (cooler) Niagara-on-the-lake (warmer)
What is Ontario’s warmest vineyard area?
Lake Erie North Shore
What is the climate of Prince Edward County? What helps grapes to ripen?
Very cool. Fully exposed to winter winds coming across Lake Ontario; winter freeze a regular concern
Vyds are on limestone plateau with stony topsoil that conducts heat, radiates it at night
What are the two distinct vineyard areas of British Columbia?
Close to pacific coast (cool, maritime climate)
Inland Okanagan Valley (warmer, main growing area)
What geographical features influence the climate in Okanagan Valley?
Several mountain ranges that shelter the region from cooler weather
What is the general difference between wines from British Columbia and Ontario?
British Columbia wines are generally more full bodied, more tannin, riper, fruitier
Describe the climate and soils in Okanagan Valley.
Northern: cooler, influences by Okanagan Lake (deep, moderates hot temps), glacial deposits and loamy soils
Southern: hot desert conditions, sandy soils
