Canadian Wine Laws

Question 1

Describe the appellation system and rules in Canada.

Answer 1

(VQA) Vintners Quality Alliance - which is Canada’s appellation system and is used in Ontario and British Columbia.

(DVAs) -Designated Viticultural Areas which are divided into regional appellations and then sub-regional appellations. Every VQA must use 100% grapes that are grown in that province and must be 100% V. Vinifera of select hybrid varieties.

Question 2

Describe how the location of the Niagara Peninsula DVA helps to ripen the grapes.

Answer 2

Niagara Peninsula (Most important DVA)- Located on the SW corner of Lake Ontario.  The Lake cools down and heats up more slowly than the surrounding land.  This extends the growing season in autumn and delays budburst in the spring.  Airflow helps reduce fungal disease.  
Riesling- grows well here making fresh, fruity dry and off-dry whites and the finest Icewines.
Vidal - hybrid commonly used for Icewine. It doesn’t have the acidity structure and aromatic complexity that Icewines made from Riesling have.

Question 3

Describe how the location of the Okanagan Valley DVA helps to ripen the grapes.

Answer 3

It lies in a rain shadow between two mountain ranges which results in low annual rainfall and semi-desert environment.
The day lengths are longer due to the higher latitude and this increases the time in which photosynthesis can take place. Glacial lakes also help moderate temperatures, extending the growing season.
Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and chardonnay are the most widely planted varieties. Icewine is also produced from Riesling or Vidal.