Grapes and wines of Canada Flashcards
Describe the overall climate of Canada
Continental - winters are cold (below zero for long periods) = ideal for Icewine
Average annual temperatures are low, but average daytime temp in July and August are often very high
Large lakes help moderate some extremes
Describe the appellation system of Canada
Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA): covers two provinces i.e. Ontario and British Columbia
Each province broken down into smaller Designated Viticultural Areas (DVAs), then divided into regional appellations and sub-appellations.
Every VQA wine must use 100% grapes grown in that province, and 100% V. vinifera or selected hybrids
Describe how the area of Niagara Peninsula DVA affects its climate and grape growing
Next to Lake Ontario which cools down and heats up more slowly than surrounding area, extending growing season into autumn = allows grapes to ripen fully and delays budburst in the spring helping to minimise frost damage
Air flow helps reduce fungal disease
Describe typical wines from Ontario
Riesling = fresh, fruity, dry and off-dry. Also Icewines
Vidal = icewine. Note has little character in itself, but is winter hardy and can make premium Icewines (without aromatic complexity and acid structure of Riesling Icewine)
High-quality dry Chardonnay: pure fruit and restrained oak
High-quality Pinot Noir
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Describe the area of Okanagan Valley and how it affects climate
Rain shadow between two mountain ranges = very low annual rainfall, semi-desert environment
Extremely long day lengths during growing season due to northern latitude=prolonged photosynthesis, aids grape ripening
Large glacial lakes moderate temperatures and extend growing season = enables successful ripening of white grapes in north and black grapes in south
List the most widely planted varieties in Okanagan Valley DVA
Merlot Pinot Gris Pinot Noir Chardonnay Riesling - Icewine Vidal - Icewine
