L3 - Canada - Chap 35

Question 1

What is the climate of Canada?

Answer 1

It is continental throughout

cold winters

but July and August can hit high temperatures, large lakes moderate the extremes

suitable conditions for ice wine

Question 2

What is the most important appellation in Ontario Canada?

Answer 2

-The Niagara Penninsula is the most important appellation in Ontario

-located southwest corner of Ontario
-The lake cools down and heats up more slowly than the surrounding land -extending the growing season to allow grapes to ripen fully and delay budburst in the spring and minimize frost damage.

Air flow reduces fungal disease

Question 3

What varietals are grown in the Niagara Peninsula ?

Answer 3

-Riesling - makes fresh, fruity, dry and off-dry whites and finest icewines

-Vidal -often used for ice wine. Good in ice wine, not as a dry style. Does not have acid or aromatic structure of riesling

-Chardonnay –good quality, pure fruit and restrained oak

-Cab Franc is most planted varietal –producing red plum and herbal characteristics. Can be single varietal or used in a Bourdeaux style blend with Merlot and Cab.

Some high quality PInot Noirs too, but small plantings

Question 4

What is the most important appellation in British Columbia Canada?

Answer 4

-Okanagan Valley is the most important appellation in British Columbia Canada

-huge appellation

-lies in rain shadow between two mountain ranges

-very low annual average rainfall and semi-desert environment

–day lengths are extremely long due to northern latitude

-Prolongs photosynthese aiding grapes in ripening

-Large glacial lakes help to moderate temperatures, extend the growing season and enable ripening of white grapes in the north and red grapes in the south

Question 5

What are the most widely planted varietals in British Columbia Canada?

Answer 5

Most widely planted varietals are Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling for ice wine or Vidal.