WINES OF THE WORLD 🇨🇦 Canada Flashcards
Climate of Canada
Extreme continental for Ontario and inland areas of British Columbia.
The effects of Canadian lakes on the vineyards
Lakes moderate temperature, reducing winter freeze, delaying budbreak and so avoiding spring frost, extending the growing season by retaining summer warmth into autumn, generating snow. They increase also humidity.
Hazards in Canada
Fungal disease due to humidity from the lake. Drought in the inland area of British Columbia or drier years in Ontario. Insects (moths, mealy bugs and leafhoppers), birds and mammals (deer and bears). Unpredictable winters due to climate change with the risk of little snow (minimal amount to cover the vines).
Main grape varieties of Canada
In the past, mainly hybrids. Vidal is the main grape for Icewine. Vinifera varieties from late 1980s, Bordeaux, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and aromatic whites (Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Riesling).
Main training systems in Canada
Mainly VSP, some are experimenting with Geneva Double Curtain, Scott Henry and Lyre.
Key viticulture operations during winter in Canada
Snow use to insulate the vines from the cold air, experimenting with geotextiles.
Main Canadian wine-producing provinces
Mainly from Ontario and British Columbia, also Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Icewine
It’s both the sweet wine made from frozen grapes in Canada and the trademark owned by the Canadian Vintners Association.
VQA legislation
In Ontario (1988) and British Columbia (1990):
- grapes grown in the respective province;
- from 100% vinifera varieties or authorised hybrids;
- standards for grape growing and wine production (min must weights, chaptalisation limits);
- wines are tested through panel and laboratory analysis;
- if single variety, 85+% of that variety, if two or more, 95% of those varieties;
- regional appellations and sub-appellations can appear on labels.
Wines produced from imported must or wine are labelled as ‘International blend from imported and domestic wines’ or ‘International blend from domestic and imported wines’, lower prices.
Key operations in the production of Icewine
Harvest at -8°C or below by hand or machine (due to difficulty to find workforce for night harvest). Fermentation stops naturally (9-11% abv) due to high sugar levels (200-250 g/L). Inert vessels to retain aromas, some use oak to add extra flavours. High cost of production, very low yields (10% of still wine) due to grapes dehydrating and damage/lost (bad weather, rot and animals).
Regulations for Icewine
Rigorous standards of production have been incorporated into the VQA system. Made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, grown in Canada, either from Vidal or vinifera grapes, regulations also on harvesting and winemaking procedures (min sugar levels are prescribed, no artificial concentration or addition of sugars).
Product of Canada
If wine is made entirely from Canadian grapes and doesn’t qualify for VQA status.
Types of businesses that operate in Canada
Small vineyard plantings (especially in British Columbia) owned by both growers and estates. The majority of producers grow their own grapes, and many supplement these with grapes purchased from other growers.
Main grape varieties used in the Icewine production
Icewine is the most famous from Vidal or Riesling (most complex and well-balanced). Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay are also used.
Types of wines made in Canada
Canada is best known for Icewine. Started the production of dry and sparkling wines.
Main appellations of Ontario
- Niagara Peninsula
- Lake Erie North Shore
- Prince Edward County
