Canada

Question 1

Canada’s most important wine regions are located in which two provinces?

Answer 1

Ontario (east)

British Columbia (west)

Question 2

What is the climate throughout most of Canada’s wine regions?

Answer 2

Continental - can be harsh due to northerly latitude, but large bodies of water help moderate it.

Question 3

Because Canada can experience sub-freezing temps for extended periods, what style of wine is well suited for this climate?

Answer 3

Icewine

Question 4

What is the appellation system in Canada?

Answer 4

The Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA)

Question 5

Each province – Ontario and British Columbia – must use ______% grapes grown solely in their province.

Answer 5

100% from the province

The wine can also only be made from 100% V. vinifera varieties or approved hybrids.

Question 6

What is the most important VQA of Ontario?

Answer 6

Niagara Peninsula

Question 7

Niagara Peninsula is on the southern shore of Lake ________.

Answer 7

Ontario

Question 8

Discuss two ways Lake Ontario helps the Ontario region from a viticulture standpoint.

Answer 8

Lakes cool down and heat up more slowly than land, so:

1. In autumn, Lake Ontario gives off warmth it stored over the summer, thereby extending the growing season and helping grapes fully ripen;
2. In spring, Lake Ontario delays budburst, minimizing frost damage.

Question 9

What two grape varieties often form the base for Canadian Icewines?

Answer 9

Riesling and Vidal

Although many producers are using Cabernet Franc to make red icewine as well.

Question 10

What black grape varieties are planted in Ontario?

Answer 10

• Cabernet Franc (most planted)
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir

Question 11

British Columbia has 5 VQAs.

What is its most important one?

Answer 11

Okanagan Valley

Question 12

The Okanagan Valley VQA is influenced by what climatic feature?

Answer 12

It’s in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range, creating a semi-desert environment with low annual rainfall.

Question 13

Due to its very northerly latitude, daylight hours in Okanagan Valley are long or short?

Answer 13

Long

Long daylight hours prolongs the time photosynthesis can take place which helps ripen the grapes at this northerly latitude

Question 14

In Okanagan Valley, what other features besides the rain shadow help extend the growing season (and moderate temperatures)?

Answer 14

Large glacial lakes

Question 15

What are the most widely planted white grape varieties planted in Okanagan Valley?

Answer 15

1. Pinot Gris
2. Chardonnay

Question 16

What are the most widely planted black grape varieties planted in Okanagan Valley?

Answer 16

1. Merlot
2. Pinot Noir

Question 17

Is Icewine produced in Okanagan Valley?

If so, what grapes are typically used for Okanagan Valley Icewine?

Answer 17

• Yes, Icewine is made in Okanagan Valley;
• Riesling or Vidal.