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Oh Canada!


In comparison to most wine regions, Canada seems a bit far north – and far too cold – to cultivate successful vineyards. But as most wine regions, Canada has pockets of grape growing climates that are slowly being discovered. For some time, wineries have used the cold winters to their advantage, producing some of the world's best ice wines. Still wines are also gaining ground as the regions explore the best varieties for the area. The industry is still small, but consistently growing in both quality and quantity.

The qualification system of Canada is called the Vintner's Quality Alliance, or VQA. Their stamp of approval means the wine has been tasted for quality and follows the rules set out by the organization. The VQA also names the wine growing regions for Canada. The two main regions of the VQA are on opposite sides of the country – British Columbia and Ontario. These two regions produce about 98% of the high quality wine of Canada. Between the two there are 7 separate viticulture areas.

On the east coast lies Ontario, producer of over two-thirds of all Canadian wines. This area, while technically further south than British Columbia, is where the beautiful and delicious late harvest and ice wines are produced. Vidal Blanc is popular here for the making of ice wines, as is Riesling. Still wines are made here as well, with the vines enjoying the warming affect of the Great Lakes. Popular varieties for still dry wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Hybrids have a strong place here as well, in particular Vidal Blanc and Baco Noir. The best known sub-region is the Niagara Peninsula, famous for its ice wines, namely those from Inniskillin.
  • British Columbia

     

    British Columbia sits along the Pacific Ocean, with much of its wineries centered in the smaller region of the Okanaguan Valley. This area, close to the Washington State border, has become a wine growers dream because of its specific micro-climate that is perfect for certain white varieties, like Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. For reds, the Bordeaux varieties seem to flourish most.

     

    Where grapes are grown, the soil they’re grown in, the weather, the air, the sun and the growing techniques all affect the character and quality of the wine. It’s an unfamiliar concept today. We’ve come to expect standardization in products as a guarantee of quality. We’d probably all agree standardization is great when you’re buying a car. It’s tough to buy parts for a one-of-a-kind car.

    But, wine thrives on regional nuance, and its finest interpretations and expressions are decidedly regional. In fact, wine is at its best when pushed to be increasingly site-specific.

    The great wines of the world are the result of skilled grape-growers and winemakers working together to bring out the unique qualities of the grapes that nature provides. The Wines of British Columbia are among these great wines.