New World
Canada wine
A cold-climate producer whose viticulture depends on large lakes, and the world’s leading source of icewine.
Overview
Canadian viticulture is possible only where a large body of water moderates the winter, which is why it is concentrated in two places: the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
Its distinctive product is icewine, made from grapes left on the vine into winter and pressed while frozen. The water in the berry stays as ice; only concentrated sugar solution runs off. Canadian rules require the freeze to occur naturally on the vine.
Quality is regulated by the Vintners Quality Alliance, which is administered provincially rather than federally — so British Columbia and Ontario run separate schemes.
Table wine is increasingly the larger story: cool-climate Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, with ripe Bordeaux varieties from the desert southern Okanagan.
Severe continental winters that would kill unprotected vines. Both major regions sit beside deep water — the Great Lakes in Ontario, Okanagan Lake in British Columbia — which is what makes the vine survive to spring.
Regions
Wines
Grapes grown here
Sources
Sources consulted