Ontario wine

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ontario wine is Canadian wine produced in the province of Ontario. Wine production in Ontario is regulated by the LCBO . Wines made from 100% Ontario grapes can qualify for classification under Ontario's appellation system, the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA), depending on the varietal, the wine-making techniques employed, and various other restrictions.

Ontario, and Canada in general, is renowned for its consistent and unique ice wines. It is also gaining increasing recognition for its world-class premium table wines.

Contents 1 Climate 2 Varieties 3 Growing regions 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] Climate

Although Canada has a reputation as a cold climate, Ontario's premier wine region, the Niagara Peninsula is in roughly the same latitude as southern France (Provence and the Languedoc). This region has a tradition of growing tender fruit such as apricots and peaches, and receives adequate heat units to ripen many varieties of vitis vinifera.

Wine regions in Ontario do suffer from deep winters which can damage tender vines. In addition, its humid summers can provide conditions for fungal diseases. However, recent decades have seen the development of vineyard management techniques and along with the selective use of hybrid grapes viticulture in the northeastern part of North America has successfully meet these challenges.

[edit] Varieties

The most prominent varieties of grapes grown in Ontario are:

For red wine and rose production:

• Cabernet Franc
• Baco Noir
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Gamay Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Marechal Foch
• Zweigelt

For whites:

• Riesling
• Chardonnay
• Vidal blanc
• Pinot Gris
• Gewürztraminer
• Viognier
• Sauvignon Blanc

For ice wines and late harvest desert wines:

• Vidal blanc
• Riesling
• Cabernet Franc
• Chardonnay

[edit] Growing regions

There are three official growing regions in the province recognized by the VQA.

The Niagara Peninsula, with the most acreage under vine and a series of newly recognized sub-appellations, is Canada's largest wine growing region and is blessed by a unique micro-climate facilitated by the interaction of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.

The north shore of Lake Erie, and Pelee Island (in Lake Erie) are more southerly and receive many growing degree days; however Lake Erie freezes over in the winter.

In addition Prince Edward County is currently in transition towards becoming a fully VQA recognized wine growing region in Ontario. Many see the future of wine in "the county" in premium wines produced in the style of Burgundy, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

There have been ongoing smaller scale attempts to grow wine in other, cooler, areas of the province using cold hardy, often hybrid grape varieties.

[edit] See also

• Canadian wine
• Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute
• Vintners Quality Alliance
• Ice wine
• Niagara Peninsula
• Short Hills Bench

[edit] External links

• Ontario Terroir - A blog exploring all aspects of Ontario wines and viticulture in Ontario
• Grape Growers of Ontario