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Canada Flashcards

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1
Q

Is there a national wine law in Canada?

A

No

Canada has a patchwork of provincial wine laws, with each province having its own regulations.

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2
Q

What was the first wine law in Ontario, created in 1988?

A

VQA

The VQA was adopted as provincial law in 1999 and serves as a quality indicator for wines.

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3
Q

To qualify for VQA certification in Ontario, what percentage of grapes must be grown in the geographical indicator (GI)?

A

85%

For a sub-geographical indicator (sub-GI), 100% of the grapes must be grown there.

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4
Q

What are the two hybrid grape varieties originally allowed in Ontario’s VQA?

A
  • Baco Noir
  • Vidal

Baco Noir is recognized for quality wine, and Vidal is popular for Icewine.

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5
Q

What is the minimum percentage of grapes required for a wine to be labeled as a varietal bottling in Ontario?

A

85%

This means at least 85% of the wine must be made from the specified variety.

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6
Q

In British Columbia, what is the percentage of grapes that must be grown in the province for a wine labeled British Columbia VQA?

A

100%

For regional GIs, 95% of the grapes must come from that region.

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7
Q

What certification was adopted in Quebec in 2018 for table wines?

A

Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)

This certification requires grapes to be grown within a defined area of Quebec.

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8
Q

What is the maximum ABV for wines labeled Tidal Bay in Nova Scotia?

A

11%

Tidal Bay wines must show specific flavor profiles and be made entirely from grapes grown in Nova Scotia.

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9
Q

What must grapes destined for Icewine be?

A

Naturally frozen on the vine

Harvesting occurs when temperatures fall to at least minus 8 degrees Celsius.

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10
Q

True or false: Icewine can be made from grapes that are artificially frozen.

A

FALSE

Canada has agreements to protect the Icewine brand from fraud and mislabeling.

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11
Q

What is the zone of production for IGP Vin de Glace du Québec?

A

Smaller than IGP Quebec table wines

All grapes used for IGP Quebec Icewine must be grown in this smaller area.

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12
Q

What allows for the cultivation of a considerable range of grape varieties in Canadian vineyards?

A

The wide diversity of growing conditions

This diversity includes various climates and soil types across different provinces.

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13
Q

What grape varieties are primarily planted in British Columbia and Ontario?

A
  • Vinifera
  • French hybrids
  • American hybrids

Vinifera dominates in British Columbia and Ontario, while hybrids are more common in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

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14
Q

Which regions produce the bulk of Canada’s wine?

A
  • Okanagan Valley
  • Niagara Peninsula

These regions are key to the main grape varieties of Canada.

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15
Q

Name the few vinifera varieties grown in all four main wine-producing provinces.

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Riesling
  • Sauvignon Blanc

Their importance varies by province.

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16
Q

True or false: Merlot is the most planted red variety in British Columbia.

A

TRUE

Merlot is concentrated in warmer areas like the southern Okanagan Valley.

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17
Q

What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir wines in British Columbia?

A
  • Deeply hued styles in warmer areas
  • Lighter-colored styles in cooler areas

The wines vary in body and flavor intensity based on the growing conditions.

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18
Q

What is the most planted white variety in British Columbia?

A

Pinot Gris

It is generally made in dry or off-dry styles with tropical and stone-fruit flavors.

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19
Q

What grape variety is known for its high acidity and is widely used for Icewine in Ontario?

A

Vidal Blanc

It provides tropical and soft fruit flavors, balancing the sweetness of Icewine.

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20
Q

Which grape variety is Ontario’s most prestigious red variety?

A

Pinot Noir

It is often used for top-tier wines and exhibits layered cherry flavors.

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21
Q

What is the most important variety in Nova Scotia?

A

L’Acadie Blanc

It is widely used in Tidal Bay wines and the province’s sparkling wines.

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22
Q

What is the climate adaptation advantage of hybrid grape varieties in Quebec?

A

Cold tolerance

Hybrid varieties are generally more tolerant of cold than vinifera, making them suitable for Quebec’s climate.

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23
Q

What are the geographical indicators (GIs) of British Columbia?

A
  • Fraser Valley
  • Gulf Islands
  • Kootenays
  • Lillooet
  • Okanagan Valley
  • Shuswap
  • Similkameen Valley
  • Thompson Valley
  • Vancouver Island

Okanagan Valley GI is the most important, representing about 86% of British Columbia’s vineyard area.

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24
Q

What is the impact of climate change on grape harvests in Okanagan Valley GI?

A

Severe cold temperatures causing long-term damage to vines

In December 2022, 45% of vines suffered damage, leading to a significant drop in wine production.

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25
What is the **main influence** on the climate of Okanagan Valley GI?
Okanagan Lake ## Footnote The lake moderates temperatures, providing a suitable environment for grape growing.
26
What percentage of vines suffered long-term damage in **December 2022** in Okanagan Valley GI?
45% ## Footnote This damage was due to extremely cold temperatures affecting grape harvests.
27
In what year is it expected that there will be virtually no **wine production** in Okanagan Valley GI?
2024 ## Footnote This expectation follows the return of frigid temperatures in January 2024.
28
What is the impact of **forest wildfires** on wineries in the past decade?
High risk of smoke in vineyards and smoke taint in finished wines ## Footnote Although only a small number of wineries have been directly affected.
29
How many **sub-GIs** are there in Okanagan Valley GI?
11 ## Footnote These sub-GIs are designated to acknowledge districts with distinctive climatic conditions.
30
The **Golden Mile Bench** sub-GI was established in what year?
2015 ## Footnote It is located on the west side of the valley, south of the town of Oliver.
31
What are the main grape varieties planted in the **Golden Mile Bench** sub-GI?
* Merlot * Cabernet Franc * Pinot Gris * Chardonnay ## Footnote The area is known for its cooler climate due to its geographical orientation.
32
What is the total area of vineyards in the **Golden Mile Slopes** sub-GI?
165 hectares (400 acres) ## Footnote This sub-GI includes vineyards around Deadman Lake.
33
Which grape varieties account for nearly half the acreage in the **Golden Mile Slopes** sub-GI?
* Merlot * Cabernet Franc ## Footnote Other important grapes include Syrah and Pinot Gris.
34
The **Naramata Bench** sub-GI is located at the southern end of which lake?
Okanagan Lake ## Footnote It runs from the city of Penticton to the community of Naramata.
35
What are the main grape varieties cultivated in the **Naramata Bench** sub-GI?
* Merlot * Pinot Gris * Chardonnay * Pinot Noir ## Footnote The area benefits from lake breezes that help mitigate frost.
36
What is the total area of vineyards in the **Okanagan Falls** sub-GI?
160 hectares (400 acres) ## Footnote This sub-GI is known for its diversity of soils and mesoclimates.
37
What are the main grape varieties in the **Skaha Bench** sub-GI?
* Chardonnay * Merlot * Pinot Gris * Pinot Noir ## Footnote The area benefits from long frost-free periods due to its geographical features.
38
The **East Kelowna Slopes** sub-GI is located southeast of which city?
Kelowna ## Footnote It features northwest-facing slopes and terraces.
39
What are the key grape varieties planted in the **Lake Country** sub-GI?
* Pinot Noir * Pinot Gris * Riesling * Chardonnay ## Footnote This sub-GI is the northernmost in Okanagan Valley.
40
What is the total area of vineyards in the **South Kelowna Slopes** sub-GI?
120 hectares (300 acres) ## Footnote This area benefits from the moderating influence of Okanagan Lake.
41
What are the main grape varieties in the **Summerland Bench** sub-GI?
* Gewürztraminer * Pinot Noir * Pinot Gris * Chardonnay ## Footnote The area contains an extinct volcano, Giant’s Head Mountain.
42
How many hectares are planted in the **Similkameen Valley GI**?
310 hectares (770 acres) ## Footnote This GI features varied soils and distinct mesoclimates.
43
What are the main grape varieties planted in the **Vancouver Island GI**?
* Ortega * Bacchus * Gewürztraminer ## Footnote This GI has about 30 wineries, with many located in the Cowichan Valley.
44
The **Cowichan Valley** sub-GI was created in what year?
2020 ## Footnote It became the first sub-GI outside the Okanagan Valley.
45
What are the main grape varieties in the **Gulf Islands GI**?
* Pinot Noir * Pinot Gris * Chardonnay * Gewürztraminer * Ortega ## Footnote This GI comprises several islands in the Strait of Georgia.
46
What is the main climatic influence in the **Fraser Valley GI**?
The ocean ## Footnote It moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frosts.
47
How many wineries are there in the **Thompson Valley GI**?
4 ## Footnote This GI was created in 2018 and has about 40 hectares of vines.
48
What is the total area of vineyards in the **Kootenays GI**?
50 hectares (125 acres) ## Footnote This GI is located east of Okanagan Valley GI.
49
What effect do the **Coast Mountains** provide?
Rain shadow effect ## Footnote This geographical feature influences local climate conditions.
50
In what year was the **GI** created that has only four wineries?
2018 ## Footnote This GI has about 40 hectares (100 acres) of vines.
51
Name the **key grapes** included in the GI with four wineries.
* Pinot Noir * Riesling * Chardonnay * Marquette * Maréchal Foch ## Footnote These varieties are significant for the region's wine production.
52
Where is the **Kootenays GI** located in relation to the **Okanagan Valley GI**?
East ## Footnote Vineyards are situated along the Kootenay River, the Arrow Lakes, and Kootenay Lake.
53
How many wineries are in the **Kootenays GI**?
Five ## Footnote The GI encompasses roughly 50 hectares (125 acres) of vineyards.
54
What are the main varieties planted in the **Kootenays GI**?
* Pinot Noir * Pinot Gris * Riesling * Gewürztraminer ## Footnote These varieties contribute to the region's wine profile.
55
What is the climate like in the **Lillooet GI**?
Long, hot, dry summers with cooler nights ## Footnote This climate is similar to parts of the Okanagan Valley.
56
How many wineries are there in the **Lillooet GI**?
Two ## Footnote This GI has about 20 hectares (50 acres) of vines.
57
Name the main varieties in the **Lillooet GI**.
* Riesling * Pinot Noir * Cabernet Franc * Chardonnay * Pinot Gris ## Footnote These varieties are cultivated in the region.
58
What is the geographical feature of the **Shuswap GI**?
Shuswap Lake ## Footnote This region includes some of the northernmost vineyards in North America.
59
How many wineries are in the **Shuswap GI**?
Nine ## Footnote The GI cultivates just over 40 hectares (about 100 acres) of vines.
60
What are the main varieties planted in the **Shuswap GI**?
* Maréchal Foch * Ortega * Siegerrebe * Pinot Noir ## Footnote These varieties are suited to the region's cool growing conditions.
61
What is the **most populous province** in Canada?
Ontario ## Footnote Ontario has 15 million of Canada's 40 million national population.
62
What are the **three viticultural areas** in Ontario?
* Niagara Peninsula * Lake Erie North Shore * Prince Edward County ## Footnote All are influenced by one of the Great Lakes.
63
The **southern end** of Niagara Peninsula GI is marked by which river?
Niagara River ## Footnote This river marks the border with the US.
64
True or false: The **Niagara Peninsula** is technically an isthmus.
TRUE ## Footnote It is referred to as a peninsula but is geographically an isthmus.
65
What is the **average growing degree-days** for Niagara Peninsula GI?
1,590 ## Footnote This places it in the same broad category as Bordeaux and Alsace.
66
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in Niagara Peninsula GI?
* Riesling * Chardonnay * Cabernet Franc * Gamay * Pinot Noir ## Footnote These varieties thrive in the cool-climate grapegrowing region.
67
What are the **10 sub-GIs** of the Niagara Peninsula?
* Beamsville Bench * Twenty Mile Bench * Short Hills Bench * Lincoln Lakeshore * Creek Shores * Vinemount Ridge * Niagara Lakeshore * Four Mile Creek * St. David’s Bench * Niagara River ## Footnote These sub-GIs were defined to highlight local conditions.
68
What is the **smallest sub-GI** in the Niagara Peninsula?
Beamsville Bench ## Footnote It occupies one of the benches extending from the Niagara Escarpment.
69
The **Twenty Mile Bench** sub-GI is named for its distance from which river?
Niagara River ## Footnote It is located 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of the estuary of the Niagara River.
70
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Twenty Mile Bench?
* Cabernet Franc * Pinot Noir * Riesling * Chardonnay ## Footnote These varieties benefit from long sun exposure and lake breezes.
71
What is the **main characteristic** of the Short Hills Bench sub-GI?
Softly undulating, flat-topped hills ## Footnote It has 90% of the Niagara Peninsula’s rare south- and southeast-facing vineyards.
72
What are the **main varieties** planted in the Short Hills Bench?
* Chardonnay * Pinot Noir * Gamay ## Footnote This sub-GI is one of the warmest areas on the Niagara Peninsula.
73
What is the **easternmost sub-GI** of the Niagara Peninsula?
St. David’s Bench ## Footnote It is located 10 kilometers from the shore of Lake Ontario.
74
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the St. David’s Bench?
* Chardonnay * Pinot Noir * Merlot * Syrah ## Footnote This sub-GI benefits from effective drainage and moderate temperatures.
75
What is the **southern boundary** of the Niagara Lakeshore sub-GI?
3 kilometers from Lake Ontario ## Footnote It benefits from the interaction of the lake and the escarpment.
76
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Niagara Lakeshore?
* Riesling * Sauvignon Blanc * Cabernet Sauvignon ## Footnote The sub-GI has a long growing season for late-ripening varieties.
77
What is the **largest sub-GI** of the Niagara Peninsula?
Four Mile Creek ## Footnote It is known for its red wines.
78
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Four Mile Creek?
* Chardonnay * Riesling * Pinot Noir ## Footnote The conditions allow for the cultivation of many varieties.
79
What is the **climatic influence** of the Niagara River sub-GI?
Convection currents from the river ## Footnote These currents draw cooler air into the region.
80
What is the **eastern boundary** of the Niagara River sub-GI?
Niagara River ## Footnote The sub-GI starts at Niagara-on-the-Lake and ends at Queenston.
81
What are the **main climatic influences** on the Niagara River sub-GI?
* Niagara River * Lake Ontario ## Footnote The river creates convection currents that moderate vineyard temperatures.
82
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Niagara River sub-GI?
* Riesling * Merlot * Cabernet Franc * Cabernet Sauvignon ## Footnote The sub-GI has six wineries.
83
What is the **northern boundary** of the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-GI?
Shore of Lake Ontario ## Footnote The southern limit is the foot of the bluffs formed by the Beamsville Bench.
84
What are the **main climatic influences** on the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-GI?
* Lake Ontario * Seasonal streams ## Footnote These factors contribute to a long growing season with moderate temperatures.
85
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Lincoln Lakeshore sub-GI?
* Cabernet Franc * Chardonnay * Pinot Gris * Merlot ## Footnote The sub-GI has 13 wineries.
86
What is the **geographical feature** that surrounds the Creek Shores sub-GI?
Water on three sides ## Footnote It is bordered by Lake Ontario and two creeks.
87
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Creek Shores sub-GI?
* Gamay * Cabernet Franc * Chardonnay * Riesling ## Footnote The sub-GI has 10 wineries.
88
What is unique about the **Vinemount Ridge sub-GI** compared to other Niagara Peninsula sub-GIs?
It sits on top of the Niagara Escarpment ## Footnote This sub-GI has a relatively short growing season.
89
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in the Vinemount Ridge sub-GI?
* Riesling * Pinot Noir * Chardonnay ## Footnote The sub-GI has seven wineries.
90
What is the **latitude** of Prince Edward County GI?
44 degrees north ## Footnote This makes it Ontario's northernmost GI.
91
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in Prince Edward County GI?
* Pinot Noir * Chardonnay * Cabernet Franc * Pinot Gris ## Footnote The region has seen significant growth in wineries since the 1990s.
92
What is the **southernmost inhabited territory** in Canada?
Pelee Island ## Footnote It is part of the South Islands sub-GI.
93
What are the **main grape varieties** grown in Lake Erie North Shore GI?
* Cabernet Franc * Riesling * Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot ## Footnote The GI has 16 wineries.
94
What is the **growing season** like on Pelee Island compared to the mainland?
About 30 days longer ## Footnote This benefits late-ripening varieties.
95
What are the **emerging regions** in Ontario for viticulture?
* Norfolk * Haldimand * Georgian Bay * Huron Shores ## Footnote These regions have potential for future GI status.
96
What is the **per-capita rate of wine consumption** in Quebec compared to British Columbia and Ontario?
* Quebec: 24 liters * British Columbia: 18 liters * Ontario: 14 liters ## Footnote Quebec has the highest per-capita wine consumption in Canada.
97
How many **wineries** are there in Quebec?
About 150 ## Footnote Most of these wineries are small producers.
98
When did the **modern Quebec wine industry** begin?
1980s ## Footnote This period saw renewed interest in viticulture.
99
What significant changes occurred in the Quebec wine industry since **2000**?
* Deliberate matching of varieties and sites * Certification of quality in 2009 * Adoption of IGP wine law in 2018 * Increased professionalism ## Footnote These changes improved the quality and organization of the industry.
100
What is the main **challenge** faced by Quebec wineries?
Very cold winters ## Footnote Temperatures can fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius, which can kill vinifera vines.
101
Which regions in Quebec are expected to benefit from **climate change** for viticulture?
* Montérégie region * West near Gatineau * Near the banks of the St. Lawrence River ## Footnote These areas may have longer growing seasons and more frost-free days.
102
What are the **nine largely informal regions** identified in Quebec based on geographic and climatic features?
* Vallée des Outaouais * Deux-Montagnes * Vallée-du-Richelieu * Piémont Appalachien Sud * Piémont Appalachien Nord * Versants Montérégiens * Plateaux des Appalaches * Lac Saint-Pierre * Québec et les Berges du Saint-Laurent ## Footnote These regions have varying soils and climates affecting viticulture.
103
What type of **soils** are found in the Vallée des Outaouais region?
Sand, gravel, and pebbles ## Footnote These soils are the residue of postglacial seas.
104
What is the **climate** like in the Deux-Montagnes region?
Continental with cold winters and hot summers ## Footnote The region has four bodies of water that moderate temperatures.
105
Which valley in Quebec has the **most frost-free days**?
Vallée-du-Richelieu ## Footnote It has between 205 and 212 frost-free days annually.
106
What are the **main grape varieties** cultivated in Nova Scotia?
* L’Acadie Blanc (30%) * New York Muscat (8%) * Chardonnay (7%) * Riesling (6%) * Vidal Blanc (5%) ## Footnote These five varieties account for 56% of the total harvest tonnage.
107
How many **wineries** are there in Nova Scotia?
20 ## Footnote This number has decreased from a peak of 22 in 2015.
108
What is the **most important wine area** in Nova Scotia?
Annapolis Valley ## Footnote It is the warmest wine area in Nova Scotia.
109
What is the **best-known white wine** from Nova Scotia?
Tidal Bay ## Footnote It is a blend of hybrid varieties regulated by law.
110
What is the **average number of growing degree-days** in Nova Scotia?
1,000 ## Footnote This average affects the growing conditions for grapes.
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