Canada is certainly a wine producing country with an already established reputation for quality. While still developing in terms of global recognition, Canada's wine industry is producing exceptional wines, particularly when it comes to Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and the famous Ice Wine.
It’s very refreshing to hear somms and service personnel in restaurants offer Canadian wines with such enthusiasm and excitement. It seems that dry reds and whites are great options at dinner tables for every day enjoyment.
A Growing Reputation
Canada has been producing wine for over a century, but it wasn’t until the last few decades that it began to gain serious attention on the international stage. The country’s relatively small wine industry has remained somewhat under the radar. However, Canadian wines are now recognized for their high quality. In particular, dry wines like Rieslings and Pinot Noirs are considered jewels of Canadian production, offering balanced acidity, fresh fruit flavors, and subtle minerality.
Native and International Grape Varieties
Canada's wine regions produce a fascinating blend of local and international grape varieties, creating a unique profile for their wines:
- Riesling: Often dry or off-dry, Canadian Rieslings are crisp and acidic, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and hints of minerality. They can compare to the best of Germany’s Mosel region in terms of quality.
- Pinot Noir: Known for its light body and elegance, Canadian Pinot Noir offers flavors of red fruits, earth, and spices. Its cool-climate origins allow for more refined and balanced versions, similar to those found in Burgundy.
- Local Hybrids: Grapes like Vidal and Baco Noir, hybrid varieties developed for cooler climates, are also widely grown. They are often blended with international varieties to produce unique, approachable wines with a blend of fruitiness and structure.
This mix of hybrid and international grapes contributes to Canada's diverse wine profiles. For instance, Vidal is often used in ice wine production due to its thick skin and resilience, while red grapes like Baco Noir bring a rustic, fruity character to many red blends.
Canadian Wine Regions and Appellations
Canada’s wine regions are diverse, spanning several provinces, but the most important appellations are:
- Ontario: The Niagara Peninsula is one of the country’s top wine-producing regions, known for its Rieslings, Chardonnays, and Ice Wines. Ontario’s cool climate and diverse soils allow for excellent expressions of both red and white wines.
- British Columbia: The Okanagan Valley produces a wide variety of wines, from full-bodied reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc to refreshing white wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The unique microclimates and dry conditions create bold, expressive wines.
- Quebec: While often less recognized than Ontario or British Columbia, Quebec’s wine industry is rapidly developing, with cool-climate wines that have their own distinct character. Whites like Seyval Blanc and Riesling, and reds like Frontenac, thrive in the province’s cooler, northern climate. The winemakers in Quebec focus on producing crisp, fresh wines that reflect the region's terroir.
Ice Wine: Canada's Signature Treasure
No discussion about Canadian wine would be complete without mentioning Ice Wine, the country’s most famous export. Ice Wine is made from grapes that are left on the vine to freeze naturally in winter, usually at temperatures of at least -8°C (17°F). The frozen grapes are harvested and pressed while still frozen, extracting only the most concentrated juice. This process results in intensely sweet and flavorful wines with rich notes of honey, tropical fruits, and lychee.
Canada’s cold winters provide ideal conditions for Ice Wine production, and Ontario is especially renowned for it. The Vidal grape is often used for Ice Wine because of its resilience and thick skin, although Riesling and Cabernet Franc are also popular varieties for this style.
Quebec’s Wine Scene
Quebec’s wine industry, while smaller and younger than other provinces, is gaining attention for its cool-climate wines. The short growing season, paired with cold winters, makes Quebec ideal for sparkling wines and crisp whites like Riesling, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal. The region is also home to excellent Ice Wine production due to its climate. Quebec’s wines are often elegant, fresh, and aromatic, a direct reflection of the province’s terroir.
Winemakers in Quebec often work with hybrid varieties that are better suited to withstand the harsh winters, including grapes like Frontenac, Maréchal Foch, and Sainte-Croix for reds. These wines tend to have a fruit-forward, bright acidity that works well with local cuisine, particularly cheeses and seafood.
Make sure you try some Canadian wines in your next dinner out. Please leave your comments and suggestions below.
Cheers!
