Wine Regions of Canada
Canada produces some light, elegant flavours from classic cool-climate grapes. Pinot Noir and Merlot make pleasant, juicy reds; whites are mild, spicy Pinot Gris, nutty Chardonnay and crisp, citrussy Riesling. There are also some hybrid vines grown, producing simple, perfumed, jammy reds and off-dry whites.
Location
The vineyards are in the south, hugging the shores of the Great Lakes, and also near the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Grapes
- Red: Pinot Noir, Merlot and hybrids. Cabernet Franc for icewine.
- White: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and hybrids. Riesling and Vidal for icewine.
Look Out For
VQA: Vintners Quality Alliance, an organisation which enforces high quality standards.
Canada is primarily known for its icewine - sweet white made from Riesling or Vidal grapes picked when the temperature drops and freezes them on the vines. They are pressed before they defrost, with the result that the water content stays behind in the press, concentrating all the flavour. It's a distinctive wine, both exceptionally sweet and exceptionally tart.