Canadian Wines
Regions
Canadian wines are stylish, fresh, new world expressions.
Canada’s wine heartlands lie in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, with smaller pockets in Quebec and Nova Scotia. The Okanagan is known for its diverse microclimates and arid conditions, while Niagara enjoys a more continental climate with strong seasonal shifts.
Varietals
Canada is known for Icewine varietals – Riesling and Vidal Blanc – as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc
Icewine – Riesling, Vidal Blanc – World-famous, intensely sweet and balanced by bright acidity.
Pinot Noir – Delicate and expressive, especially from cooler sites.
Chardonnay – Both crisp and barrel-aged styles.
Cabernet Franc – Herbaceous, bright, and growing in popularity.
History
Canada’s wine history dates back to the 19th century but blossomed in the 1970s with the introduction of Vitis vinifera grapes. The international acclaim for Icewine in the ’80s put Canada on the global wine map. Since then, Canada has blossomed into a modern take on grapes from France, allowing intricate expressionist wines an environment to thrive in.