Canadian wine is an alcoholic beverage made from grapes grown primarily in southern British Columbia and Ontario. The wine industry has developed over two centuries, with ice wine being the most recognized product internationally.
How it is made
Canadian wine is made from various grape varieties, including Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and Vitis riparia. The production of ice wine, a speciality, involves harvesting grapes at freezing temperatures and pressing them while frozen to concentrate the sugars and flavors.
History
Canadian wine production began over two hundred years ago when early settlers attempted to grow European grape varieties with mixed success. Initially, they focused on native varieties and hybrids. In the 1800s, wine production in Ontario became significant through exports to England. The industry faced challenges during Prohibition but saw growth in the 1960s with a shift toward dry table wines. Key developments in 1988 included trade agreements, quality standards (VQA), and vine improvement programs.
Types and styles
Major wine-producing regions in Canada include Ontario wine, British Columbia wine, Nova Scotia wine, and Prince Edward County wine. Ice wine is the most internationally recognized Canadian wine product, potentially offering more complex aromas and flavor profiles than wines from warmer regions.
How it is served
Canadian wine is served both domestically and exported to markets including the United States, Europe, and Asia. While Canadian producers hold less than 50% of the domestic wine market, wine's overall market share continues to grow against other alcoholic beverages.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Виноделие в Канаде, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Styles and varieties
- Ontario wine
- British Columbia wine
- Nova Scotia wine
- Prince Edward County wine