Ontario

The Canadian wine industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent decades, and Ontario is one of the leading figures in this transformation. It’s surprising to realize that the region lies at the same latitude as Languedoc or Chianti, since the temperatures and length of the growing season are so different. Because of the harsh winters, vines are grown on the edges of large bodies of water, which help to regulate the contrasts between the seasons. In winter, temperatures can drop below -20c, while in summer the mercury can reach over 35c. There are almost 7,000 hectares of vines, over 80% of which are Vinifera varieties, which have gained in popularity since the 1980s with better viticultural skills and practices adapted to the local climate. The Niagara Peninsula, the north shore of Lake Erie and Pelee Island are the regions where the vineyards are concentrated. In some areas, such as the Niagara Escarpment, the continental climate is similar to that of Burgundy, and we grow Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Gamay. Riesling, Pinot Gris and Zweigelt are also well represented, as are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in warmer regions. Finally, we can’t overlook the world-famous ice wines, made mainly from Vidal, an acidic hybrid grape variety that concentrates its sugars once the cold season arrives.