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2 2 T H E W I N E V O Y A G E R • = Consult your representative for current pricing Pushing the northern boundary of where wine grapes can physically grow, the major- ity of the small wine production in Canada lies in southern Brit- ish Columbia and, most notably, Ontario. Relying on the Great Lakes to moderate the cold temperatures, the vineyards chal- lenge Mother Nature annually for their small harvest. Known primarily for luscious icewine, Canada's Vintners' Quality Alli- ance, or VQA, imposes strict regulations to ensure high quality. Icewine intent must be declared in November, and the grapes are harvested from the vine when temperatures reach at least -8 degrees Celcius. The warm summers and cold, but not too cold winters, allow this specialty wine to be produced in small quantities each year. DESSERT Wines DESSERT WINES 405897 JACKSON TRIGGS Vidal Icewine Reserve '14 187ML 12 $204.25 444964 INNISKILLIN Pearl Vidal Icewine '15 375ML 6 $264.06 401934 INNISKILLIN Riesling Icewine '14 375ML 6 $350.06 406650 INNISKILLIN Cabernet Franc Icewine '14 375ML 6 $450.06 Bottle Case Case Bin # Producer/Wine Size Pack Price Great for hunting, ice-fishing, pop singers and comedians, but not the first place you think of for wine. Wine has always made up a small percentage of Canada's alcoholic beverage intake, after whiskey and beer; but with the global increase in wine production and consumption, Canada's wines are finally showing up on the table. Over 50% of their production is devoted to Icewine, which has a large demand internationally; but over the last few years we have seen growth in other still wines, many from hybrid grapes. These blends of indigenous North American grapes (closely related to the Concord grape) with the standard Vitis vinifera grapes of Europe can survive Canada's harsh winter conditions yet create wines that are very palatable. The wines are mainly grown in three appellations, with British Columbia at the helm with the country's highest production (and where Vitis vinifera grapes are increasingly used), then Southern Ontario and a smaller but more impressive selection from Nova Scotia. Give this country time; if we give Canadian vintners a few more years to develop their craft—and if the Import tax can come down—we will be seeing more competition from the Canucks in this industry throughout the U.S. over the next decade. Erin Landsberg Wine Manager American Wine & Spirits Oh! Canada CANADA CANADA