What is the name of the category of Canadian wines

Canadian wines have been gaining recognition worldwide for their quality and unique characteristics. With a diverse range of wine regions and grape varieties, Canada has established a reputation for producing exceptional wines. But what exactly is the name of the category under which Canadian wines fall? Let’s explore the official classification system for Canadian wines.

In Canada, the category of wines is known as the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). VQA is an umbrella organization that governs and regulates the production and sale of Canadian wines made from locally grown grapes. It is primarily responsible for ensuring the quality and authenticity of these wines.

Established in the 1980s, VQA’s main objective is to promote domestically grown grapes and ensure strict standards are followed throughout the winemaking process. VQA works closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to enforce regulations that protect the interest of consumers and maintain the integrity of Canadian wines.

One of the key criteria for a wine to receive the VQA designation is that it must be made from at least 100% Canadian-grown grapes. This assures consumers that the wine they are purchasing is truly representative of Canadian viticulture. However, VQA allows for some flexibility with blending regulations, allowing winemakers to add a small percentage of international varieties to their wines while still maintaining the majority of the blend from Canadian grapes.

Furthermore, wineries must adhere to specific winemaking practices and techniques to produce wines that meet the VQA standards. These standards encompass various factors such as grape varietal composition, vineyard management practices, harvesting, and production techniques. By ensuring these guidelines are followed, VQA aims to guarantee consistency and high quality across Canadian wines.

The VQA designation also provides an indication of the wine’s origin, as it requires labeling with a specific appellation or sub-appellation. Canada has several designated wine regions, each with its own distinctive terroir and microclimate. By indicating the wine’s origin on the label, consumers can better understand and appreciate the unique characteristics associated with a specific wine region.

While VQA represents the category of Canadian wines primarily made from domestically grown grapes, it is worth mentioning that there are non-VQA wines in Canada as well. These wines often fall into the category of Vin de Table, which is a broader classification that encompasses wines made from both domestic and imported grapes. While these wines may not carry the same strict regulations and quality standards as VQA wines, they offer an alternative for winemakers to experiment with different grape varieties and winemaking styles.

In conclusion, the name of the category for Canadian wines is the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA). This designation ensures that wines are made predominantly from Canadian-grown grapes and meet specific quality and production standards. The VQA label on Canadian wines provides consumers with confidence in the wine’s authenticity and represents the diverse and thriving Canadian wine industry.