Best Wines in the World compared to best Canadian Wines

Nestled between the lush vineyards of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and the rolling hills of Niagara, Canadian wines have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the global wine scene. As winemakers across the country craft vintages that speak to the unique terroirs, Canada’s wines are garnering international acclaim. Let’s explore how Canadian wines compare to those from renowned wine-making countries, discovering which varietals stand out as some of the best in the world and how Canadian wines stand to the worlds mightiest.

Canada’s diverse climate, characterized by cool temperatures and varying terroirs, contributes to the unique character of its wines. Regions like the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario have become synonymous with cool-climate viticulture, yielding wines that showcase crisp acidity, vibrant fruit flavours, and a distinctive sense of place. Canada is renowned for its Icewine, a luxurious nectar that sets it apart on the global stage. The country’s cold winters provide the ideal conditions for producing Icewine, where grapes naturally freeze on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavors. Canadian Icewine, particularly from the Niagara region, is celebrated for its unparalleled sweetness, complexity, and exquisite balance. Is this the best known wine on international level? Let’s see first what are top international wines and can Canadian wines compare to the splendour of world wide bestsellers.

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Best of the Best

Wine superpowers are by far France, Spain and Italy. Mediterranean climate is known to be place where ancient civilizations cultivated wine grapes and made delicious wines. The earliest evidence of wine production dates to around 6000 BCE in the region of modern-day Georgia, where archaeologists discovered clay vessels containing traces of wine. The ancient Egyptians further refined winemaking techniques and elevated the status of wine. They associated wine with religious ceremonies, using it as an offering to their gods and incorporating it into burial rituals. The Greeks and Romans played a pivotal role in spreading viticulture throughout the Mediterranean. The Greeks established vineyards in colonies such as southern Italy, while the Romans refined grape cultivation and winemaking techniques.

Wine became a symbol of social status and refinement in ancient Rome. The Romans established vast vineyards across their empire, and wine became an integral part of daily life, from lavish banquets to medicinal use. As European explorers set sail in the Age of Exploration, they brought vines to the New World. Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in South America, while European settlers introduced winemaking to North America, particularly in California. The Renaissance witnessed a renewed interest in the arts and sciences, including winemaking. Innovations such as the use of barrels for aging and the classification of wine regions emerged during this period. France, particularly the regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, became synonymous with high-quality winemaking. The concept of terroir, the unique influence of soil and climate on wine, gained prominence.

The 20th century witnessed the globalization of wine. New World regions like California, Australia, and South America gained prominence. Advancements in technology, viticulture, and winemaking practices further elevated the quality and diversity of wines produced globally. Today, winemaking is a global industry with a rich tapestry of styles, grape varieties, and regions. From the Old World traditions of Europe to the dynamic New World expressions, winemaking continues to evolve, captivating enthusiasts around the globe.

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Wine making is global phenomenon in the 21 century, great wines can be found everywhere and almost every country on our planet is making their version of wine. As tasted defer lets see what are the most famous and most nominated wines.

Italy:

1. Barolo:
   • Often referred to as the “King of Wines,” Barolo hails from the Piedmont region. Made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, Barolo is known for its robust structure, complex aromas of red fruit, tar, and roses, and its ability to age gracefully.
2. Brunello di Montalcino:
   • Originating from Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino is crafted from Sangiovese grapes. This wine is celebrated for its rich, full-bodied character, intense cherry and berry flavors, and a distinctive earthiness. It’s renowned for its longevity and is typically aged for several years before release.

France:

1. Château Margaux (Bordeaux, France):
   • As one of the premier Grand Cru Classé estates in Bordeaux, Château Margaux produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends. Known for its elegance, finesse, and aging potential, Château Margaux wines are highly sought after by collectors.
2. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy, France):
   • Revered as one of the finest Burgundy producers, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti crafts exceptional Pinot Noir wines. La Tâche and Romanée-Conti are among their most iconic wines, known for their complexity, finesse, and rarity.

Spain:

1. Vega Sicilia Único (Ribera del Duero, Spain):
   • Often considered Spain’s flagship wine, Vega Sicilia Único is a blend dominated by Tempranillo. Known for its power, structure, and ability to age, Único is a wine of great depth with layers of dark fruit, spice, and tobacco.
2. Pingus (Ribera del Duero, Spain):
   • Pingus, produced by Peter Sisseck, has gained cult status for its exceptional quality. Made primarily from Tempranillo, Pingus wines are known for their concentration, richness, and a seamless integration of fruit and oak.

Portugal:

1. Porto Ferreira Vintage Port:
   • From the Douro Valley, Porto Ferreira Vintage Port represents the pinnacle of Portuguese fortified wines. These Ports are known for their richness, intense fruit flavors, and the ability to age for decades.
2. Quinta do Noval Nacional (Douro Valley, Portugal):
   • Quinta do Noval Nacional is an exceptional and rare Port wine produced from ungrafted vines. It is celebrated for its concentration, depth, and the unique expression of the Douro terroir.

Australia:

1. Penfolds Grange:
   • Hailing from South Australia, Penfolds Grange is an iconic Shiraz-based wine. Known for its opulence, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, Grange is a benchmark for Australian wine excellence.
2. Henschke Hill of Grace (Eden Valley, Australia):
   • Crafted from old-vine Shiraz, Henschke Hill of Grace is a wine of exceptional purity and elegance. It expresses the unique terroir of the Eden Valley, showcasing notes of dark fruit, spice, and a seamless integration of oak.

Argentina:

1. Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino:
   • Catena Zapata is a pioneer in high-altitude winemaking in Argentina. The Malbec Argentino is a flagship wine known for its concentration, velvety texture, and the expression of the Mendoza terroir.
2. Bodega Norton Privada:
   • A Bordeaux-style blend from Mendoza, Bodega Norton Privada showcases the richness and complexity of Argentine wines. It typically blends Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine with depth and structure.

California (USA):

1. Opus One (Napa Valley, USA):
   • A collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi, Opus One is an iconic Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blend. Known for its elegance, balance, and aging potential, Opus One is a symbol of fine wine craftsmanship.
2. Screaming Eagle (Napa Valley, USA):
   • Among the most sought-after and expensive wines globally, Screaming Eagle is a cult Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Known for its limited production, intensity, and opulence, it has achieved legendary status in the world of fine wines.

Other countries like Chile, Greece, Bosnia, South Africa, New Zeland, Turkey and many more make great wines and are world known.

Canadian best sellers and world nominated wines

1. Icewine:

Canada, particularly the Niagara region in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, is renowned for its Icewine. Inniskillin Winery’s Vidal Icewine from Niagara has received international acclaim, winning numerous awards for its luscious sweetness and balanced acidity. As Canada is known for it’s wintery glory, winter sports like ice hockey, curling, future skating and skiing, many wine lovers connect Canada to ice wine, a natural blend of wine and winters in Canada.

2. Red Blends:

Some Canadian wineries have gained attention for their exceptional red blends. CheckMate Artisanal Winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley produces high-quality Bordeaux-style red blends, earning accolades for their complexity and elegance. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from Burrowing Owl Estate Winery won a gold medal in the Paris-based 2017 International Competition of Cabernets (Concours International Des Cabernets, or CIDC).

3. Norman Hardie Chardonnay:

Norman Hardie Winery, located in Prince Edward County, Ontario, is known for its Chardonnay wines. The Norman Hardie County Chardonnay has received recognition for its Burgundian-style elegance, reflecting the cool-climate terroir of the region.

4. Le Clos Jordanne Pinot Noir:

Le Clos Jordanne, situated in the Niagara Peninsula, has been praised for its Pinot Noir wines. The winery’s Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir has garnered attention for its finesse, showcasing the potential of Canadian Pinot Noir on the global stage.

5. Benjamin Bridge Nova 7:

Benjamin Bridge, located in Nova Scotia, has gained acclaim for its sparkling wines. The Benjamin Bridge Nova 7, a sparkling wine with a touch of effervescence, has earned praise for its unique profile and has become a symbol of Nova Scotia’s burgeoning wine industry.

6. Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus:

Mission Hill Family Estate, located in the Okanagan Valley, is recognized for its premium wines. The Mission Hill Oculus, a Bordeaux-style blend, has received awards for its complexity and age-worthy characteristics.

7. Stratus Red:

Stratus Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is known for its commitment to sustainability. The Stratus Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varieties, has been recognized for its depth and structure.

8. Tawse Winery Sparkling Riesling:

Tawse Winery in Niagara has garnered attention for its organic and biodynamic practices. The Tawse Sparkling Riesling, with its vibrant acidity and delicate bubbles, has received accolades for its quality.

9. L’Arcadia Blanc Brut:

The sparkling wine L’Acadie Blanc, a blend of Cascade and Seyve-Villard, won a gold medal for L’Acadie Vineyards’ Prestige Brut 2017 from Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia.

It’s essential to note that the Canadian wine industry is dynamic and continually evolving. New and exciting wines emerge regularly, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a producer of high-quality wines on the world stage. Additionally, the availability of Canadian wines in global markets has increased, allowing wine enthusiasts worldwide to explore and appreciate the diversity and excellence that Canadian winemakers have to offer.

Even though Canada is not wine making super power, yet Canadian wine makers are one of the top wine specialists in the world, making great wines for Canadian as well as international consumers. As time progresses, Canadian wines such as Ice wine and other great internationally awarded wines get more fame among enthusiasts worldwide. Because of Canada’s extraordinary geographic diversity, a wide range of grape varieties may be produced there, producing an enormous variety of wines.

Full-bodied red wines like cabernets, merlots, and syrahs are well suited to the warm, dry climate of British Columbia’s South Okanagan wine region. Meanwhile, the Niagara region is known for producing some of the best white wines in the world along with leaner reds like gamays and pinot noirs due to its lengthy growing season and wide variations in temperature and precipitation from year to year.

Given that Western European wine countries have a more developed wine industry than Canada, the country’s winemakers are keen to test out new blends and styles in an effort to differentiate their country on the global scene.