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CANADA HARVEST REPORT
By Carolyn Evans-Hammond, published on Decanter.com, 9/22/2003

Verdict

Producers in Ontario expect a drastically reduced crop size this year after extremely low temperatures in January, February and March. Sue Ann Staff, winemaker of Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara says, '[W]e will be left with just 30% of a typical crop this year.' Other Ontario vineyards may not be hit as badly. Donald Triggs, president and CEO of Vincor International—Canada's largest wine company, pegs the crop loss at about 40 per cent overall in Ontario. Pelee Island Winery is a notable exception with the harsh winter only affecting Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, and reducing the yield by merely 25% in those varieties.

Although yields may be down, producers are anticipating good quality wine. Donald Ziraldo, co-founder of Inniskillin Wines, says he expects. '…significantly high sugar levels due to the reduced crop load, especially in the red varietals.'

British Columbia anticipates a superb vintage from excellent weather this year. The raging forest fire that struck the Okanagan region in August only damaged one winery.

Weather

In Ontario, the temperatures rising in early March to about +2C then plummeting to about -16C overnight wreaked more havoc on vineyards than the severely cold winter, according to Sue Ann Staff. This deep freeze in March ravaged vines because natural protection mechanisms such as starch reserves had diminished. After the freeze in March, Ontario experienced a long, cool, moist spring followed by a seasonable summer and temperate autumn. Pelee Island Winery, due to its southerly location and microclimate, experienced milder winter and spring conditions than the rest of Ontario's vineyards.

'There is considerable variation by site location and clone so it is an excellent learning opportunity for the region,' says Ziraldo.

In contrast to the harsh weather in Ontario, British Columbia experienced optimal conditions. A mild winter with temperatures well above normal started the season, followed by a warm spring, a long hot summer and a mild autumn.

Production

Although vinifera crop loss will impact production levels, Ontario's valuable icewine is expected to be among the least affected because of the hardy nature of Vidal and Riesling. Only a 10% to 15% loss of icewine crop is expected. Less cold tolerant varieties were hit worse with producers expecting losses of up to 95% of Merlot, 50% of Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay loss will vary depending on the vines' clones and microclimates. Picking has been delayed in many areas due to unfavourable winter and spring weather conditions so precise production levels are yet to be confirmed.

British Columbian producers look forward to a prime vintage this year with an average size crop and good quality according to Donald Triggs.

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