Niagara-on-the-Lake is a regional VQA appellation in Ontario, Canada, on the southern shores of Lake Ontario and surrounded by water on three sides. It produces the largest Volume of ice wine in the world, more so than the style's homeland of Germany. Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Vidal are planted widely for this style.
There are around 20 wineries in operation here and international wine-producing powerhouses such as Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs and Peller Estate are collectively responsible for the majority of Canadian ice wines sold outside of Canada.
The consistent Climate is well suited to the production of ice wine. Its vineyards enjoy a growing season brought about by the temperature-moderating capacities of the lake.
Some Dry wines are also made in Niagara-on-the-Lake. These usually feature Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In terms of Size, the appellation is a middle ground between the broader Niagara Peninsula VQA and four smaller sub-appellations within its borders. These are Niagara Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek, Niagara River and St David's Bench.
The western boundary runs along the Welland Canal, a shipping facility that is an important Part of the St Lawrence Seaway. The high ridge of the Niagara Escarpment forms an obvious southern boundary, and the Niagara River separates Niagara-on-the-Lake from the US state of New York in the east.
Sémillon blanc is a grape variety that originated in France (Bordeaux). It produces a variety of grape specially used for wine making. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. Note that this grape variety can also be used for the elaboration of eaux de vie. This variety of vine is characterized by large bunches of grapes, and grapes of large size. Sémillon Blanc can be found in several vineyards: South-West, Languedoc & Roussillon, Cognac, Bordeaux, Armagnac, Provence & Corsica, Loire Valley, Rhone Valley, Savoie & Bugey, Beaujolais.
