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.
Tannat is a red grape variety from Béarn which belongs to the cotoïdes family. Present in several vineyards of France, it occupies nearly 3,000 ha. Its leaves are reddish with tan patches. Its bunches are either of normal size or larger. Its berries have a thin skin and are rounded. Its foliage has a swarthy appearance. This variety must be pruned long because it is vigorous. It likes sandy and gravelly soils. Tannat is often exposed to leafhoppers and mites. It is also somewhat susceptible to grey rot. It has 11 approved clones, including 474, 717 and 794. Once mature, this variety produces acidic, fruity, tannic, acidic and full-bodied wines. Various aromas emerge, notably tobacco, cinnamon and exotic wood. Tannat is rarely used alone. It is combined with iron-servadou to obtain a fruitier taste or with cabernet sauvignon to be more rounded.
wines from the region of Niagara-on-the-Lake go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of fondue bourguignonne and accompanying sauces, sauté of lamb or mediterranean lamb necklace.
On the nose in the region of Niagara-on-the-Lake often reveals types of flavors of pineapple, cream or grapefruit and sometimes also flavors of tropical, citrus or apples. In the mouth in the region of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a powerful with a nice freshness.
