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O. Reg. 193/11: Rules of Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario Relating to Terms for VQA Wine
filed June 3, 2011 under Vintners Quality Alliance Act, 1999, S.O. 1999, c. 3
Skip to contentontario regulation 193/11
made under the
vintners quality alliance act, 1999
Made: May 27, 2011
Approved: June 1, 2011
Filed: June 3, 2011
Published on e-Laws: June 7, 2011
Printed in The Ontario Gazette: June 18, 2011
Amending O. Reg. 406/00
(Rules of Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario Relating to Terms for VQA Wine)
1. Clause 3 (1) (d) of Ontario Regulation 406/00 is amended by striking out “as delivered at harvest”.
2. (1) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by striking out item 1 under the subheading “Geographical Indication VQA –Provincial Designation –VQA” in Column 1 and substituting the following:
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1. Ontario |
100% of the grapes used to produce the wine shall be grown in Ontario and be of varieties listed in Appendix B. The wine shall be entirely fermented, processed, blended, finished and bottled in Ontario. |
VQA — Ontario — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape variety or varieties, or proprietary name if wine made from 100% vitis vinifera varieties |
Except for fortified wines, liqueur wines and méthode cuve close sparkling wines, a provincially designated wine produced from one or more vitis vinifera grape varieties that is produced and labelled as a varietal wine (single-varietal, dual-varietal, triple-varietal or multi-varietal) or as a non-varietal wine, and only references vitis vinifera grape varieties on the label, shall not contain wine produced from hybrid grape varieties. |
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A provincially designated wine produced from one or more hybrid grape varieties shall be produced and labelled as a varietal wine (single-varietal, dual-varietal, triple-varietal or multi-varietal) and may contain wine produced from vitis vinifera grape varieties, in accordance with this Table. |
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A provincially designated wine produced from a combination of hybrid and vitis vinifera grape varieties shall be produced and labelled as a dual-varietal, triple-varietal or multi-varietal wine in accordance with the requirements for varietal wines in this Table. |
(2) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by striking out items 1, 2 and 3 under the subheading “Varietal Wine” in Column 1 and substituting the following:
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1. Single Varietal Wine |
The wine shall be a varietal wine whose varietal content is primarily one grape variety and where at least 85% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the single grape variety named on the label.
The amount of sweet reserve used in making the wine shall be included in the calculation when determining the varietal content of a varietal wine. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape variety |
Only grape variety or varieties listed in item 1 and subitem 2 i of Appendix B shall be indicated on the label.
A numerical description contained in the name of a grape variety shall not be used on the label.
Hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B shall only be allowed for use in the production of, i. a provincially designated varietal wine that declares the name of one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B on the label but only in such volume as is permitted for the undeclared portion of a varietal wine as the case requires, or ii. a méthode cuve close sparkling wine.
A wine produced from one or more vitis vinifera grape varieties that is labelled as a varietal wine and only references vitis vinifera varieties on the label shall not contain wine produced from hybrid grape varieties.
A wine produced from one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B that is labelled as a varietal wine may contain wine produced from vitis vinifera grape varieties.
Varietal wines containing hybrid grapes shall only be entitled to a provincial designation.
The declared variety or varieties shall be listed on the label in descending order of quantity, in identical type and identically displayed.
Nothing shall be appended to a varietal name or names that may confuse or mislead the consumer as to the name of a grape variety.
The term Musqué shall not be used except in the context of the varietal name Chardonnay Musqué.
The term Fumé shall not be used except in the context of the synonym Fumé Blanc used for the varietal name Sauvignon Blanc.
A proprietary name may appear on the label in conjunction with a named grape variety or varieties. |
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2. Dual Varietal Wine |
The wine shall be a varietal wine whose varietal content is primarily two grape varieties where at least 90% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the two grape varieties named on the label and at least 15% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the second of the two grape varieties named on the label.
The amount of sweet reserve used in making the wine shall be included in the calculation when determining the varietal content of a varietal wine. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape varieties |
Only the grape variety or varieties listed in item 1 and subitem 2 i of Appendix B shall be indicated on the label.
A numerical description contained in the name of a grape variety shall not be used on the label.
Hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 ii of Appendix B shall only be allowed for use in the production of, i. a provincially designated varietal wine that declares the name of one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B on the label but only in such volume as is permitted for the undeclared portion of a varietal wine as the case requires, or ii. a méthode cuve close sparkling wine.
A wine produced from one or more vitis vinifera grape varieties that is labelled as a varietal wine and only references vitis vinifera varieties on the label shall not contain wine produced from hybrid grape varieties.
A wine produced from one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B that is labelled as a varietal wine may contain wine produced from vitis vinifera grape varieties.
Varietal wines containing hybrid grapes shall only be entitled to a provincial designation.
The declared variety or varieties shall be listed on the label in descending order of quantity, in identical type and identically displayed.
Nothing shall be appended to a varietal name or names that may confuse or mislead the consumer as to the name of a grape variety.
The term Musqué shall not be used except in the context of the varietal name Chardonnay Musqué.
The term Fumé shall not be used except in the context of the synonym Fumé Blanc used for the varietal name Sauvignon Blanc.
A proprietary name may appear on the label in conjunction with a named grape variety or varieties. |
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3. Triple Varietal Wine |
The wine shall be a varietal wine whose varietal content is primarily three grape varieties where at least 95% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the three grape varieties named on the label, at least 15% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the second of the three grape varieties named on the label and at least 10% of the total wine by volume is derived from the third of the three grape varieties named on the label.
The amount of sweet reserve used in making the wine shall be included in the calculation when determining the varietal content of a varietal wine. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape varieties |
Only the grape variety or varieties listed in item 1 and subitem 2 i of Appendix B shall be indicated on the label.
A numerical description contained in the name of a grape variety shall not be used on the label. Hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 ii of Appendix B shall only be allowed for use in the production of, i. a provincially designated varietal wine that declares the name of one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B on the label but only in such volume as is permitted for the undeclared portion of a varietal wine as the case requires, or ii. a méthode cuve close sparkling wine.
A wine produced from one or more vitis vinifera grape varieties that is labelled as a varietal wine and only references vitis vinifera varieties on the label shall not contain wine produced from hybrid grape varieties.
A wine produced from one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B that is labelled as a varietal wine may contain wine produced from vitis vinifera grape varieties.
Varietal wines containing hybrid grapes shall only be entitled to a provincial designation.
The declared variety or varieties shall be listed on the label in descending order of quantity, in identical type and identically displayed.
Nothing shall be appended to a varietal name or names that may confuse or mislead the consumer as to the name of a grape variety.
The term Musqué shall not be used except in the context of the varietal name Chardonnay Musqué.
The term Fumé shall not be used except in the context of the synonym Fumé Blanc used for the varietal name Sauvignon Blanc.
A proprietary name may appear on the label in conjunction with a named grape variety or varieties. |
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4. Multi Varietal Wine |
The wine shall be a varietal wine whose varietal content is primarily four or more grape varieties where at least 95% of the total wine by volume at a temperature of 20°C is derived from the four or more grape varieties named on the label.
The amount of sweet reserve used in making the wine shall be included in the calculation when determining the varietal content of a varietal wine. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape varieties |
Only the grape variety or varieties listed in item 1 and subitem 2 i of Appendix B shall be indicated on the label.
A numerical description contained in the name of a grape variety shall not be used on the label.
Hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 ii of Appendix B shall only be allowed for use in the production of, i. a provincially designated varietal wine that declares the name of one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B on the label but only in such volume as is permitted for the undeclared portion of a varietal wine as the case requires, or ii. a méthode cuve close sparkling wine.
A wine produced from one or more vitis vinifera grape varieties that is labelled as a varietal wine and only references vitis vinifera varieties on the label shall not contain wine produced from hybrid grape varieties.
A wine produced from one or more hybrid grape varieties listed in subitem 2 i of Appendix B that is labelled as a varietal wine may contain wine produced from vitis vinifera grape varieties.
Varietal wines containing hybrid grapes shall only be entitled to a provincial designation.
The declared variety or varieties shall be listed on the label in descending order of quantity, in identical type and identically displayed.
Nothing shall be appended to a varietal name or names that may confuse or mislead the consumer as to the name of a grape variety.
The term Musqué shall not be used except in the context of the varietal name Chardonnay Musqué.
The term Fumé shall not be used except in the context of the synonym Fumé Blanc used for the varietal name Sauvignon Blanc.
A proprietary name may appear on the label in conjunction with a named grape variety or varieties. |
(3) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by striking out item 1 under the subheading “Non-varietal Wines” in Column 1 and substituting the following:
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1. Blended Wines (proprietary name) |
The wine shall be produced exclusively from one or more vitis vinifera varieties listed in item 1 of Appendix B.
No hybrid grapes shall be used in blended wine. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year |
Grape variety names shall not be declared on the label of a non-varietal wine.
No abbreviations or other symbols that imply specific grape varieties may be used on the label of a blended wine. |
(4) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by striking out items 3, 4 and 9 under the subheading “Wine Categories” in Column 1 and substituting the following:
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3. Botrytized Wine |
The wine shall be a late harvested wine that has been affected under natural conditions by the mould Botrytis cinerea.
The wine shall be produced from one or more grape varieties listed in Appendix B.
The wine shall have an actual alcoholic content not less than 7.0% and not greater than 14.9% by volume.
100% of the grapes shall be grown in a viticultural area of which at least 85% shall be grown in the named viticultural area shown on the label and the pressing shall take place within the viticultural area where the grapes were grown.
The wine shall be produced as a varietal wine in accordance with the requirements of this Table.
The juice resulting from the pressing of the grapes shall achieve a brix level when measured after transfer to the fermentation vessel as specified in Table 2 of Appendix A.
The residual sugar and the actual alcohol shall result exclusively from the natural sugar of the grapes.
Subject to subsection 6 (2), sweet reserve may be added if the minimum brix level of the grapes used in the sweet reserve was 26o brix at harvest.
The wine produced shall have the predominant character of wine made from botrytized grapes. |
VQA — Viticultural Area — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape variety or varieties |
Except for wine that meets the requirements for totally botrytized wine, the wine shall be labelled Botrytized, Botrytis Affected or B.A.
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4. Totally Botrytized Wine |
The wine shall be a late harvested wine.
The wine shall meet the requirements for botrytized wines.
The juice resulting from pressing shall achieve a minimum brix level when measured after transfer to the fermentation vessel as specified in Table 2 of Appendix A.
Subject to subsection 6 (2), sweet reserve may be added if the minimum brix level of the grapes used in the sweet reserve was 34o brix at harvest. |
VQA — Viticultural Area — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape variety or varieties |
The wine may be labelled Totally Botrytized, Totally Botrytis Affected or T.B.A.
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9. Nouveau Red |
The wine shall be produced exclusively from fresh grapes that have been naturally harvested on the vine.
The wine shall be produced from one or more grape varieties listed in Appendix B.
The grapes used in the wine shall be grown within a geographical indication.
The wine shall have an actual alcoholic content not less than 7.0% and not greater than 14.9% by volume.
The vinification shall involve at least partial carbonic maceration.
The wine shall be produced as a varietal wine in accordance with the requirements for varietal wines in this Table. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Vintage year
Grape variety or varieties |
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(5) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by adding the following item under the subheading “Wine Categories” in Column 1:
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17.1 Effervescent Wine |
The wine shall be surcharged with carbon dioxide gas to a pressure not less than 200 kPa and not more than 300 kPa at 10ºC.
The wine shall be produced from one or more grape varieties listed in Appendix B.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the wine shall result exclusively from the alcoholic fermentation of the “cuvée” from which it was prepared.
Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) may be used to maintain counter pressure during the process of racking or the transfer of a finished wine from a bulk process tank to bottle if the content of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) contained in the wine is not increased.
The wine shall have an actual alcoholic content not less than 7.0% and not greater than 14.9% by volume, including the alcohol contained in any “dosage” added.
The wine shall derive its effervescence exclusively from a primary or secondary alcoholic fermentation in a closed vessel. |
VQA — Geographical indication — VQA |
VQA Logo
Grape variety or varieties or proprietary name |
The term “Sparkling Wine” or the methods of production associated with Sparkling wines under this Regulation shall not appear on the label. |
(6) Table 2 of the Regulation is amended by striking out item 19 under the subheading “Wine Categories” in Column 1 and substituting the following:
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19. Sparkling Icewine |
The wine shall be a sparkling wine that meets all requirements of an Icewine and an Aromatic Sparkling Wine, as set out in this Table.
The wine shall be made from grape varieties permitted for Icewine as set out in this Table.
The wine shall derive its effervescence exclusively from either primary or secondary alcoholic fermentation. |
VQA — Viticultural Area — VQA |
VQA logo
Grape variety or varieties |
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3. Appendix A to the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted:
APPENDIX A
MINIMUM BRIX LEVELS OF GRAPES
Table 1
by variety
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Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
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Grape Variety |
Ontario Provincial Designation Minimum Average Brix (all grapes used in final blend) |
Viticultural Area, Estate Bottled, Vineyard Designation Minimum Average Brix (all grapes used in final blend) |
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1. Baco Noir |
19.5º Brix |
n/a |
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2. Cabernet Franc |
18.0º Brix |
20.0º Brix |
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3. Cabernet Sauvignon |
19.0º Brix |
20.0º Brix |
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4. Chambourcin |
18.0º Brix |
n/a |
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5. Chardonnay |
18.0º Brix |
20.0º Brix |
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6. Chardonnay Musque |
18.0º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
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7. Gamay Noir |
18.0º Brix |
19.0º Brix |
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8. Gewürztraminer |
18.0º Brix |
19.0º Brix |
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9. Marechal Foch |
19.0º Brix |
n/a |
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10. Merlot |
19.0º Brix |
20.5º Brix |
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11. Muscats |
17.0º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
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12. Pinot Blanc |
17.5º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
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13. Pinot Gris / Grigio |
17.5º Brix |
18.5º Brix |
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14. Pinot Noir |
18.5º Brix |
19.5º Brix |
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15. Riesling |
17.0º Brix |
17.0º Brix |
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16. Sauvignon Blanc |
17.0º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
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17. Syrah / Shiraz |
18.0º Brix |
19.5º Brix |
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18. Vidal Blanc |
18.0º Brix |
n/a |
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19. Viognier |
18.0º Brix |
19.0º Brix |
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20. Other varieties |
17.0º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
Note 1: If rosé and blanc de noirs wines carry a viticultural area designation, each grape variety used in the making of these blended wines is required to meet only the minimum average Brix level for the Ontario Provincial designation for each grape variety, as set out in the Column 2. Wines approved under this rule must declare Rosé or Blanc de Noirs on the label.
Note 2: Vin de Curé wines are required to meet the minimum average Brix level for the grape variety at harvest as set out in Column 2 or 3 according to the geographical indication that appears on its label.
Note 3: The minimum Brix for all component grapes used in VQA wines shall be 17.0º Brix after each pressing when measured after transfer to the fermentation vessel, except for grapes used in Sparkling Wines.
Table 2
by wine category
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Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
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Wine Category for All Grape Varieties |
Minimum Brix (after each pressing when measured after transfer to the fermentation vessel) |
Minimum Average Brix (all grapes used in final blend) |
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1. Botrytis Affected (B.A.) |
26.0º Brix |
26.0º Brix |
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2. Icewine |
32.0º Brix |
35.0º Brix |
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3. Late Harvest |
22.0º Brix |
22.0º Brix |
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4. Nouveau Red Wine, Fortified Wine, Liqueur Wine |
18.0º Brix |
18.0º Brix |
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5. Sparkling Icewine |
32.0º Brix |
35.0º Brix |
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6. Sparkling Wine |
n/a |
n/a |
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7. Select Late Harvest |
25.0º Brix |
26.0º Brix |
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8. Special Select Late Harvest |
28.0º Brix |
30.0º Brix |
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9. Totally Botrytis Affected (T.B.A.) |
34.0º Brix |
34.0º Brix |
Note 1: For Vin de Curé wines, the grapes used in making the wine must be dried to achieve the Brix level specified in Column 2 at the time of transfer to the fermentation vessel.
4. (1) Paragraph 1 of Appendix B to the Regulation is amended by adding the following items:
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Corvina |
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Molinara |
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Rondinella |
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(2) Subparagraph 2 i of Appendix B to the Regulation is amended by striking out the portion before the Table and substituting the following:
i. Hybrid varieties that may to be used to produce provincially designated varietal wines (single-varietal, dual-varietal, triple-varietal, multi-varietal).
. . . . .
(3) Subparagraph 2 ii of Appendix B to the Regulation is amended by striking out the portion before the Table and substituting the following:
ii. Hybrid varieties that may be used with varietal wines (single-varietal, dual-varietal, triple-varietal, multi-varietal) to a maximum volume of 15%, 10% or 5%, as the case requires.
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Commencement
5. This Regulation comes into force on the later of July 1, 2011 and the day it is filed.
Made by:
Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario:
Ken Douglas
Chair
Brian Schmidt
Vice-Chair
Date made: May 27, 2011.
I approve this Regulation.
John Philip Gerretsen
Minister of Consumer Services
Date approved: June 1, 2011.