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VQA Ontario Stakeholder Consultation - September 2018

CHANGES TO THE VQA REGULATION ON PERMITTED VARIETIES

Proposed Regulation Changes Under Discussion

• Add Grape “” to the List of Permitted Grape Varieties • Further Expansion to the List of Permitted Grape Varieties

Background

VQA regulations identify a specific list of grape varieties that are authorized for the production of VQA eligible . The list is divided into 3 sections:

Part 1 – 79 vinifera varieties that are permitted for use in all VQA wines

Part 2 – 8 Inter-specific varieties that are permitted for use only in wines labelled with origin “VQA Ontario”

Part 3 – 15 Inter-specific hybrid varieties that are permitted for use up to a maximum of 15% content only when blended with hybrid wines labelled with origin “VQA Ontario”.

Several grape varieties have been added to Part 1 of the list since VQA Ontario began administering the regulation. No new varieties have been added to Part 2 or 3 of the list.

The Ontario industry has expanded into new regions and new varieties have been developed and planted in Ontario. VQA Ontario has received a formal request to include the hybrid Marquette in the list of permitted hybrid grape varieties.

Marquette

Marquette is a hybrid variety developed in Minnesota and planted in the Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec and across the northeastern USA. It is promoted for its cold-hardiness and disease resistance.

In accordance with VQA Ontario’s evaluation policy for new grape varieties, VQA Ontario’s Standards Development Committee received and reviewed detailed records of Marquette’s parentage and breeding history, including evidence that it has no material labrusca parentage. The Committee also evaluated Marquette wines produced in Ontario from several .

The Standards Development Committee found that Marquette can produce wines that meet the expected quality standards reflected in the current list of eligible varieties and recommends that Marquette be considered for addition to Part 2 of the list of permitted grape varieties. Inclusion in Part 2 of the list will result in Marquette being eligible for use in varietal designated wines labelled with the origin “Ontario” only. It will not be permitted in the content of any wine labelled with a viticultural area, sub-appellation or a named .

It is proposed that Marquette be added to Part 2 of the list of permitted grape varieties.

Further Expansion of Part 2 of the List of Permitted Varieties

VQA Ontario is aware that there is a number of grape varieties that are not on the VQA list that have are planted in Ontario and are producing and commercially available wines. Many believe these varieties can achieve quality outcomes similar to or better than some varieties currently permitted for VQA status.

Expanding Part 2 of the VQA list of grape varieties to be inclusive of all except those with labrusca parentage and characteristics would allow for a broader range of wines to identify with Ontario origin and make VQA certification accessible to more wineries. Along with adding new varieties, those currently on Part 3 of the list could be incorporated into Part 2, allowing all varieties to be used for varietally labelled wines.

Examples of the varieties that could be added are L’Acadie Blanc, , Harrow’s HG varieties, and other Minnesota hybrids.

It is proposed that the VQA list of permitted grape varieties be expanded to include all wine grape varieties except labrusca grapes. Wines made from these grapes will be eligible only for the VQA Ontario origin label and require the grape variety appear on the label. All other applicable VQA rules will apply.

VQA Ontario is seeking feedback on the general concept of this approach. If supported, a more detailed policy will be developed on how to generate the amended variety list and a draft regulation will be circulated for further consultation before finalization.

Issues to consider

Impact on appellation system: The proposed change expands the grape varieties permitted under the Ontario origin label. It is more inclusive of emerging regions, providing more options to cultivate cold-hardy varieties. It is consistent with VQA Ontario’s long-term strategy to support an appellation hierarchy by distinguishing different tiers within the wine category by appellation.

Impact on consumers: The expansion of the grape list provides consumers with more choice within the VQA category. The existing requirement to declare hybrid content (all hybrid wines must be labelled as varietal wines) will be retained allowing consumers to identify wines made from the new grape varieties and to seek them out or choose not to. There is no consumer research on how such a change would impact the overall reputation of the appellation or certification system. No specific information is available on perceptions held by influencers such as wine media or .

Impact on wineries: The change will provide wineries the opportunity to use a wider range of grape varieties in wines that are eligible for VQA approval.

All regulatory changes require the approval of the Minister of Government and Consumer Services before taking effect.

Please comment on both elements of this proposal.

September 24, 2018