Canada's thirst for wine grows

By Christopher Waters

Wine consumption continues to grow around the world, but Canada's taste for Chardonnay, Cabernet and their fermented friends will soar over the next three years. That's the good news from a report released by France's prestigious international wine and spirits showcase, VinExpo.

The survey predicts that worldwide wine consumption will post a moderate 3.18% increase, which represents an additional 2.73 billion cases. Wine sales in Canada, however, are posed to jump by 19%, or 7.9 million cases.

"In the span of 10 years, Canada's wine consumption will have grown six times faster than the world average," Xavier de Eizaguirre, president of Vinexpo, explained at a press conference in Toronto last week.

One of the most interesting aspects of the data was the confirmation that we're increasingly a nation of red wine drinkers. Last year, 68% of wines consumed were red. The trend is set to continue over the course of the next three years, as will consumers' interest in rosé wines.

The rapid growth shows increasing interest in both imported and domestic wines, and sees Canada weigh in as the world's fifth largest importer of wine by volume. The number one supplier to our market continues to be France, but Italy seems poised to overtake that nation, just as the Italians usurped top-billing as world's largest wine producer from France in 2008.

Such snapshots can be a fascinating look at Canada's wine scene as a whole. What it means to you and me is that we'll inevitably be exposed to more and better wines from around the world, as international wineries look to sell their wares in a booming wine market. It also means that domestic wineries must strive to market their wines in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Wines of the Week:

****

Boekenhoutskloof 2008 Porcupine Ridge Viognier/Grenache Blanc

Western Cape, South Africa

ON $16.95 (203893)

A new addition to the Porcupine Ridge portfolio, this rich white offers a good mix of spicy and floral notes. It joins the Porcupine Ridge Syrah as one of the most flavourful and distinctive wines available at Vintages. Fans of Chardonnay who are looking to try something different, take heed. (LCBO Vintages)

***

J.P. Chenet 2008 Premier de Cuvee Merlot Cabernet

Pays d'Oc, France

ON $11.95 (621995)

This simple, approachable red blend from the South of France puts the emphasis on ripe blackberry and blueberry flavours, which are accented by some warm spice notes imparted from time spent aging in oak barrels. This is a juicy red wine that makes the most of its ripe character.

***1/2

Viña Santa Rita 2009 120 Cabernet Sauvignon

Central Valley, Chile

BC $11.99 | AB $9.75 | MB $10.19 | ON $10.95 (218644)

I doubt a year goes by without me singing the praises of Santa Rita's 120 Cabernet. It's a perennial best buy option that showcases Chile's unique ability to craft pleasingly ripe and round reds at a low price. This is a great match for a burger or steak sandwich.