Ice wines are known for their luscious flavors, high acidity, and rich sweetness. They are often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with cheeses and fruity desserts. Ice wines can be made with Vitis Vinifera or hybrid varieties of grapes like Vidal Blanc. This post will explore some commonly asked questions about ice wines.
How Are Ice Wines Made?
Ice wine is a type of dessert wine that is made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. This unique winemaking process results in a concentrated and intensely sweet wine. The grapes are typically harvested in the winter when temperatures drop below freezing, causing the water within the grapes to freeze and leaving behind highly concentrated sugars and flavors. The frozen grapes are then pressed, and only a small amount of highly concentrated juice is extracted, which is then fermented into ice wine.
Where Are Ice Wines Produced?
Ice wines are produced in various regions around the world, but they are most commonly associated with colder climates. The grapes used to make ice wine are typically Vitis Vinifera varieties, such as Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. However, hybrid grapes such as Vidal Blanc can make excellent ice wines.
Canada, particularly the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, are distinguished for its ice wines. Germany is also famous for Eiswein, the German term for ice wine, with the Rheingau and Mosel regions being notable producers. Other countries where ice wine is produced include Austria, the United States (New York, Michigan), Switzerland, and even some parts of China.
What Type of Climate is Needed for Ice Wines?
These regions have the right climatic conditions, including prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, to allow the grapes to freeze naturally on the vine and develop the concentrated flavors and sugars required for ice wine production.
Are Ice Wines Expensive?
Yes, ice wines tend to be more expensive compared to regular wines. There are a few reasons for this. First, the winemaking process for ice wine is labor-intensive and requires specific climatic conditions, making it a relatively rare and limited production.
Second, the frozen grapes yield a relatively small amount of highly concentrated juice, resulting in lower yields per vine and higher production costs. Lastly, the long and careful aging process of ice wine further adds to its cost.
The combination of these factors contributes to the higher price tag of ice wines. However, they are often considered a luxurious treat and are highly regarded for their unique flavors and sweetness.
What Hybrid Grape Ice Wines Are Recommended?
Peller Estates Signature Series Oak Aged Vidal Blanc Icewine – Niagara Peninsula, Canada
Ferrante Winery Vidal Blanc Ice Wine – Grand River Valley, U.S.
Glenora Wine Cellars Iced Vidal Blanc – Finger Lakes, U.S.
Where to Buy Hybrid Grape Ice Wines?
Check back soon for buying recommendations
Summary
Ice wines are renowned for their luscious flavors, high acidity, and rich sweetness, often enjoyed as dessert wines or paired with cheese and fruity desserts. These wines can be made from traditional Vitis Vinifera grapes or hybrid varieties like Vidal Blanc. The winemaking process involves freezing grapes on the vine during winter, concentrating sugars and flavors. Regions with prolonged freezing temperatures, such as Canada (Niagara Peninsula, Okanagan Valley), Germany (Rheingau, Mosel), and others, are known for producing ice wines. These wines tend to be more expensive due to labor-intensive production, low yields, and aging. However, they are considered a luxurious treat, celebrated for their unique flavors. Cheers!