Ice wine: you have surely heard of this type of wine before. But do you know exactly what ice wine means? In this article, we go off and discover this famous wine that still has plenty of surprises in store. Whether in Canada, Austria, France, Hungary or Slovenia, this wine has very particular characteristics that come from the timing of the harvest as well as the winemaking methods.
What is ice wine?
Ice wine is a wine made from grapes that are harvested frozen. It has distinctive characteristics that you will quickly notice during a tasting. Because of this harvest, ice wine contains a high level of residual sugar. That sugar is often balanced by a lovely acidity, which gives the wine the balance it needs for a great tasting.
How to serve ice wine
The serving temperature for this wine is around 6°C. As a rule it is served either as an aperitif wine, with cheese or with dessert. We recommend serving it in a tasting wine glass, which will concentrate the aromas and let you fully enjoy this nectar’s aromatic richness.
How to make ice wine
First, you have to reach the right temperature for the harvest. The grapes used to make this wine can only be picked between -7°C and -12°C. The need for such temperatures goes a long way to explaining why production of this wine is concentrated in Ontario, Canada. It also means that in some European countries this wine is not made every year. A temperature of -7°C is needed for the grape’s sweet juice to freeze. Below -12°C the juice is too frozen and the result is poor. To reach these temperatures, the harvest takes place between December and February, often at night. Once picked, the grapes are pressed immediately and fermentation proceeds as it does for sweet wines. If you want to learn more about fermentation, you can read our article on how to make wine. It is worth noting that this wine is mostly made from white grape varieties. That said, there is also red ice wine. In Canada you also find ice cider, made using a similar method but from apples and pears.
Where to buy ice wine
The specifications for ice wine and the low yields that go with it naturally push up the price of these bottles. On top of that, this wine is not produced every year, since production depends on the weather. That said, you can find these bottles at winegrower fairs or directly from the producer. Some wine merchants may stock it, so there is no harm in asking yours for information. You can also buy ice wine online and find delicious gems delivered straight to your door, using Vinatis for example.
What dish goes with ice wine?
It all depends on when you serve this wine. With cheese, it pairs extremely well with hard cheeses. Paired with Comté, you should be in for a treat, and ice wine can rival vin jaune in making this match. It is also a lovely pairing with fruity, sweet desserts. Its acidity makes for high-quality food and wine pairings that should surprise the palates of many enthusiasts among you!
What are the origins of ice wine?
Ice wine has a particular history. It begins in the late 1700s in Austria and Germany. Both countries were hit by an early frost of rare severity. As a result, the winegrowers were forced to harvest frozen grapes, and they were not unhappy with the outcome. A few years later, ice wine had established itself as a product in its own right: the birth of “Eiswein”. In Canada, today the world leader in ice wine production, it was not until the late 19th century that the first production appeared in British Columbia. Since 2001, the European Union has recognized the equivalence of production methods between Canada and EU countries, and in 2004 an agreement was signed, opening the way to significant trade. Today you find ice wine under various names, such as Icewine and Eiswein.
And there you have it: you are now an expert and unbeatable on this incredible wine. But there is so much more to learn about wine. For that, you need to join Le Club, where you can learn wine simply and for free. Le Club means wine courses and incredible value. You will never again have any doubt when choosing a bottle of wine.
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