What is Ice Wine?

Dessert wines like ice wine have become more and more well-liked in recent years.

Grapes that have been allowed to freeze on the vine are used to make this sweet and opulent wine. The grapes’ sugars and tastes are concentrated throughout the freezing process, creating a wine with intense flavor.

Around the world, ice wine is made in a number of nations, including Germany, Austria, Canada, and the United States.

To know when the grapes are ready to be picked, winemakers closely monitor the weather. To obtain the concentrated juice, the grapes must be selected and pressed while they are still frozen.

Ice wine is frequently more expensive than other types of wine due to the labor- and risk-intensive nature of its production. Despite the price, many wine lovers believe that ice wine is a wonderful delicacy that is well worth the money.

What is Ice Wine?

Ice wine, also known as Eiswein, is a type of sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vine.

This style of wine is produced in cold climate regions such as Germany, Austria, and Canada. The winemakers carefully monitor the temperature and wait for the perfect moment when the grapes are frozen solid before harvesting.

Harvesting Frozen Grapes

The harvesting process for ice wine is unique in that the grapes must be picked while they are still frozen.

This typically occurs in the early hours of the morning when the temperature is at its coldest. The frozen grapes are then pressed, and the resulting juice is used to make the wine.

Winemaking Process

The winemaking process for ice wine is also unique. The grapes are left on the vine until they are frozen solid, which causes the water content to freeze, leaving behind a concentrated juice that is high in sugar.

The grapes are then pressed, and the juice is fermented at a low temperature to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas. The resulting wine is sweet, full-bodied, and lower in alcohol than other wines.

Ice wine is typically made from grape varieties such as Riesling, Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Gewürztraminer.

The wine is known for its intense flavor profile, with notes of honey, apricot, and peach. Ice wine is also known for its syrupy texture and high sugar content, which makes it a popular dessert wine.

Ice wine is a rare and expensive wine due to the unique winemaking process and the fact that it can only be produced in certain regions and under specific conditions. In Canada, Inniskillin is one of the leading producers of ice wine, particularly in the Okanagan Valley. Germany is also a major producer of ice wine, with the Rheinhessen region being particularly well-known for its Auslese ice wine.

Ice wine is best served chilled and pairs well with savory dishes such as foie gras and blue cheese. Due to its high sugar content, ice wine is also a popular ingredient in dessert recipes. The wine is typically sold in half-bottles due to its high price point, with prices rising due to the effects of global warming on grape production.

In summary, ice wine is a unique and rare dessert wine that is produced from frozen grapes. The winemaking process is intensive and requires careful monitoring of the temperature and grape quality. Ice wine is known for its intense flavor profile, syrupy texture, and high sugar content, making it a popular choice for dessert and pairing with savory dishes.

Why is Ice Wine Expensive?

Ice wine is one of the most expensive wines in the world, and there are several reasons why.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to the high cost of ice wine:

Labor-Intensive Process

One of the main reasons why ice wine is expensive is that it is a labor-intensive process. The grapes used to make ice wine are left on the vine until they freeze, and they must be hand-picked in the middle of the night when the temperature is below freezing. This makes the harvesting process much more time-consuming and expensive than traditional grape harvesting methods.

Low Yields

Another reason why ice wine is expensive is that it produces significantly lower yields than other wines.

Because the grapes are left on the vine until they freeze, they lose moisture and become dehydrated. This means that there is less juice in each grape, which results in a lower yield of wine per grape.

Weather Conditions

The production of ice wine is highly dependent on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable and can vary from year to year.

If the weather is too warm, the grapes may not freeze, which means that there will be no ice wine that year. This unpredictability can make the production of ice wine risky and expensive.

Aging Process

Ice wine also requires a longer aging process than other wines. It must be aged in oak barrels for at least six months to a year, which can be expensive.

Additionally, because ice wine is a dessert wine, it is often sold in smaller bottles, which can drive up the cost per bottle.

How to Taste Ice Wine

Tasting ice wine is a unique experience that requires a bit of preparation and knowledge.

Here are a few tips to help you taste ice wine like a pro:

1. Chill the Wine

Ice wine should be served chilled, but not too cold. Ideally, it should be served at around 10-12 degrees Celsius. You can achieve this by chilling the wine in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Avoid putting the bottle in the freezer, as this can damage the delicate flavors.

2. Use the Right Glassware

Choosing the right glassware is important when tasting ice wine. A small, tulip-shaped glass is best, as it helps to concentrate the aromas and flavors. The glass should also be clear, so you can appreciate the wine’s beautiful color.

3. Observe the Wine

Before tasting, take a moment to observe the wine. Hold the glass up to the light and take note of the color. Ice wine is typically a rich golden color, with hints of amber or copper. Swirl the wine gently in the glass to release the aromas.

4. Smell the Wine

The aroma of ice wine is an important part of the tasting experience. Take a deep sniff of the wine and try to identify the different aromas. You may detect notes of honey, apricot, peach, or citrus. The aroma should be sweet and intense, but not overpowering.

5. Taste the Wine

Finally, it’s time to taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it linger in your mouth for a few seconds. Ice wine is known for its intense sweetness, but there should also be a good balance of acidity.

You may taste flavors of honey, peach, apricot, or tropical fruit. The finish should be long and smooth.