Ice Wine Canadian

Wine enthusiasts have likely heard of Ice Wine at least once. Ice Wine, also known as "Eiswein" in German, is a unique dessert wine distinguished not only by its production process but also by the flavor it delivers.

What is Ice Wine? The Production Process of Ice Wine

Unlike other wines, Ice Wine is made from frozen grapes that remain on the vine. This is the standout feature of this wine.

Winemakers wait for the first deep frost of winter to harvest the grapes. Grapes are picked at midnight or early in the morning when temperatures are at their coldest (around -10°C). After harvest, the frozen grapes are pressed immediately. Because the water in the grapes freezes but the sugar does not, this process produces a concentrated and very sweet grape juice. The remaining water in the grapes remains as ice and is discarded.

The extracted juice is then fermented. Due to the high sugar content, this process is slow and can take from 3 to 6 months. The final product is a rich, sweet wine that typically features tropical fruit, honey, and citrus flavors, balanced by high acidity.

This unique aspect also creates a distinction in where Ice Wine is produced. Thanks to its favorable climate, Canada is the leading producer of Ice Wine and has become the largest producer of Ice Wine in the world. 90% of Canadian Ice Wine originates from Ontario. Additionally, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria are the next most popular Ice Wine-producing countries after Canada.

What Does Ice Wine Taste Like?

The flavor of Ice Wine is marked by a special balance between sweetness and acidity. The freezing process leads to high sugar concentration, giving Ice Wine its distinctive sweetness. However, Ice Wine maintains bright acidity, preventing it from being overly sweet and providing a refreshing crispness that makes it very drinkable.

Ice Wine often has a rich, syrupy texture and may vary in flavor depending on the grape variety used, but it typically features tropical fruit notes like lychee, pineapple, and mango, along with citrus notes like lemon, orange, and grapefruit. You may also detect hints of other fruits like apple, pear, peach, and apricot. Sweeter flavors such as honey, caramel, and vanilla often appear, adding to the wine’s overall complexity.

Ice Wine is usually enjoyed on its own or paired with desserts, cheeses, or even spicy dishes.

Why Does Frozen Grapes on the Vine Make Sweeter Wine?

The scientific explanation behind Ice Wine's sweetness revolves around the relationship between sugar concentration, water content, and the impact of freezing temperatures on the ripening of grapes.

As grapes mature, they naturally accumulate sugar. This process continues even into the late season, and during this time, the grapes may freeze, thaw, and freeze again. Each freeze-thaw cycle increases the complexity and richness of the grape’s flavor.

Because sugars and other polyphenols (organic compounds often associated with flavor) have lower freezing temperatures, the freezing process primarily occurs in the water within the grape. As the water inside the grape freezes, it expands, breaking apart individual grape cells. When these grapes thaw, the “damaged” cells begin to release more concentrated flavors, including sugars and polyphenols, resulting in a much sweeter grape juice.

It is important to note that the high sugar content in the grape juice not only creates sweetness but also affects the wine's viscosity, giving Ice Wine its characteristic luscious, rich mouthfeel. Moreover, the high sugar content acts as a natural preservative, allowing Ice Wine to age for many years and develop more complex flavors over time.

What Grape Varieties Are Used to Produce Ice Wine?

The most commonly used grape varieties for Ice Wine production include Vidal, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. These varieties tend to have higher natural acidity, helping to balance the flavor so that the wine does not become syrupy sweet once production is complete. Today, winemakers are also experimenting with producing Ice Wine from other grape varieties, including Seyval Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay.

Top 6 Famous Ice Wines in the World

Inniskillin Ice Wine, Canada

Considered one of the best overall Ice Wines, Inniskillin Ice Wine deserves the top spot. It has a delicious flavor and rich texture, perfect for sipping or pairing with desserts. Inniskillin Ice Wines are popular on many platforms and receive mostly 4 and 5-star reviews.

Jackson-Triggs Ice Wine

Jackson-Triggs is another renowned Canadian producer with outstanding Vidal and Riesling Ice Wines. These wines are noted for their fresh tropical fruit flavors like papaya, apricot, and mango, well-balanced with smooth acidity. The low alcohol content and unique flavor also make it a great choice for outdoor parties. Jackson-Triggs Ice Wine Vidal has received 5/5-star ratings on Amazon.

Peller Estates Ice Wine, Canada

Peller Estates is known for producing high-quality Canadian Ice Wines, famous for their intense sweetness balanced with refreshing acidity. Cabernet Franc is a notable option from this brand, offering flavors of wild strawberry jam, ripe rhubarb, cherry candy, and fresh pomegranate.

Dr. Loosen, Germany

Dr. Loosen is a brand with one of the highly rated Ice Wines – Dr. Loosen 2020 Riesling Eiswein. This wine features a rich yet well-balanced flavor with high acidity. It has a soft texture and combines flavors of rhubarb, apricot, with hints of earthiness, coriander seeds, and honey oolong tea.

Kiona Vineyards Ice Wine

Kiona Vineyards from Washington State, USA, produces highly regarded Ice Wines with rich flavors and refreshing finish. The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine is a unique choice for the winter months.

Wagner Vineyards

Based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Wagner offers Vidal Blanc and Riesling Ice Wines known for their excellent balance and complexity. The brand has won many awards in competitions such as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the New York Wine & Food Classic.

You can now purchase high-quality, authentic Ice Wine bottles at Rượu Tốt. Rượu Tốt is proud to be a distributor of 100% genuine imported wines and offers many great deals for customers. Check out the Ice Wine Eiswein Chardonnay Rheinhessen Premium.