A cluster of grapes on the vine waiting for the frost until they can be made into ice wine.
Ice wine is a certain type of wine made from grapes that are left on the vine and harvested after the frost. It was developed in Germany in 1794 and the process of making ice wine has been refined continuously since then. Today the best ice wines come from Canada, Germany and Austria. Canada produces more ice wine than any other nation.
About Ice Wine
Ice wine is typically aged in stainless steel caskets instead of wooden barrels.
Germany and Canada have rigorous standards regarding how ice wine is produced. In Germany, "Eiswein" production is regulated by the QbA (QualitÃutswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete) and is part of a category that includes sweet wines made from over-ripe or even dried grapes harvested very late in the season.
In Canada, the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) regulates ice wine production. Ice wines are usually made from Vidal Blanc, Reisling or Carbernet Franc grapes. Ice wine must be produced naturally by the seasonal frost. No artificial freezing is permitted.
Vidal Blanc
Vidal Blanc grapes on the vine.
This hybrid French-American grape is a hardy grape that resists cracking and falling from the vine in cool weather, making it ideal for ice wine. This ice wine is intended to be consumed with savory appetizers like fois gras or rich desserts such as chocolate mousse or cheesecake. Unlike other wines, it does not have to age in the bottle before being enjoyed.
Riesling
This grape comes from Germany where it has been cultivated since the 1400s. Today, this hardy grape is only produced in Canada, Germany and some parts of the northern US like Washington State. Like Vidal Blanc, Riesling ice wines are often paired with appetizers and desserts but are also commonly paired with spicy main dishes and heavy kinds of cheese like blue cheese.
Cabernet Franc
Ice wine made from the Cabernet Franc grape is the only one of the top three that is a pink or red hue instead of golden yellow. The grape has a long history as it has been cultivated since the first century. However, it was only given the name Cabernet in the 18th century. When made into ice wine, it is often paired with fruity desserts or dark chocolate.
Tags: made from, Vidal Blanc, paired with, been cultivated, been cultivated since
