Icewine (in German, “Eiswein,” also referred to as “ice wine”) is a type of sweet wine made from grapes frozen while on the vine. Typically, these grapes were left on the vine after others were harvested for traditional wines.
The unique taste of icewine is largely due to the rate of the freezing process. The water inside a grape will freeze faster than sugar. Acid and other solids within the grape remain unfrozen, at least in the first few hours of frost. This concentrates sweet wine to a greater degree, creating vibrant, sugary flavors and a syrupy texture.
How Is Icewine Made?
Unlike grapes meant for red wine, white wine, and rosé wine, icewine grapes are left on the vine later into the season.
Growers monitor temperatures as they drop, waiting for grapes to begin freezing. Once they do, all grapes must be picked quickly, typically within a few hours at night to prevent thawing. Grapes are pressed while still frozen, extracting juices that ferment for three to six months in a refrigerated environment.
Some icewine makers use a process called cryoextraction to artificially simulate the freezing process. During cryoextraction, grapes are refrigerated until partially frozen. Growers then press these semi-frozen grapes into icewine to achieve the same effect.
Where Is Icewine Made?
Icewine is made all around the world. However, a few locations are particularly well-known for their icewine varieties:
- Okanagan Valley in British Columbia;
- Niagara in Ontario;
- The Finger Lakes in New York;
- Rheinhessen, Rheingau, and Pfalz in Germany.
Regions famous for their icewine usually have cold winters and warm summers. Elevation can help this process, accelerating the onset of winter and increasing the chance of frost.
Canada’s Inniskillin Winery has served renowned icewines since its first crop in 1984. The Dr. Loosen and Willi Schaefer wineries in Germany’s Mosel Valley are also famous for their Riesling varieties.
Types of Grapes Used in Icewine
Icewine is made from red and white grapes, largely dependent on the location. Icewines from red grapes are typically pink or pale burgundy, while white icewine is yellow or gold.
Here are a few types of grapes commonly used in icewine:
- Riesling;
- Vidal Blanc;
- Chardonnay;
- Sauvignon Blanc.
These grapes all share a common factor: their skins are protective against cold temperatures. This slows the freezing process, allowing for harvest before sugars crystallize. Icewine grapes must also have a high sugar concentration.
What Does Icewine Taste Like?
Icewine has a deep, sugary taste. This often creates notes of fruit like citrus, peach, and apricot in white wines. Red icewine varieties commonly taste of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry.
Unlike other varieties, icewine has a healthy dose of concentrated sweetness. The high sugar content makes it more of a dessert wine. However, icewine also features a strong acidic side, which adds a structure that prevents a purely sugary beverage.
What Makes Icewine Sweet?
Grapes meant for icewine grow past traditional fermentation levels, compounding the flavors inside. Frozen water inside the grapes creates a thick, balanced juice of sugar and acids.
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How To Drink Icewine
Most icewine should be chilled for a few hours before serving. Many people serve icewine in a chilled glass with dessert. Store each bottle for three to five days in the refrigerator after opening. Make sure to finish each bottle within five years, since most icewine is not meant for long-term storage.
How To Taste Icewine
Drinking icewine is different from traditional wine tasting. When sipping icewine, try not to prolong contact with your tongue. This allows your entire palate to taste each dynamic flavor without overloading your sweetness receptors. Take slightly larger sips to enjoy the richness of the wine. After you finish each sip, take a brief break to rest your palate.
Take your time enjoying the icewine notes during your tasting. Some contain stone fruit and tropical notes with floral accents like orange blossom, jasmine, and honeysuckle. Others are more citrusy, with accents of lemon, lime, and orange throughout.
Why Is Icewine Expensive?
Icewine preparation and harvesting is a unique process. It requires a labor-intensive gathering process, since many grapes are hand-picked in only a few hours. Many icewine grapes also yield a lower juice ratio, which means that more grapes are required for a single bottle, compared to traditional winemaking.
One of the basic principles of wine is to harvest grapes when they’re ripe. Icewine goes against this principle, as grapes are left on the vine until winter arrives. Some grapes rot, fall off the vine, or are eaten by wild animals during that time. Fewer available grapes for icewine harvesting can further increase prices.
The average cost of wine hovers between $10 and $15 in many states. By contrast, icewine can cost $30 to $50 per bottle.
Assessing the Quality of Icewine
Icewine has distinct characteristics that separate it from other wine types. When you’re assessing its quality, here are a few factors to consider:
- Taste: Look for notes of honey, fruit, or apricot that balance sweetness and acidity.
- Texture: Smooth, velvety textures should feel silky in your mouth without an overly dense feel.
- Aroma: It should smell sweet and intense without any overwhelming notes. Look for something equally complex and inviting.
Icewine is a luxurious beverage that is golden or burgundy in appearance and syrupy in texture. You can tell a high-quality icewine by its aroma and authentic taste, particularly the flavor balance.
Icewine Pairings
As a dessert wine, icewine pairs well with several after-dinner meal options. Its fruity notes work excellently with apple tarts, berry crumbles, and other fruit-based desserts. Creamy dessert options like a cheesecake or tiramisu also partner well with icewine.
Cheese is also a delicious partner of icewine. You can pair the tangy flavors of blue cheese with the sweetness of an icewine for a delicious appetizer. The buttery taste of delicate Brie cheese is also a natural match for icewine varieties.
Myths About Icewine
Since it was first created in Germany, icewine has faced several rumors about its creation and quality.
Here are a few of the most prevalent myths about icewine:
- Icewine requires noble rot: Some people believe icewine is made from grapes affected by noble rot, a gray fungus that molds healthy grapes. While this mold is used to create some wine varieties, it is not part of the freezing and pressing process for icewine.
- All icewine is expensive: While icewine is typically more expensive than traditional wine varieties, you can still purchase a quality bottle for around $30.
- Icewine is too sweet: Some people avoid icewine, believing that it more closely compares to fruit juice. While icewine is a dessert beverage, it balances sweetness and acidity for deep, satisfying flavors.
Exploring new types of wine is a great way to expand your palate. One of the best ways to celebrate wine is through a wine of the month club, which allows you to sample new red, white, rosé, and sweet wine varieties. These programs feature premium selections alongside affordable bottles, which you can curate with the help of a personal wine consultant. This allows you to enjoy great-tasting wine from all over the world, without ever leaving home.
