A lot of attention has been given in recent years to Canadian Icewine products, and its recognition is richly deserved. Canada and Germany are the only two countries in the world that make authentic Ice wine; or Icewine as it is known in Canada. It is a late harvest wine that produces a sweet flavor, yet with a high acidic content keeps it from being too cloying.
What Makes this Wine Unique
Canadian Icewine is usually made from traditional late harvest Vidal or Riesling grapes, and there are very strict regulations put in place to ensure its quality. These regulations are set out by the VQA, or the Vintners Quality Alliance; a set of standards that have been developed for Canada. Icewine cannot be harvested until the grapes are frozen, and these grapes must be clean of the fungus which so often attacks the grapes that are left on the vine. This is the fungus that would normally make a late harvest wine taste sweet.
The grapes needed for Icewine have to remain on the vine until the temperature drops to -8 degrees Celsuis for at least 24 hours. This means that the harvesting is done at night, or before 10 am. If the temperature drops too low, then the frozen grapes will actually become too difficult to press. The combination of clean and frozen grapes will result in the production of a true Icewine.
The low harvest temperature ensures that the wine will have a low water content, and a sweeter, more concentrated flavor; as the pressing of the frozen grapes will remove the water from the grape as ice. A Brix of 35 degrees or more, of sugar content, is mandated by the VQA. Also, a harvest free of Botrytis cineria or 'noble rot' will leave the must, or the unfermented grape, with a high acidic content. This is what makes Icewine so highly desirable.
A Wine that is Expensive to Produce
The production of authentic Icewine means that the grapes have to left on the vine to be naturally frozen. The harvest cannot occur until after mid-November. This is a strict requirement of the VQA. Also, a clean harvest will mean a smaller harvest than that of a regular late harvest wine. One kilogram of grapes may produce a bottle of wine, but it will only produce about 200 ml of Ice wine. Lastly, the fermentation process is much slower for Icewine. It takes months, instead of days or weeks, to produce it.
Wine and Food Pairing
Icewine tastes best served chilled in an ice bucket for 15 minutes, or kept in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving. The serving size should be about 1.5 ounces per person. It is recommended that it be served with a dessert that is not very sweet. It is also good with cheese, paté, or fresh fruit. Icewine can be served as an aperitif, or as a dessert wine. There are even recipes that incorporate Icewine.
Ice wine is Worth the Price
Canadian Icewine is competitively priced when all the factors are taken into account. The average price for a 200 ml bottle is about $30 Canadian; the same price as a good aperitif. It is worthy of any special occasion, as it is expensive to produce, and its unique flavor that does not disappoint.
Some Award Winning Wines and Wineries
There are over 70 wineries in Canada that produce Icewine: two examples of award winning wineries are the Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards in Briitish Columbia, and the Chateau des Charmes Winery in Ontario. The 2006 Reisling from Inniskillin, and the 2006 Vidal from the Chateau des Charmes won gold at the Canadian Wine Awards in 2007.
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