Ice Wine (Eiswein): What is It and How They are Made?

Ice wine, known as “Eiswein” in German, is a distinctive and luxurious dessert wine cherished for its intense sweetness and vibrant acidity. Crafted from grapes that naturally freeze on the vine, ice wine offers a unique tasting experience that stands apart from other sweet wines. Let’s explore what it is, how it’s made, and what makes it so special.

What is Ice Wine?

Produced from grapes that have frozen naturally while still on the vine, this natural freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavours in the grapes, resulting in a wine that is both intensely sweet and refreshingly acidic. Unlike other dessert wines that may rely on methods like noble rot (botrytis cinerea) to achieve sweetness, ice wine’s sweetness comes purely from the freezing of the grapes.

A Brief History

The origins of ice wine date back to 1794 in Franconia, Germany, where winemakers discovered that grapes left on the vine through a sudden frost could produce a uniquely sweet wine. This serendipitous discovery led to the intentional production of ice wine, known as “Eiswein” in German. Today, ice wine is produced in several countries with suitable cold climates, including Germany, Austria, Canada, and certain regions in the United States.

How is Ice Wine Made?

The production of ice wine is labour-intensive and requires specific climatic conditions:

1. Leaving Grapes on the Vine: Grapes are left on the vine well past the typical harvest season, often into late autumn or early winter, to allow them to freeze naturally.
2. Natural Freezing: The grapes must freeze at temperatures of -8°C (17.6°F) or lower. This freezing process causes the water content in the grapes to crystallize, concentrating the sugars and flavours.
3. Harvesting: Grapes are hand-harvested while still frozen, typically during the early morning hours to ensure they remain frozen during picking.
4. Pressing: The frozen grapes are immediately pressed, separating the concentrated, sweet juice from the ice crystals. This juice is then fermented slowly over several months to produce ice wine.

This meticulous process yields a limited quantity of wine, contributing to ice wine’s exclusivity and higher price point.

What Does Eiswein Taste Like?

Ice wine is renowned for its rich and complex flavour profile:

• Aromas and Flavors: Expect intense notes of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, stone fruits such as peach and apricot, and hints of honey and citrus zest.
• Sweetness and Acidity: While exceptionally sweet, a well-crafted ice wine maintains a balanced acidity, preventing it from being cloying and ensuring a refreshing finish.

How to Serve Ice Wine

To fully appreciate ice wine’s unique characteristics:

• Serving Temperature: Chill the wine to around 10–12°C to enhance its refreshing qualities.
• Glassware: Use small dessert wine glasses to concentrate the wine’s aromatic intensity.
• Storage: Once opened, ice wine can be refrigerated and enjoyed over several days due to its high sugar content, which acts as a natural preservative.

Food Pairings with Ice Wine

Ice wine’s sweetness and acidity make it versatile for pairing with various dishes:

• Rich Desserts: Complementary to crème brûlée, cheesecake, or fruit tarts.
• Cheese: Pairs excellently with strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, balancing their saltiness.
• Spicy Cuisine: The sweetness can offset the heat in spicy Asian or Mexican dishes, creating a harmonious balance.

Tips for Buying Ice Wine

When selecting an ice wine:

• Region: Look for reputable ice wine-producing regions such as Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, Germany’s Rheingau, or Austria’s Burgenland.
• Grape Varietal: Common varietals used include Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, each offering distinct flavor profiles.
• Vintage: Consider the vintage year, as climatic conditions greatly influence the quality of ice wine.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to dessert wines, ice wine offers a uniquely sweet and refreshing experience that’s worth exploring. Let’s purchase your ice wine at Red and White Store!