Ice wine has been celebrated for centuries, and is a lovely way to enjoy a sweet dessert wine. The subtle sweetness of this delicate beverage is made possible by the unique production process, and its flavours are unmistakable. But did you know there are many different styles of ice wine? From Canadian to German varieties, each one offers something a little bit different and special. Let’s explore the different styles of ice wine that you can experience.
The Canadian style of ice wine is probably the most common, and the one most people are familiar with. It is produced in various parts of Canada, such as British Columbia and Ontario. Canadian Icewine is made from grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine while they are still ripe. This freezing process concentrates the sugars and acids, so the resulting wine has a beautiful sweet flavour. Canadian Icewine can range in colour from yellow to amber, and typically has intense aromas of nectarine and honey.
The German version of ice wine is also popular, and can often be found in wine shops. Known as “Eiswein” in Germany, it is produced in a similar way to the Canadian variety. Grapes are left to freeze on the vine until they reach an optimal sugar concentration. At this point, they are picked and then pressed while still frozen, resulting in a highly concentrated juice. German Icewine typically has a sharp acidity, with notes of apricot, peach and honey. German Icewines tend to be a pale, golden colour and the finish is usually quite soft.
In Austria, you’ll find a unique style of Icewine called “Süssreserve”. This method combines grapes that have been harvested in the fall and stored for several months, with grapes that have been left on the vine to freeze naturally. The result is a light and delicate dessert wine with notes of peach and apricot and a honeyed finish.
Italy has a long tradition of producing dessert wines, and their Icewine is no exception. Produced in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, Italian Icewine is made from grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine. The concentrated juice produces a sweet, aromaticwine with intense aromas of orange blossom, honey and tropical fruits.
Finally, there is Japanese Icewine, often labelled as “Natsukan”. Produced in the northern parts of Japan, Natsukan is made from Okuzasaki grapes, which are small and intensely sweet. They are left on the vine to freeze at night, then picked and pressed in the morning. The juice is then fermented to create a deep golden coloured wine with notes of honey, apricot and citrus.
As you can see, there are many varieties of ice wine available to sample. Each offers its own unique qualities and characteristics, so it’s worth trying a few to find out which style you prefer. Whether it’s a Canadian, German, Austrian, Italian or Japanese variety, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate. What are you waiting for? Start exploring the wonderful world of Icewine today!
The United States is also home to different varieties of Icewine. Washington state is one of the best areas in the US for producing Icewine. The cold winters and dry summers create conditions similar to those found in Canada, making it an ideal region for harvesting frozen grapes. Wines made from these frozen grapes have a deep golden colour, intense aroma of honey and apricot, and a smooth finish.
In Oregon, another American Icewine is produced. This type of Icewine is known as “Huberciel” and is made from Riesling and Chardonnay grapes which are left on the vine to freeze naturally. This sweet dessert wine has notes of lemon, pear and honey and a light and refreshing finish.
Icewine has also been produced in more exotic places such as India. This unique Icewine is made from grapes grown in the cool climate of the Himalayan foothills. It is delicately sweet, with notes of tropical fruits and spices.
In New Zealand, a variety of Icewines are made. Most of these come from the South Island, where cool nights and dry summers make it ideal for growing frozen grapes. These wines tend to be light and crisp, with aromas of apples, pears and citrus.
Australia produces some excellent examples of Icewine. Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes are left on the vines until they freeze, then picked and pressed. The resultant juice is then fermented to produce a sweet and fragrant wine with tropical fruit and floral aromas.
Chile has also begun producing Icewine. This unique style is made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, left on the vine until frozen, then harvested and pressed. This wine has a sweet and crisp taste, with aromas of peach, apricot and fresh cut grass.
Hungary is well-known for its dessert wines, including some varieties of Icewine. This style of Icewine is made from Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes and has a similar flavour profile to German Eiswein.
Icewine is even made in South Africa. This style of Icewine is made with Chenin Blanc grapes, which are left on the vine to freeze and then hand-picked. The resulting juice is then fermented and aged in oak barrels, giving it a deep golden hue and notes of honey, apricot and citrus.
No matter where you look, there is an Icewine to suit every palate. So next time you are seeking an interesting and delicious dessert wine, why not try an Icewine? You will be pleasantly surprised by the delicious flavours and aromas that this unique style of wine can offer.
