Icewine is Canada’s gift to the world of wine. This sweet and delicious wine is created when grapes freeze on the vine and then are pressed. Each grape only gives us one drop of precious juice and Canada is the only place on earth that can make Icewine every year. It takes a hearty grape to withstand cold Canadian winters (and patient winemakers to see through the weather and winemaking process), but sipping and sharing it is worth all the effort.
See also: 3 Ways to Use Wine in the Kitchen>>>
Icewine Roots
Discovered in Germany (another cool climate region) this ‘liquid gold’ is higher priced than other table wines, but is a true delicacy and can be made from various different types of grapes. In fact, you can make Icewine from grapes like Vidal, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. When winter temperatures dip to -8ºC (or lower) the frozen grapes are then handpicked and pressed immediately to carefully release a thick, rich, yellow-gold liquid, highly concentrated in natural sugars and acidity.
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Pairings
Ok, so you’ve got a bottle of Icewine, now what do you do with it? One of the best parts about Icewine (and there are lots of reasons to love it) is that it can be used in multiple ways. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy:
- Drink it on its own – Drink it from your favourite shot glass, or even a small tumbler or scotch/port glass will work. Sip it slowly like a scotch or bourbon drinker would. Serve it chilled for the best taste. If you get a chance try sparkling Icewine too!
- Serve it with Dessert – Icewine should always be sweeter than your dessert. Love crème brulee – sip Vidal, enjoy butter tarts. Sip Riesling, prefer something light like an angel food cake with strawberries? It pairs perfectly with cabernet based Icewine.
- Pair with Cheese – Next time you’re craving cheese and wine, open a bottle of Icewine. Icewine pairs great with all types of cheeses for all your entertaining. The sweetness of the wine and the funky flavours of the cheese will contrast, surprise and delight your palate.
- Use it in the kitchen – Open up a bottle and keep it in the fridge, air tight sealed. You can use it in the making of your favourite desserts and brunch items, in reductions and sauces and even salad dressings.
- Use it in a Cocktail – Make your guests an Icewine Martini. An Icewine Martini is made with vodka and Icewine, whatever combination you wish. Add a frozen grape as the perfect garnish. Here are a few other cocktail recipes as well.
- Where should I store it? Keep Icewine with your regular wine bottles in your cellar, wine rack or even your wine fridge. Keep them lower than room temperature, not in the freezer. Once they are open, keep them in the fridge to preserve its long life. It can last upwards of a month or more when kept in the fridge airtight sealed!
- How long does Icewine age? Icewine can keep in your cellar for decades, and the older the Icewine, the more precious and special the bottle. The combination of sweetness and acidity are what’s needed to age wine and get better with time.
For more great info visit the Wine Country Ontario website here
Hero Photo Credit Armin Faber
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