Ice wine, or Eiswein in Germany, is made from naturally frozen grapes that are hand-picked early in the morning after the first frost. The grapes are immediately pressed, resulting in a sweet and fruity dessert wine that is best made in consistently cold areas. Germany, Austria, British Columbia, and Canada are known for producing the best ice wine.
Ice wine, or as it is known in Germany, Eiswein, is made from frozen grapes. As the grapes are harvested and processed before being thawed, frozen water and highly concentrated sugar and acid are squeezed out. The result is a sweet and fruity dessert wine.
The first ice wine was produced in Germany in 1794, and was the result of an accident. Legend has it that a German vineyard owner was out of town when he should have been home picking his grapes. Upon his return, he and his staff agreed to pick and process the grapes anyway. The resulting sweet wine was called “winter wine” at the time. It remained Germany’s secret until 1962, when it was commercially produced throughout Europe.
The grapes for the ice wine are naturally frozen. This means they are hand-picked early in the morning, right after the first frost hits. It also means that no other method can be used to freeze grapes. In other words, grapes cannot be placed in the freezer. If you use this inferior method, the wine must have a different name.
Once the grapes have been harvested, they are immediately pressed. Water – actually bits of ice – is what is extracted. The intense flavor comes from the highly concentrated sugar and acid, which have not frozen. After being pressed, the juice is stored in oak barrels for several months while it ferments.
Germany, Austria, British Columbia and Canada are known for producing the best ice wine since they have such a cold climate. Other countries, including the United States, also produce it. Because the process is time-consuming, wine can be very expensive and comes in small bottles.
Understandably, ice wine can only be made if Mother Nature cooperates. For grapes to freeze on the vine, the weather must be cold enough. That’s why this wine is best made in consistently cold areas. Many parts of the United States have unpredictable weather, and a long Indian summer can ruin a season’s produce.
Ice wine is served chilled and goes well with any dessert. It should be savored and enjoyed and never swallowed in a hurry. Many people find this wine to be the perfect gift to share when enjoying a relaxing evening with good company and good food.
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