Ice Wines

Method of producing ice wine

Ice wine is a wine produced from frozen bunches of grapes. This method of production is very old and dates back to the Middle Ages. This process concentrates the aromas of the grapes and produces a highly aromatic wine. Icewine is a rare and exceptional wine. This is because icewine is made from a harvest of frozen grapes, made up of flakes of ice, which results in a high concentration of sugar.

The wait for icewine is endless, indecisive and perilous; a quest for cold and ice for a few tastes of a precious elixir.

The aim is to concentrate as much sugar and acidity as possible inside the grapes. This process gives the ice wine its unique and inimitable flavours... Ice wines have extraordinary aromatic persistence. An eiswein has an impressive concentration of aromas combined with a rare finesse, so they stand the test of time and set records at auctions. Some eisweins are among the most expensive wines in the world, including Egon Muller's eiswein.

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Origin and production of ice wine

Originating from Germany's Moselle valley, the ice wine known as eiswein first appeared in the 18th century. Winegrowers surprised by an early frost were forced to press icy grapes from the Riesling grape, and eiswein was born. The tradition of ice wine then spread to Austria and Slovenia. Small quantities of ice wine are also produced in Alsace. Canada is the leading producer of icewine, thanks in particular to the climate and an artificial cryoextraction method authorised only for Canadian icewine.

How is icewine made?

Often at night, around 2am, it's time to harvest the icewine when the temperature has dropped enough... With the help of their lamps, the grape-pickers set off at night to conquer the eiswein and begin harvesting the frozen grapes, which must not be thawed to preserve the water retained in the ice flakes. The grapes are pressed immediately at low temperature, as it is vital that the bunches do not lose their ice crystals to produce ice wine. The water trapped in the ice crystals remains in the press, and only the quintessence of the grapes flows out to produce a yellow gold called icewine or eiswein.

At what temperature is icewine harvested?

The wait for icewine is endless, indecisive and perilous; a quest through cold and ice for a few tastes of a precious elixir. The thermometer must read between -8°C and -12°C, the temperature needed to press the grapes for the ice wine, and the miracle has happened. The water in the grapes has been transformed into ice flakes, and the precious icewine is ready to be born.

When is it possible to produce icewine?

Icewine is a rare and exceptional wine. Exceptional, because icewine is made from a harvest of frozen grapes made up of ice flakes, which results in a high concentration of sugar.

Preserving icewine

An icewine is a sweet wine, so the sugar allows the icewine to keep for many years. This means you can enjoy icewine for decades, and it will only get better!

Why is ice wine called that?

Icewine? Icewine? Icevine? Eiswein?

Icewine is a wine produced from grapes frozen on the vine. The freezing of the grapes concentrates the fruit's sugars and aromas, giving icewine a sweet, intense flavour. Icewine is generally produced in regions with a cold climate, such as Canada, Germany, Austria or Alsace in France. It is therefore called Icewine in Canada rather than Ice vine. Ice wine in Austria is called Eiswein. All these words mean ice wine.

What country produces icewine? Canada, Austria, France and Germany

<Icewines, which come from a variety of sources, derive their uniqueness from frozen grapes pressed at low temperature. The demanding winemaking technique aims to preserve the water in the form of ice crystals in the grapes, guaranteeing incomparable flavours.

However, European standards limit the production of this nectar by allowing only eiswein, made from grapes frozen on the vine.

Canadian icewine

In Canada, icewine is generally made from Vidal. Icewine is produced in a number of different regions, including the famous Niagara Falls icewine, as well as icewine from Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. We sell Quebec icewine online. On the other hand, Canada, the world's leading producer, makes icewine by artificial cryoextraction, although this method can sometimes alter the quality of the final product.

What is artificial cryoextraction?

Artificial cryoextraction is a method of producing icewine that differs from the traditional harvesting of frozen standing grapes. Unlike the traditional method where grapes are left on the vine to be naturally exposed to frost, artificial cryoextraction involves artificially freezing the grapes after harvest.

In this method, the grapes are harvested when ripe and then placed in cold rooms where the temperature is controlled to bring them to a frozen state. Once the grapes have reached the required freezing level, they are pressed while still frozen. The water in the form of ice remains in the grapes, and only the liquid part, the must, which is highly concentrated in sugar and aromas, is extracted. It is this must that is fermented to produce the ice wine.

This method allows producers to control the freezing process more precisely, ensuring that the grapes are harvested at specific temperatures to achieve the desired level of sugar and flavour concentration in the extracted must. However, some purists consider that this method can sometimes alter the quality of icewine compared to the traditional method of harvesting from the vine.

Austrian and German icewine

The ice wine in Austria and Germany is called eiswein and it develops wonderful aromas of exotic fruits, honey and pepper, eiswein is often made from Gruner Veltliner or Riesling. Austrian icewine is particularly famous on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, which is the birthplace of icewine in Austria and more generally of sweet wines throughout the World.

French ice wine

In France, in Alsace, ice wine, often made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner or Pinot Gris, reveals some unique characteristics.

Alsatian ice wine made from gewurztraminer

Alsatian icewine is a wine made from grapes frozen to the vine. This winemaking method is particularly suited to dry and sweet white wines made from cold-resistant grape varieties such as gewurztraminer but also riesling, muscat or pinot gris.

Is there such a thing as red icewine?

Yes, red icewine does exist. Although less common than white icewine, some producers make icewine from red grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon. This red variant offers different characteristics, with unique aromas and flavours, but it remains less common than its white counterpart.

How to serve ice wine, when and how to drink it

Ice wine, with its delicate sweetness and rich flavours, presents itself as a refined choice for New Year's Eve festivities. Tasted as an aperitif, it invites guests to a unique sensory experience, gently awakening the taste buds in anticipation of the delights of the meal to come. Its aromatic complexity makes it a perfect companion to kick off a special evening.

As for its role after red or white wine, ice wine offers a subtle but striking transition to the dessert phase. Its structure and smoothness blend harmoniously with the sweet flavours of the end-of-meal dishes, providing a memorable conclusion to your culinary experience. Whether after a red wine, where ice wine adds a welcome freshness, or after a white wine, where it elegantly complements the flavours already present, it adds a new and exquisite dimension to your tasting.

In short, whether at the beginning of the evening to prepare the palate for a feast or at the end of the meal to close the evening in style, ice wine adapts with grace and sophistication, offering a rare versatility that sublimates every stage of your celebration.

What to eat with ice wine? What to serve with ice wine

The marriage between ice wine and a fruit tart is a veritable symphony of flavour. The subtle sweetness of the ice wine harmoniously complements the delicate flavour of the fruit in the tart, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Imagine a mango tarte tatin, where the caramelised texture of the tart meets the fruity, honeyed notes of the ice wine, each bite an exquisite journey for the taste buds.

In Austria, the bewitching tradition of sipping eiswein at the end of a meal evokes a moment of pure delectation. Like a digestif, eiswein is appreciated for its ability to end the meal on a perfect note, bringing a final touch to the culinary symphony.

Ice cider, sharing the same frozen origins, also joins this exquisite gastronomic tableau. Its freshness and complexity harmonise elegantly with the same dishes, creating unique and surprising taste associations.

In short, whether paired with a fruit tart, a mango tarte tatin or even as a digestif, ice wine and ice cider transcend the boundaries of traditional pairings to offer an exceptional taste experience with every tasting.

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Where to find icewine?

Icewine is mainly produced in renowned regions such as Alsace, Germany, Austria and Canada, where the climatic conditions favour its creation. However, you can buy ice wine from anywhere on our site.

When to offer ice wine?

Eiswein embodies the very essence of winter in a bottle. Its infusion of delicate flavours and velvety texture make it a perfect gift for the festive season. As an aperitif, it awakens the taste buds with its subtle aromas, preparing the palate for an exceptional gastronomic experience. As a dessert, it perfectly complements sweet dishes with its balanced sweetness and fruity nuances, creating a memorable finish to every celebratory meal.

Where to buy ice wine?

On our site, you'll find a diverse range of ice wines, offering a carefully curated selection to suit your preferences. Discover a variety of grape varieties, origins and taste characteristics to find the perfect ice wine to delight your taste buds. Explore our wide selection and find the one that will seduce you the most.

How much is ice wine worth?

The price of ice wine is explained by the way it is made. Harvesting icewine corresponds to around 10% of a traditional wine harvest. In fact, to produce an icewine is to take the risk of losing a harvest through the fall of frozen bunches due to the weight of the snow, through the appetite of animals or more simply with a temperature that does not fall enough to freeze the bunches and obtain the icewine.

The price of purchasing ice wine can vary but it starts at around 29€ a bottle.