Ice Wine: Luxury In Every Sip

Do you know that feeling when you eat or drink something and you immediately think to yourself, “where has this been my whole life?” Let me introduce you to ice wine. With the taste of luxury in every sip, ice wine bursts with flavor and feels like you are drinking winter in a glass. Let’s do a deep dive into what makes ice wine the showstopper you need in your wine collection.

What is Ice Wine?

Ice wine - or Eiswein, as it's called in Germany - is made from grapes that have frozen naturally on their vine. Making ice wine is a high-risk, high-reward venture, as winemakers must wait for below-freezing temperatures for the water inside each grape to freeze. In addition, they also have to hope the grapes won’t be subject to rot or fall prey to a curious bird looking for a snack. When the grapes are harvested, usually late at night or first thing on a bitterly cold morning, the ice wine grapes leave behind a highly concentrated and deeply sweet juice.

Why Makes Ice Wine Unique?

Ice wine relies on patience and climate. Other sweet wines are made by drying the grapes or when the grapes go through the noble rot process and dehydrate. On the other hand, ice wine is solely dependent on the climate. If the weather isn’t exactly as it needs to be, the entire harvest can be lost. Producing ice wine is a labor of love, with zero shortcuts and a small yield from the harvested grapes.

Where is Ice Wine Grown?

Needing the coldest of temperatures to grow ice wine, regions like Canada, Germany, and Austria produce most of the ice wine on the market. There are also small amounts of ice wine produced in the New York Finger Lakes region.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

When drinking ice wine, think of it as having your dessert in a glass. You can expect aromas of mango and stone fruit, as well as honey. Certain ice wine grapes, like Riesling, will even give off citrus and floral notes. As you bring the glass to your lips and take that sip, the ice wine will be velvety with concentrated flavors of tropical fruits.

What Does Ice Wine Pair With?

Sweet wines like ice wine are a perfect match for dessert. The crispness of the ice wine will complement classics like cheesecake and crème brûlée. But don’t think ice wine should only be enjoyed with dessert. Ice wine also goes well with savory foods like foie gras, smoked salmon, or creamy brie cheese for a perfect balance of salty and sweet.

How to Enjoy Ice Wine?

Like most dessert wines, ice wine should be served in small glasses to help concentrate the flavor and enhance the experience. Chill the wine for a few hours before you plan to drink. This is not a wine you want to drink quickly; sip it slowly, let the flavors develop on the palate, and enjoy this taste of luxury in a glass.