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.

Few names in the world of wine evoke prestige like Rothschild - a dynasty synonymous with elegance, heritage, and uncompromising quality. From the legendary vineyards of Bordeaux to the far reaches of the globe, the Rothschild family has set the gold standard for fine wines. Today, that legacy sparkles brighter than ever with Champagne des Barons de Rothschild, available in two premium kosher cuvées.

This extraordinary venture began with a vision: to craft a Champagne worthy of the Rothschild name. For the first time in history, three iconic branches - Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Clarke - joined forces to create a masterpiece of effervescence. Their pursuit was clear: nothing less than perfection.

After years of meticulous research, the Rothschilds partnered with Cave Vertus in Reims, sourcing grapes from Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs - Côte des Blancs for its elegant Chardonnay and Montagne de Reims for its noble Pinot Noir. The result? Two cuvées of exceptional finesse:

• Champagne des Barons de Rothschild Concordia Brut – 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, enriched with 40% reserve wines for consistency and depth.
• Champagne des Barons de Rothschild Brut Rosé – a delicate, vibrant expression of refinement.

Both are mevushal, ensuring they grace the finest kosher restaurants' wine lists and celebrations with ease.

As Philippe Sereys de Rothschild declared:
“Our vision was to create a grand Champagne - a wine that reflects the character, personality, and balance that have defined Rothschild excellence for over 160 years.”

Today, that vision is reality. Champagne des Barons de Rothschild stands as a benchmark for kosher sparkling wine - luxurious, elegant, and crafted to perfection. Whether for a simcha, a milestone, or simply to indulge, this is Champagne without compromise.

Discover the Rothschild standard. Taste the difference. Celebrate with brilliance.

Shiraz wine, also known as Syrah wine, has garnered global recognition and appreciation as a popular red wine variety. As International Shiraz day is celebrated the 4th Thursday of July, it seems like an appropriate time to introduce you to this grape varietal. Its versatility, ability to age gracefully, and rich flavors have made Shiraz a favorite choice among wine lovers. In this article, we will delve into this grape varietal and its taste profile and share some of our favorite recommendations.

Champagne and all sparkling wine is a topic many find difficult to tackle. With a mysterious air of luxury and seemingly dedicated to only the most celebratory events, “bubbly” wines are often passed over in favor of something more familiar. This is a tragic mistake. So let us educate ourselves and take a deeper dive into this fascinating -- and delicious -- wine.