What is ice wine?

Ice Wine: A Sweet Delicacy

Ice wine or Eiswein (German for "ice wine") is a type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. This natural freezing process concentrates the sugars and other dissolved solids, resulting in a intensely sweet, concentrated wine.

Production:

The key to ice wine production is harvesting the grapes while they are frozen. This typically means picking them at night or early in the morning when temperatures are below freezing (around -8°C or 17°F). Pressing the frozen grapes yields a small amount of highly concentrated juice.

Key Characteristics:

• Sweetness: Ice wine is known for its intense sweetness, balanced by a high level of acidity.
• Flavor Profile: Common flavors include honey, apricot, peach, citrus, and tropical fruits.
• Appearance: It typically has a golden or amber color.
• Body: Ice wine has a luscious, syrupy texture.

Regions:

While ice wine can be produced in any region that experiences sufficiently cold winters, some of the most well-known production areas include:

• Canada: Canada, particularly the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, is the world's largest producer of ice wine.
• Germany: Germany is the birthplace of Eiswein and remains a significant producer.
• Austria: Austria also produces excellent ice wine, often labeled as Strohwein or Schilfwein when dried on straw mats rather than frozen on the vine.
• United States: Some states, such as New York and Michigan, also produce ice wine.

Regulations and Labeling:

Many regions have strict regulations regarding ice wine production, including minimum sugar levels and temperature requirements for harvesting. These regulations ensure the quality and authenticity of the wine.

Serving and Pairing:

Ice wine is typically served chilled in small glasses. It is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with rich desserts, cheeses, or foie gras. Its sweetness also complements spicy Asian cuisine.

Here is the link list in markdown format:

• Ice wine
• Eiswein
• dessert wine
• Canada
• Germany
• Austria