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Ice wine - the wine that comes from the cold.

Writer's picture: SigneSigne

8 cool facts about ice wine




Snow on a vine
snow on the vine

When it is very cold outside, winter has arrived and we have constant sub-zero

temperatures, one profession is particularly happy about it:


The winegrowers who want to make ice wine.


 

1. What is ice wine?


Ice wine does not mean that you have to drink a wine ice cold or even freeze it, but that

the grapes are harvested at freezing temperatures.


For this, the temperature must be -7 °C for at least 5 hours. The grapes are then usually

harvested in the morning. This means clammy fingers and a grape harvest in the cold

and darkness.


It is important that the grapes enter the press still frozen. This is

because the frozen water (ice) remains behind and the sweet juice, whose freezing

point is lower due to the sugar, is extracted. This makes the must very sweet and

makes it difficult for the yeasts to ferment the sugar.

Once fermentation is complete, a wine with a high natural sugar content and relatively low alcohol content remains.


Ice wine harvest in the darkness
  Bild: Depositphotos Ice wine harvest


2. History


This process was first mentioned in a document in Germany 1830, when people actually wanted to feed the frozen grapes to the animals and then discovered what delicious juice came out.

An amendment to the German wine law in 1982 elevated "Eiswein" to an independent

Prädikat level and set a minimum must weight that must at least correspond to that of

a Beerenauslese, namely 110 to 128° Öchsle, depending on the wine growing region.


 

3. In the vineyard


The vines intended for the ice wine are defoliated in the fall and covered with a

protective film, otherwise the birds would eat everything. From now on, the anxiety

begins as to whether everything will work out. In addition to the desired sub-zero-temperatures, you also want the grapes not to rot.


This is because only healthy grapes should be used for the ice wine. This means that only 300-500 liters of ice wine are harvested per hectare per year - always assuming that it will freeze at all. Otherwise the winegrower suffers a total loss.


In 2019, for example, there were insufficient sub-zero temperatures in Germany and

therefore no ice wine for the first time.



frozen grapes
Bild: Depositphotos frozen grapes

 

4. Grape varieties and growing regions


In general, grapes with a robust skin are used as this provides better protection from

the weather.

In Germany, Riesling or Scheurebe are preferred for the production of ice wine.

However, other grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Chasselas or Pinot Noir are also

permitted, to name but a few, as each growing region has its own regulations.


Grüner Veltliner is often used in Austria and Cabernet Franc in Canada. Canada is also

an exception in terms of grape production, as the grapes do not have to freeze on the

vine but can be frozen in the freezer. Ice wine is also produced in Switzerland and

China.


 

5. Vintage description


The ice wine is given the vintage in which the grapes were grown, even if the harvest is

not until January or February of the following year.

So if the grapes are harvested in January 2025, the label will say 2024 ice wine.

 


Ice in the vineyard
Ice in the vineyard

6. What does ice wine taste like?


Ice wine has very high sugar levels and a wide range of aromas, which vary depending

on the grape variety. However, the fruit notes are always in the foreground, such as

peach, tropical fruit, but also other aromas such as honey or herbs.


The alcohol content is low and is usually 7-10% vol. However, a high acidity is important, as this buffers the sweetness, resulting in a harmonious and flavorful wine.



7. How and why do I drink wine?


Due to its oily, viscous consistency, it is drunk in small wine glasses or dessert wine

glasses. Best served at approx. 10-12 °C. It is an excellent accompaniment to desserts,

although these should not be sweeter than the wine.

An exciting combination is also blue cheese such as Roquefort.

Or just as it is - instead of dessert.



8. Storage and shelf life


Ice wines are a pleasure to drink when young. Due to their high sugar content, they can

still be enjoyed several days after opening. Tehn, the wine should then be stored in

the fridge.

However, they also have enormous storage potential. Parents often look for a wine

from the child's year of birth to give as a birthday present. An ice wine is ideal for this,

as it can be stored for a long time and usually tastes much better to young people than

a mature wine.

 

snow on the wire frame in a vineyard
snow on the wire frame

 

As you can easily see, the production of ice wine involves a lot of work and a lot of luck

with the weather.

It is therefore no wonder that these noble wines are not cheap. They are prized as rarities by wine lovers worldwide.


Every drop a little bit of happiness


Treat yourself to a bottle or get one as a present - you're sure to enjoy it.


By the way: the first non-alcoholic ice wine from Baden has also been available since

2024. A Chasselas from the Markgräflerland. ...certainly also an exciting discovery.


snow in the vineyard
snow in the vineyard


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