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Robert Bell's

Wines of Canada

Since 1992

Icewine

Icewine is a rare gift from a magical Canadian winter. Picked at the coldest moment of a winter's night, each frozen grape creates just one drop of Icewine. One smooth rich, luxurious drop. Peller Estates

One of nature's most exquisite gifts one of the world's most luscious and celebrated wines. It is one of the most difficult and challenging process for the winemaker . (1)

Canada is the world leader in producing amazing Ice Wines

Icewine Questions

 
Why is it more expensive than regular wine?

Grape growers take a huge risk by leaving the fruit on the vine long after the usual harvest time. Birds, animals and weather can all destroy the grapes as they sit waiting for the perfect conditions necessary to harvest for icewine. The grapes must be processed so carefully and quickly once the conditions are met. The juice maybe sweeter, but there is less juice in each grape compared to a fall harvest.

How long can I keep an unopened bottle of icewine?

With such a brief history, determining the ability of icewines to improve with time is open to conjecture. Sweet wines must have good acidity to gain complexity, so good balance is essential for long term storage. Icewines are so appealing when young that there are few examples to assess (and those are very expensive). The best method for choosing an appropriate icewine to cellar is to base your choice on the grape variety used to make the wine. Icewines made with the Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes should be drunk young. Gewürztraminer and Ehrenfelser can frequently be low in acid and while they will keep for 3-5 years, they are not good candidates for the cellar. Vidal is good for 5-7 years although Inniskillin Ontario has Vidal Icewines from the 1980's that are reportedly superb. For long term aging, Riesling offers the best chance. The great, long-lived dessert wines of Germany are Rieslings and the grape's ability to retain acidity, even in the hottest years, make Riesling Icewines the best bet for long term cellaring. As with any other wine, good cellar conditions (constant, cool temperatures) are crucial to allow the wine to develop its full potential.

How long will an open bottle of icewine last, are there other uses for icewine?

Due to the high sugar content, a bottle of icewine will last 3-5 days after opening if re-corked and stored in the fridge. Why this would happen is beyond me, a opened bottle deserves to be consumed in one sitting.

Icewines can be very versatile. They have been blended with brandy to make liqueur, used to create exquisite jellies and have been used as ingredients (albeit expensive ones) in several cocktails. There are also numerous recipes that incorporate icewine.

How is icewine best served? What with? Is there a special glass?

Icewine shows best when it is chilled but not cold. The ideal temperature is 10-12 Celsius 50-54°Fahrenheit. Renowned as "dessert in a glass" it is ideal on its own or with a fresh fruit plate. Often, it is recommended that icewine be served in small liqueur glasses but research has shown that stemware with a fairly large bowl (9 oz) is better as it amplifies the nose and intensifies the flavours. Failing that, a normal wine glass is a better choice than glassware that is too small.

Where can I buy Canada's icewine

Unfortunately we are unable to tell you which wine stores in your area carry Canadian icewine. The regulations of importing and exporting of wine are controlled by the various States and Provinces in North America. Canada has recently reached a trade agreement with Europe and Japan.  Other countries around the world will also have there own trade regulations and liquor laws.

How many bottles can you bring back to USA?

Each adult returning to the US is permitted one (1) liter of wine or spirits duty free after 48 hours in Canada. Duty on wines can vary from 15 cents to 45 cents per bottle. It is recommended that you retain your receipt and declare your purchase(s) at US Customs.

Importing wine to other Countries

Please check with your individual government office.

1. Pillitteri Estates Winery


Introduction ~ Making Icewine ~ History ~ Key Producers ~ Icewine Standards

Icewine and Foods

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