Canada is now the world’s largest producer of ice wine, a style of dessert wine that is created using wine grapes that have frozen on the vine, and the Okanagan Wine Tours is beginning to corner the market!
Grapes are picked off the vine once the temperature has dropped to below 8 C, often later in the evening, then pressed while still frozen, which concentrates the sugars in the grape, producing is mouthwatering sweet wine!
Here are some of our favorite Ice Wines you certainly should try this winter season.
Volcanic Hills–2108 Zweigelt Icewine
This after-dinner sipper has enticing aromas and flavors of dried strawberry and strawberry jam with notes of sultana raisin and fig. Its well-balanced acidity provides a clean, silky-smooth finish.
Serve at 6 to 8 C and is best consumed within 1–6 years of vintage
This wine pairs nicely with soft cheeses, apple or peach strudel, cheesecake, ice cream, pancakes, or milk chocolate. Do not pair with anything sweeter than the wine itself.
Price Point: $49
Lang Vineyards–Original Canadian Maple Wine, Red
A perfect blend of Merlot and Canadian Maple Syrup, this ice wine has hints of sherry and port. Lang is the first winery in North America to produce this type.
This dessert wine is great over vanilla and walnut ice cream, pairs well with tiramisu, or fresh fruit salad, or is enjoyed as an aperitif.
Price Point: $24
Kalala Organic Estate Winery–2014 Merlot Icewine
This wine has aromas of fresh, ripe strawberry, cherry, and fig which give way to warmer notes of brown sugar and honey. Fairly high acidity adds freshness and balances the sweetness of this ice wine.
Pairs well with soft and pungent cheeses such as Roquefort or Gorganzolo, vanilla ice cream, and milk or dark chocolate.
Price point: $70
