In honor of the Olympics, it might be appropriate to open a bottle of Ice Wine. Canada produces a lot of wine, especially around the Great Lakes and in the biggest wine region of the country, the Okanagan Valley, right near the Olympic venues.
But the most recognized wines from Canada today are Ice Wines. Produced primarily in the area of the c, these sweet wines are really nature made.
An Ice Wine is a made from grapes that have been left to ripen on the wine for a very long time. Some of the first Eiswines were produced in Germany about 200 years ago. However, it is not until recently that ice wine has really taken off. In Germany, they do not make ice wine every year. The Canadians have indeed perfected the process and make a number of ice wines every year. Some the grapes used are Riesling, Kerner, Chardonnay, Gamay, Merlot and the ever popular Cabernet Franc and Vidal. Just a note about the Vidal grape. Having recently had a still version of Vidal, it tasted like roasted peanuts. It was not good. No finish. But when left to ripen and become extra sweet, the Vidal grape really shines.
When the grapes have a Brix level near 30, that is the a lot of sugar to water ratio, they are left to freeze on the vine. The best are picked in the cold of night, about 3am and immediately pressed. Each grape produces just a few drops. That is why the bottles are small and cost a bit. These wines tend to have a lot of acid which is balanced by the sweetness of the wine. Ice wines are very good with food.
Canada has leapt to the forefront of ice wine production and Inniskillin has become the largest producer in the world. One other producer to watch for is Pellar Estates. There are of course more, but the goal is to find a grape varietal that you like. Be prepared for a sweet, thick, viscous wine.
At California Taste Fine Wine, I am often asked what does one pair with an ice wine. I like to think of it in terms of Sauterne. Toasted almonds, blue cheese, strong flavors. But it does go very nicely with chocolate as well. An open bottle will last a few weeks in the refrigerator. A little of this wine goes a long way.
I also tell people that you need to buy ice wine now. With climate change, the growing conditions are rapidly changing. as wine regions heat up, the grapes do not freeze as much or at all. So look for these wines that are at times called “Nectar of the Gods.” Discover one of Canada’s great exports and keep watching the Winter Olympics. Uncork some Happiness and root for the home team!
KenSpearsOnWine 