Icewine Origins
“A rare and exquisite product, Icewine found its beginnings in Europe nearly two centuries ago. Germany was the first country to produce this wine, and as with most new ideas it occurred by accident. Peasant farmers in Franconia were hit be a sudden, unexpected frost in the winter of 1794. Instead of despairing of their frozen grapes, they followed their instinct for frugality and went ahead and made wine. The result was a small quantity of honey sweet nectar with balancing acidity that was unlike anything they had ever produced. The wine – named Eiswein – was considered a treasure, but the moderate German climate, perfect conditions for making this wine only occurred in very cold winters and so it remained, indeed, very rare.” – Tony Aspler
Icewine 101
We love this video that explains it all. Take 2 minutes to watch “How Icewine Is Made” from our friends at Wine Country Ontario. It’s a fantastic Icewine 101.
Again, we’re shouting out to Wine Country Ontario as they have compiled a fantastic overview Icewine resource. Check out these facts, flavour pairings and cocktails.
Icewine on Island Time – a Canadian Classic
The first award winning Icewine produced here at Pelee Island Winery was the 1991 vintage. It won its first award, a Silver in 1993 Le Bec Fin.
Since that time, over 86 awards have been won including striking Gold with our 1996 vintage at 1998 Air Ontario Wine Awards, as well as the Wine of the Year – Riedel Crystal Sculpture Award and 2002 Vidal Icewine 2003 Tasters Guild Annual Consumer Wine Judging Double Gold.
See our Icewine awards here.
Our Current Offerings
Cabernet Franc 2008 VQA is an elegant, rich ruby red wine, with intense cassis and strawberry jam flavours that linger on your palate.
Savoury Pairing: Pecan-Crusted Salmon with Bacon Fat Maple Glaze
Chocolate & Cheese Pairing: Chocolate Dessert Charcuterie Board
Vidal 2004 VQA apricots and peaches on the nose makes this a honey sweet nectar with balanced acidity.
Spicy Pairing: Honey Sriracha Scallops
Sweet Pairing: Vegan Crème Brulée
Time to Serve
Chilled between 10-12°C
Pour between 1.5 to 2 ounces per glass
Glassware – always subjective but a flute is common or a smaller, wide mouth wine glass to fully experience the aromas. Whichever you choose, chill your glasses 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget while you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your Birthday!