Do you know what ice wine is ? Discover this very special wine thanks to Beaux-Vins !
Often, we complain about the cold, humidity and frost in winter. Yet, this cold is a blessing that we should cherish when we say to ourselves "wine lover". Why ? Because it makes it possible to produce a wine that is unique in its kind : ice wine ! Also called "snow wine" or "frost wine", "Icewine" in Canada or "Einswein" in Germany; this surprising beverage has an equally surprising history.
His origin : a simple accident
It is difficult to know exactly the first time icewine could be produced., but the first traces of such a drink date back to the end of the 18th century in the German Moselle. Surprised by early frosts, the winegrowers of the region were forced to squeeze grapes that were still frozen. At the same time, they discovered a new wine. This very first wine certainly comes from the Riesling grape., very present in the region. An unexpected discovery that gave birth to a surprising wine.
This tradition then spread to Austria and then Slovenia, where the climate more extreme than in Germany is particularly favorable for the manufacture of ice wine. The extreme temperatures passing from hot to cold allow to concentrate the sugars of the grape. In Alsace, the ice wine is made from traditional grape varieties from the region, the noblest being Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Canada has developed an easier and faster production method than in France, the grapes are placed in nets to freeze - note that this method is prohibited in Europe —.
How to make ice wine ?
This is where it all gets complicated, making ice wine is not easy. Harvesting of grapes frozen on the vine, often done at night, are done when the temperature is lower than -7 °C. This negative temperature is essential for the water in the berries to be trapped in the ice flakes. Grapes, once harvested, are immediately sent to the press. It is essential that the water remains in the form of crystals so that only the grape juice is extracted. The winemaking of ice wine allows a concentration of aromas and acidity.
You get the point, such a production method does not allow for high yields. The productions do not exceed hundreds of liters per hectare - the yield for a classic wine is 6’000 liters per hectare —. The weather conditions and the limited yield make this wine, an exceptional product. The fermentation of the must - the juice - is just as complicated as the following steps.
Whether in vats or barrels, the concentration of sugar makes this phase long and difficult. After a few months of aging, icewine is ready to be bottled and rarely displays alcohol levels above 10 °.
This wine is therefore made with ripe grapes, picked up frozen. They are also in a hurry still frozen, to then be brought to ferment. It is the natural concentration of the grapes in sugar that makes this wine so original : given the high sugar content of these grapes, the wine is sweet. Added to this very sweet taste is the acidity : in fact the juice is already sweet since the grapes are very ripe when they are picked up. Then the sugar concentration increases when the grapes thaw, so that the acidity increases at the same time. This wine is traditionally served in a tasting glass, at a temperature of 6 ° C. It can be offered as an aperitif, to the dessert, but also and above all with cheese.
The price of ice wine
The scarcity of this product results from a low yield, of complicated production and harvest responding to very specific situations. Therefore, ice wine is sold at a price necessarily higher than for a classic wine. It is rare - and strange limit - find ice wines sold for less than 15 € half a bottle. The price can range from 20 to 300 €, but the wines will be careful not to 7 to 10 years old easily.
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