Due to an extraordinary combination of climate, location and savoir faire, Ontario has become world famous for the Icewines it produces. These luscious dessert wines are coveted by wine connoisseurs the world over. Canada is the world’s largest producer of Icewine, and 90 percent of it is produced here in Ontario.
Vidal grapes are the varietal most often used for Icewine, along with a few others; elegant Riesling, the more finicky to grow Cabernet Franc and sometimes, Gewurtztraminer grapes. The Niagara region has the ideal weather conditions that allow for the harvesting of these grapes under very specific conditions. The grapes are allowed to freeze on the vines, then the frozen grapes are harvested by hand at night when at the temperature hits -8 ºC (minimum), consistently for several days. This type of grape harvest is not for the faint of heart! The grapes are gently pressed while still frozen, allowing for a concentrated naturally sweet juice.
Here’s a quick peek at four Ontario Icewines, each one slightly different, and all lusciously delicious. These unique wines are noted for their purity of concentrated fruit flavours, in exquisite balance with acidity levels. Note that Icewine is typically sold in 200ml bottles. This precious nectar is highly labour intensive and is only made in limited quantities.
This delectable red and white duo offers two superb Ontario Icewines. The white is crafted from Vidal grapes and shows tropical aromas and flavours of mango and ripe pineapple. The red Icewine is made with Vidal and Cabernet Franc grapes, with a flavour profile that adds vibrant strawberry and raspberry notes. Both are luscious and sweet, but the fine line of acidity keeps the overall effect from being cloying. Pair with rich blue cheeses, nuts, foie gras or alternately, with flaky dessert pastries. These sweet wines also pair well with spicy Thai dishes and Chinese dumplings.
Sweet Dessert • 9.5% • LCBO Vintages# 42786 • $59.95 • 200ml x 2
Aromatic Gewurtztraminer wines are recognized by their slightly spicy characteristic aromas and flavours. You’ll find enticing lychee, apricot, apple, ginger, citrus and white floral aromas. The mouthfeel is satiny, with luscious apricot jam, mango, sweet spice and marzipan flavours. The fine line of acidity balances the sweetness, keeping it in check. Pair this with biscotti or crème brulée.
Sweet Dessert • 11% • LCBO# 547703 • $34.95 • 200 ml
A beautifully expressive dessert wine that gives rich aromas and flavours of apricot marmalade, poached pears and honey. The excellent acidity balances the richness, giving a satisfying finesse to the overall impression. Pair it with foie gras or a cheesecake topped with berries.
Sweet Dessert • 10% • LCBO# 44186 • $36.95 • 200 ml
If you feel like running away from Ottawa after this latest polar vortex (and who doesn’t?), this could be the year you take a trip to Niagara Falls to enjoy the Niagara Icewine Festival.
You can savour Icewine tastings and dine overlooking the Falls at Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar. The festival culminates with the Cool As Ice Gala, taking place at Niagara Parks Power Station. This unforgettable all-inclusive evening will offer premium Icewine pours from Niagara’s top wineries, onsite mixologists preparing craft Icewine cocktails and mocktails, local culinary delights from some of the region’s best restaurants, a live orchestra and DJ, dancing and immersive performances. For details and tickets, visit www.niagarawinefestival.com.
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