3 weekends, 58 wineries, 15 events… this is Icewine in January in Niagara. Everything you need to plan your visit can be found at www.niagarachilled.com. The weather this week dipped below the magic number of -8°C when winemakers descend into the vineyards to harvest the frozen berries to extract their sweet nectar and turn it into wine. This is also the perfect time to visit wine country. Off-season you rarely need to deal with crowded tasting rooms. It is the perfect time of year to visit wineries and go at your own pace.
To kick off the month of celebrations in wine country I was fortunate enough to get a taste at the iYellow Wine Cave. We were treated to three icewines and cheeses to match. One of my favorite pairings is icewine with pretty much any cheese. The salt and fat in the cheese make a perfect match to the sweetness of Icewine. You can experience wine and cheese at various seminars being hosted in wine country (http://www.niagarawinefestival.com/wine-and-cheese-seminars) tickets are only $20 to attend.
Taking place this weekend is the Winter Winefest in Twenty Valley takes over Jordan village bringing all sorts of wine and food all in one place saving you the drive. I have attended in the past and it is definitely worth checking out. The street festival in Niagara on the Lake takes place next weekend on January 16-18
I had a chance to taste three Icewines this evening.
2013 Cave Spring Riesling Icewine – Vintages 447441 – $49.95 – ****1/2 – There is a slight mineral note on the nose with honey. Flavours of honey, and tangerine are dominant with a slight floral feeling on the mid palate. Fabulous bright crisp acidity helps cut right through the sugar on the finish of this wine. This is an elegant icewine.
2013 Peller Estates “Oak Aged” Vidal Icewine – $62.10 – **** – The nose and flavours in this wine is all Apple. The acidity is a little lower than the Riesling Icewine which gives this wine a long finish. This will make an ideal pairing to hard cheeses or blue cheese.
2012 Chateau Des Charmes Cabernet Franc Icewine – Vintages 346692 – $75.00 – **** – Red Icewine is a very special product … and a lot of people still don’t know of its existence. This is strawberry rhubarb pie in a glass balanced with nice acidity. Icewine made from Cabernet Franc would be perfect for those people who think that it is too sweet. The fruit profile on this wine helps make the wine seem less sweet than it is.
For more information on all things Icewine in Niagara this month go to www.niagarachilled.com also check out www.iyellowwineclub.com to book your seat on their Icewine tour taking place January 24th.
