Oh Icewine, the REAL signature of Ontario (alongside Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay…) It is the time of year when the ground is frozen and so are the grapes. The harvest for the 2011 vintage took place for most wineries around the New Year, with some big challenges courtesy of mother nature. But while we wait until next to see this years icewines there are some exceptional bottles on the shelf from past years.
Before I get to the wine I must address the largest complaint about icewine, and that is plain and simple the sweetness. I don’t like to snob it up too often, but Icewine is where I make the exception. Here are some tips to make sure you maximize your enjoyment of these wines.
1. These wines are to be served as cold as possible (4C to 10C)
2. Serve these wines in a glass with a narrow opening, even a champagne flute. You do not need to give them much exposure to air like you would with a full bodied red or chardonnay.
3. Don’t just toss this back like a shot of jack. You should sip on this like a fine scotch. Once in the glass take a big sniff to enjoy the aroma, then take your first sip. That first sip will be a little sweet. For the 2nd (and 3rd … ) take a bit into your mouth and take in a bit of air and let the wine dance around on your tongue before swallowing. Giving it that little shot of air will help release all the fruit, citrus and honey flavours.
4. Icewine is not just for dessert! You can pair these wines with some great cheeses. Salty and Sweet make a great combo.
Inniskillin 2007 Vidal Icewine – VINTAGES 551085 – $49.95 – This is a great icewine from a great harvest. A very typical Vidal with flavours of Honey and an Aroma of wild flowers. This will taste the sweetest of the 4 I am talking about today. If you are new to icewine this is a great place to start. Vidal is one of the most popular grapes used to make Icewine.
Inniskillin 2010 Vidal Sparkling Icewine – VINTAGES 560367 – $69.95 – On the aroma this is a very typical Vidal, but once you put this in your mouth the tiny bubbles feel like they are teasing your tongue pulling the wine off before you can get caught with too much sweetness. The price is a little higher but worth every penny.
Sue-Ann Staff 2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine – VINTAGES 231639 – $49.95 – I love red icewine! It takes me back to sitting at my Grandma’s house eating a big slice of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (the only thing missing ice the vanilla ice cream). While holding onto aromas of honey there is something different in the bottle here… You get Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry and Rhubarb.
When I had a chance to try these with John Tory his picks in order of preference were the Cabernet Franc, the Sparkling Vidal, and the Vidal. But don’t take his word for it go out and try them for yourself!
These are just a small sample of the great icewines available from many of the fine wineries in Ontario. Valentines day is coming up too, and these would make a fine addition to a romantic evening. If you still feel these may be too sweet to you, my favourite trick is to take an ounce or two of your icewine, pour it in the bottom of a champagne flute and pour in your favourite dry sparkling wine over top.
Last week I also got a chance to sample a real treat from Riverview Cellars Estate Winery.
Riverview Cellars Estate Winery Buona Notte Vidal/Riesling Icewine 2010 – $99 – This wine isn’t available yet but will be very soon. It will be worth the wait. A crisp acidity on the finish of this wine keeps your mouth from ending up with the sugar coating feeling left by many icewines. I had a chance to enjoy this paired with a mild blue cheese (Bleu D’Elizabeth from Fromagerie du Presbytere Saint-Elizabeth-de-Warwick, Quebec).
Don’t forget that the Icewine Festival is taking place for another two weeks get all your info here:http://www.icewinefestival.com/
