By Tim Sousa
Of the many types of wine available, one of the most sought after is ice wine. Ice wine is rare, and can only be produced in certain regions, under certain weather conditions. Ice wine is produced in colder temperatures, such as British Columbia, where the weather conditions are right for the production of this type of wine.
Ice wine is produced in small quantities, making it rare and hard to find. Because of this, ice wine is generally much more expensive than other wines. There are some wines that are called ice wines that are affordable, but true ice wine does come with a hefty price tag.
Of the many types of wine available, one of the most sought after is ice wine. Ice wine is rare, and can only be produced in certain regions, under certain weather conditions. Ice wine is produced in colder temperatures, such as British Columbia, where the weather conditions are right for the production of this type of wine. Ice wines can also be found in the Pacific Northwest, and some other regions where the temperatures are right.
Ice wine is produced in small quantities, making it rare and hard to find. Because of this, ice wine is generally much more expensive than other wines. There are some wines that are called ice wines that are affordable, but true ice wine does come with a hefty price tag. The cheaper ones are also called icebox wines, and are produced differently than a true ice wine.
The weather conditions are critical for making a true ice wine. Ice wine is pressed from frozen grapes. The grapes are left on the vine to fully ripen, then when the weather reaches low enough temperatures, around -8 degrees C., the grapes freeze. Once frozen, the grapes are picked at night, when the temperatures are coldest, and taken to be pressed.
The pressing also takes place in cold temperatures, so that the water in the grapes remains frozen. The frozen grapes produce only a small amount of juice, since the water in the grape is frozen. Because the grapes have remained on the vine to fully ripen, and because the water is frozen, the juice and the sugars that remain are incredibly concentrated, producing a very flavorful juice. This juice is then fermented to produce ice wine. The resulting product is a very concentrated, sweet wine. The high sugar level also results in a slower fermentation process. So ice wine takes longer to produce than a normal table wine.
There are also wines produced that are called ice wine, but they are produced differently. The grapes are picked earlier, and then frozen before pressing them for their juice. As a result, the flavors of the grapes are not as fully developed as in ice wine. As stated above, these wines are also known as icebox wines.
All of these factors, the particular weather conditions, and the sparse amount of juice from each grape, are what makes ice wine so rare and expensive. Ice wine is usually sold in half bottles, as opposed to regular wine, which typically is sold in 750ml bottles. Most stores do not sell ice wine, and it is hard to find online. Even if you can find it, it may be a bit expensive. But if you can, it is well worth it. Ice wine, because of the sugar content is very sweet, but not cloyingly so. The acid helps to balance out the sweetness.
Once produced, ice wine will sell very quickly. If you find a wine maker with some ice wine, you should do your best to pick up a bottle or two. It will be expensive, but well worth it.
Visit Wine Country Guide for more information on wine and wine growing regions.
Source:www.isnare.com |
