Apple ice wine is an incredibly unique and special beverage. It's made from the juice of frozen apples, using a very similar process to that of ice wine – which is made with grapes – and is definitely worth trying if you haven't already.
The process of making apple ice wine begins with selecting the best apples for the job. The apples must be ripe enough to produce a juice with just the right amount of sugar and acidity, as well as freeze-thaw-resistant. After harvesting, the apples are stored in cold storage at temperatures below -8°C (17°F).
Once they're ready to go, the frozen apples are then pressed and the juice is extracted. This process is known as ‘freeze concentration' and it's responsible for giving apple ice wine its sweet flavour profile and high sugar content. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks or barrels, before being bottled and left to age for up to two years.
The result? A luxurious beverage with an alcohol content usually around 10%, which can vary depending on how sweet or dry it has been made. This makes apple ice wine slightly lower in alcohol than most table wines, but sweeter varieties can come in at higher levels of around 6%.
Appearance-wise, apple ice wine has a light golden colour with a smooth taste that's perfect for pairing with cheese or desserts such as tarte tatin or crème brûlée. Not only does it make an excellent aperitif but also adds another dimension to food pairings due to its unique sweetness that cuts through fatty foods like pork belly or foie gras pâté.
However, because of its limited production yield and complicated process involved in making this special beverage, it does come at a higher cost than regular table wines – usually sold in half-bottle volume (375 mL) or even smaller 200ml bottles.
So if you're loking for something different next time you entertain friends or family, why not give apple ice wine a try? You won't regret it!
The Unique Characteristics of Ice Wine
Ice wine is a special type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The cold temperatures cause the water content in the grapes to freeze, which concentrates the sugars and acids, resulting in a sweet and intensely flavorful wine. The process of making ice wine is labor intensive and time consuming, as grapes must be harvested under very specific conditions. The result is an exceptionally sweet and complex wine that offers intense flavors of ripe stone fruit, honey, apricot, and citrus. Ice wines are knon for their high residual sugar content, balanced acidity and low alcohol levels (usually around 10% ABV). Ice wines can be an acquired taste for some due to their intense sweetness but are beloved by many for their unique flavor profile.
The Cost of Ice Wine: Why is it More Expensive?
Ice wine is more expensive than table wines for sveral reasons. Firstly, the grapes used for ice wine must be harvested at just the right temperature and time, which requires dedicated monitoring by the winemaker. Secondly, it takes significantly more grapes to produce a bottle of ice wine than a bottle of table wine; this is because the sugar content of grapes used for ice wine is much lower than those used in regular wines. Thirdly, the process of extracting juice from frozen grapes is labor-intensive and can take up to two days to complete. due to its limited yield and high demand, ice wines are often sold in smaller volumes such as half bottles (375 mL) or even 200ml bottles. All of these factors contribute to the higher price tag associated with ice wines.
Conclusion
Apple ice wine is a unique and special fermented beverage made from the juice of frozen apples. It is usually served chilled as an aperitif or to accompany sharp cheese or desserts, and has a fruity flavor with high sugar content and high acidity. It typically has an alcohol content of around 10%, altough sweeter versions can come in at lower levels. As it is a difficult process with a low yield, it is more expensive than traditional table wines, and is often sold in half-bottle volume (375 mL) or the even smaller 200ml bottle sizes. Apple ice wine can be a great addition to any meal, making it an ideal accompaniment for any occasion.
