Canada is most famous for its Icewine, a luscious dessert wine that has gained international recognition. This unique wine is made from grapes that are left to freeze naturally on the vine, resulting in a concentrated and intensely flavored wine. The harsh Canadian winters play a crucial role in the production of Icewine, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, allowing the grapes to freeze and retain their natural sugars and acidity.
One of the most renowned wineries in Canada that specializes in Icewine is Inniskillin, located in the picturesque region of Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario. Inniskillin has been producing Icewine since 1984 and has played a significant role in putting Canada on the global wine map. Their dedication to quality and innovation has led to numerous awards and accolades for their Icewine.
What sets Icewine apart from other wines is its labor-intensive production process. The grapes are left on the vine until they reach a specific level of freezing, usually around -8 to -10 degrees Celsius. This freezing causes the water within the grapes to crystallize, leaving behind highly concentrated sugars, acids, and flavors. The frozen grapes are then hand-picked in the early morning hours when the temperatures are still frigid, ensuring that the grapes remain frozen throughout the harvesting process.
Harvesting Icewine grapes is a challenging task, as the frozen grapes are fragile and can easily break apart. The yield of grapes is significantly lower compared to traditional wine production, making Icewine a relatively rare and prized delicacy. However, the effort and patience involved in making Icewine result in a wine that is truly worth savoring.
Icewine is known for its intense flavors and aromas. The concentrated sugars give the wine a rich sweetness, balanced by the natural acidity of the grapes. Common flavors found in Icewine include tropical fruits, honey, apricot, peach, and citrus. The wine has a luscious and velvety mouthfeel, with a long and lingering finish.
Icewine is typically served chilled and is a perfect accompaniment to desserts or enjoyed on its own as a dessert in itself. Its sweetness pairs well with rich and creamy desserts like cheesecake, crème brûlée, or fruit tarts. The acidity also helps to cut through the richness of desserts, providing a harmonious balance of flavors.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of tasting Inniskillin's Icewine, and it was a remarkable experience. The wine had a beautiful golden color, with aromas of ripe peaches and honey. On the palate, it was incredibly smooth and velvety, with flavors of tropical fruits and a lingering sweetness. It was the perfect ending to a meal, leaving a lasting impression.
Canada's most famous wine is Icewine, a sweet and luxurious dessert wine made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. Inniskillin, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is renowned for its production of Icewine and has helped put Canada on the global wine stage. The labor-intensive production process and the unique flavors and aromas of Icewine make it a truly special and sought-after wine.