The best icewines produced in Canada

Things to know about ice wine

The ancestor of ice wine was discovered by chance in Germany and Austria. A cold snap caused several vines to freeze. While winegrowers began to press the frozen grapes at the end of the 18th century, ice wine - or “Eiswein” - was not marketed until the middle of the 19th century. However, production was not guaranteed from year to year. The sometimes too mild temperatures in Europe did not allow the vines to freeze properly. In Canada, however, all the conditions - particularly weather conditions - were met for production to be possible every year.

Canada is the world's largest producer of ice wine. Production is mainly concentrated in Ontario, the Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, British Columbia and Quebec.

When it first appeared in Canada in the 1970s, ice wine did not enjoy much local success.

The action of the cold causes the accumulation of sugars and acidity in the grains left outside. A high acidity helps compensate for the high level of residual sugars in the finished product. To be called ice wine, the product must come from vines whose grapes have been naturally frozen.

The production of ice wine involves 3 nights in a row at least -7°C so that the maturation and concentration of sugar can take place in the grapes. It is also noted that this process causes the loss of between 40 and 70 % volume on average. This high loss rate and the particularities of its production explain the still very high cost of ice wine.

It is a dessert wine. It is long in the mouth, while being simultaneously sweet and acidic. Rich and complex, it gives off persistent aromas. As for its alcohol content, it is moderate. Ice wine can be reserved for the end-of-year celebrations or to celebrate a special occasion. It can also be offered as a gift to a loved one, a colleague or a valued client.

Our selection of the best ice wines

- Vidal Grand Reserve Ice Wine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery

The Vidal Grand Reserve undergoes fermentation in stainless steel barrels at controlled temperature for 5 months. It is a ice wine which supports aging very well: it can easily be kept for 10 to 15 years. In taste, we detect fruity and complex flavors. It tastes of peach, apricot, honey and tropical fruits. It finishes on an acidic point which perfectly balances its sweetness and its sugary side.

Serve chilled and pair with desserts and fine cheeses. It can also be enjoyed on its own, ideally at the end of a good meal.

- Jackson Triggs Vidal Icewine

This Canadian icewine is sweet, with soothing aromas. Jackson Triggs' Vidal is rich in flavor. It is reminiscent of tropical fruits - vanilla and mango - and apricot. There is also a hint of honey and vanilla when tasting.

Like any ice wine, it is perfect with desserts or cheese. It can also be paired with salmon appetizers or spicy Thai cuisine.

- Vidal Ice Wine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery

This is a the first ice wines produced by the estate. The grapes used in its production come from the estate's orchard in Ontario, in the Niagara region. This ice wine has been awarded around a hundred medals from around the world since its release in 1984.

It is sweet, sweet and acidic. Its acidity is lively, with deep aromas and diverse flavors. The Vidal ice wine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery explodes with flavors in the mouth. It alternately reveals notes of peach, apricot, honey and tropical fruits.

It is very good to drink alone and chilled. It can also be served with cheeses, but it is perfect with desserts. This ice wine can also be used in making cocktails.

- Frost Garden - Isle de Bacchus Estate

Jardin de Givre ice wine is produced in the Quebec region. It is obtained from the César noir grape variety, a variety originating from France and cultivated in the Isle de Bacchus estate.

It is sweet, with a woody and fruity bouquet (lychee and apricot).

Served chilled (8°C), it pairs perfectly with desserts, cheeses or foie gras. Jardin de Givre is a Grand Gold medalist at the 2020 Nations Cup.

- The Guardian Angel by the Estate of the same name

Guardian Angel is produced in Quebec, on the Beaupré coast. Its alcohol content is 11 %.

It tastes like tropical fruits.

It is ideally served between 10°C and 12°C. It is delicious with foie gras, cheeses or a dessert. It also goes very well on its own at the end of a good meal.

- Gagliano from the Estate of the same name

This sweet ice wine is produced in Quebec, in Durham, in Montérégie. It is obtained from the Frontenac gris grape variety. It has many fruity flavors on the palate. It tastes of sugar, red apple, nutmeg and rhubarb. It is a moderately strong ice wine with an alcohol content of 9.5 %.

It can be drunk alone at the end of a meal or ideally to accompany desserts and cheeses. Cocktail fan? Gagliano ice wine also lends itself very well to it.

- Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine

This is a quality ice wine, sweet, acidic and complex. It is very popular with connoisseurs in Canada and around the world. Its aromas are intense, with a fairly moderate alcohol content.

It is fruity in taste: citrus, peach, apricot and apple, with notes of honey and ginger.

Henry of Pelham Riesling is a great accompaniment to sweet desserts and mild cheese assortments.

- Pillitteri Estates Riesling Ice Wine

This ice wine complex is produced in Ontario in the Niagara region. It tastes like wax, honey, apricot, apple, peach, but also tropical fruits. It will go very well with a sweet, fresh and fruity dessert. It goes deliciously with raspberry, mango or passion fruit. It can also be served very well with a cheese platter or with foie gras. Pillitteri Estates Riesling Ice Wine is the perfect end to a rich meal.