The best icewines produced in Canada

All you need to know about ice wine

The ancestor of ice wine was discovered by chance in Germany and Austria. A cold snap caused the freezing of several standing vines. While winegrowers began to press iced grapes at the end of the 18th century, ice wine - or “Eiswein” - was not marketed until the middle of the 19th century. However, production is not guaranteed from year to year. Temperatures that are sometimes too mild in Europe do not allow the vines to freeze properly. In Canada, on the other hand, all the conditions - notably meteorological - are met so that production can take place every year.

Canada is the 1st producer of ice wine in the world. Production is mainly concentrated in Ontario on the Niagara Peninsula, Pelee Island, British Columbia and Quebec.

In its Canadian debut in the 1970s, ice wine did not enjoy great success locally.

The action of the cold causes the accumulation of sugars and acidity in the grains left outside. A strong acidity makes it possible to compensate for the high level of residual sugars in the finished product. In order 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 at least -7°C so that the maturation and concentration of sugar can take place in the grains. It is also noted that this process causes the loss of between 40 and 70 % volume on average. This high rate of loss and the peculiarities of its production explain the still very high cost of ice wine.

It is a dessert wine. It is long in the mouth, while simultaneously being sweet and sour. Rich and complex, it releases persistent aromas. As for its alcohol content, it is moderate. Icewine can be reserved for the holiday season or to celebrate a special occasion. It can also be given as a gift to a loved one, a colleague or a valued client.

Our selection of the best ice wines

- Vidal Grand Reserve Icewine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery

The Vidal Grand Reserve undergoes fermentation in stainless steel barrels at controlled temperature for 5 months. It's a ice wine which supports aging very well: it can easily be kept for 10 to 15 years. On the taste, it reveals fruity and complex flavors. It tastes of peach, apricot, honey and tropical fruits. It ends on an acid point that perfectly balances its softness and its sweet side.

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

- Jackson Triggs Vidal Icewine

This Canadian Icewine is smooth, 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-based appetizers or spicy Thai cuisine.

- Vidal Icewine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery

This is one of the first icewines produced by the estate. The grapes used in its production come from the estate's orchard in Ontario, in the Niagara region. This Icewine has been awarded hundreds of medals from around the world since its release in 1984.

It is syrupy, sweet and acidic. Its acidity is lively, with deep aromas and diverse flavors. Vidal Icewine from Domaine Reif Estate Winery explodes with flavors on the palate. We find in it notes of peach, apricot, honey and tropical fruits.

It is drunk very well on its own 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 - Domaine Isle de Bacchus

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

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

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

- The Guardian Angel by the Estate of the same name

Ange-Gardien is produced in Quebec, on the Côte de Beaupré. Its alcohol content is 11 %.

In taste, it is reminiscent of 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 icewine is produced in Quebec, in Durham, Montérégie. It is obtained from the Gray Frontenac grape variety. It reveals many fruity flavors in the mouth. It tastes of sugar, red apple, nutmeg and rhubarb. It is a moderately strong Icewine with an alcohol content of 9.5 %.

It is drunk alone at the end of a meal or ideally to accompany desserts and cheeses. Cocktail enthusiast? Gagliano Icewine also lends itself very well.

- Riesling Icewine from Henry of Pelham

It is a quality ice wine, sweet, acidic and complex. It is highly appreciated by 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 hints of honey and ginger.

Henry of Pelham's Riesling is the perfect accompaniment to sweet desserts and mild cheese assortments.

- Pillitteri Estates Riesling Icewine

This ice wine complex is produced in Ontario in the Niagara region. To taste, it is reminiscent of wax, honey, apricot, apple, peach, but also tropical fruits. It goes very well with a sweet, fresh and fruity dessert. It pairs 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 Icewine is the perfect end to a rich meal.