Ice Wine (Eiswein)

What it is

Eiswein is a tradition of Germany and Austria, and Canada makes it as Icewine, especially on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario. The grapes are left on the vine until a hard frost freezes them, then picked and pressed while still frozen, often at night. The result is a wine of pure fruit (peach, apricot, citrus, pineapple) with very high sweetness balanced by piercing acidity.

How it is made

When frozen grapes are pressed, much of the water stays behind as ice and only a small amount of must, highly concentrated in sugar and acidity, runs off. To use the name Eiswein or Icewine, grapes must freeze naturally in the vineyard; artificial freezing in the winery is not allowed under these names. Unlike botrytised wines, healthy grapes are the aim, so the profile is cleaner and more fruit-driven.

What to serve it with

• Fruit desserts (peach or apple tart)
• Blue cheeses
• Foie gras
• Sorbets and citrus desserts
• Cheesecake

On the wine list

• It is usually sold in half or small bottles; small pours by the glass are a good way to introduce it to guests.
• A one-line explanation of how it is made (grapes frozen on the vine) helps justify the price.
• Avoid pairing it with desserts sweeter than the wine, which flatten it; fruit or tangy desserts work better.