Icewine, that delicate and sweet elixir, made from wine grapes that can be frozen on the vine, originated in Germany in the late 18th century. Today, however, the best ice wines in the world come from the wine regions surrounding the Great Lakes, including Ohio’s Lake Erie wine appellation.
What is ice wine?
Icewine is the result of a process, not a single grape variety. Various grapes are used to make ice wine. In Germany, the preferred grape is Riesling; in Ohio and Canada, the Vidal Blanc grape is favored. Other grapes used in ice wines include Seyval Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz.
Icewine is the product of allowing wine grapes to freeze while still on the vine, concentrating the natural sugars in the juice.
Making Icewine
The climate around Lake Erie is ideal for making ice wine. The warm lake protects the vines until the first hard frost, which usually occurs in early December. The grapes are harvested and pressed immediately, while they are still frozen.
Ohio ice wines
Although less known around the world than their Canadian cousins, Ohio wineries make excellent ice wines. Some of the best of these are:
- Chalet Debonne in Madison makes a Vidal Blanc ice wine
- Bodega Farinacci – makes a Riesling ice wine and Cabernet Franc
- The Ferrante winery, in Geneva, produces an ice wine Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc
- Laurello Vineyards, in Geneva, makes a Vidal Blanc ice wine.
Buy Icewine
Ohio Ice Wines are available in supermarkets and regional wine stores, as well as direct from wineries. Ohio wine laws currently prohibit individual wineries from selling directly to consumers in other states. Note that icewines are traditionally sold in 375 ml. bottles
(updated 12-20-13)
