What is ice wine? Features, popular manufacturers, reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

What association do you have when you hear the words "ice wine"? Probably, it will be a well-chilled drink made from grape juice. However, this is not quite true. Any wine can be cooled, although its taste and aroma can only be properly tasted if the drink is served at room temperature, in a wide glass. So this phrase has a different meaning. So what is ice wine? This is a gift that cold weather gives us. Today we will take a closer look at the technology of its preparation so that you know what to expect if you are offered to try this delicacy. It really deserves attention.

The breath of winter - ice wine

Think of vineyards. Surely, a sun-drenched lawn, lush greenery and fragrant clusters immediately appear before your eyes. But there is another picture: a blackened vine on white snow and dark brown berries, very similar to raisins. They are the raw materials from which ice wine is obtained. At the same time, not every grape is suitable for the production of an exotic drink. Winemakers throughoutgrowing season decide which berries to keep on the vine. Wine made from ice grapes is proudly called "liquid gold". And indeed, it is not easy to cook it. Winemakers must leave the berries on the branches until frost kills them. Moreover, too low temperatures are also detrimental to him. It is optimal to harvest when the thermometer drops to -8 degrees.

Features of frozen grape juice

I would like to emphasize once again the fact that the characteristics apply only to berries that are frozen in the vine. A more economical option - to freeze them in production - loses a lot in terms of quality, so only a cheap fake can be prepared in this way. Ice grape juice is very sweet. Sugar does not freeze, this allows you to squeeze out a more concentrated and rich grape must. The result is a small amount of very sweet, dessert wine that gourmets appreciate. At the same time, early, severe frosts and other factors can lead to the fact that the number of berries suitable for production is collected quite small. As a result, the price of ice wine is several times higher than for all other types of dessert wines. It is usually sold in small bottles, which further fuels consumer interest and stimulates demand.

What gourmets who have tried ice wine say (reviews)

In fact, there are not so many connoisseurs who are interested in elite wine brands, tasting and collecting them. It is because of this feedback on the networkinsignificant amount. But those who have already tried it say that ice wine smells of frosty freshness. But the taste is a little more difficult to describe. It's an amazing balance of delicate fruit flavors and fresh sourness, which is generously flavored with rich sweetness.

There are already legends about the origin of this drink, but a more reliable version is that the winemakers simply did not harvest the grapes in time, because the autumn was very warm, and then the frosts hit sharply. To save the harvest, the berries were picked at night and immediately put into production. At the same time, after the fermentation process, they realized that they had received a completely new, unique wine. Until now, the production technology has not changed much. It remains complex, but gives amazing results.

Hungarian varieties

This is the historic home of elite wines. It is produced only in such wine regions as Eger, Vilann, Tokaya, Sopron. At the same time, ice wine (Hungary) is highly valued among lovers of this divine drink. It is surprising with what reverent care the traditions of its production are kept here, and this is far from the easiest thing. Winemakers every time risk that the berries will deteriorate in rainy weather. If the weather is clear, then the frosts may linger, and then the birds will eat the grapes. And when the first frost hits, the berries must be picked exactly frozen, by hand, so as not to damage the ice shell. The immediately harvested crop goes under the press, while the ice crystals remain in the press, and only thick juice flows out. Its quantitysmall, from 50 tons of grapes you can get only 2 tons of wine. As you can see, real masterpieces are produced in Hungary. The most popular brands are Vylyan Pincészet Vylyan Jégbor, Varga Pincészet Jégbor, Ádám Pincészet SILENOS Jégbor. Connoisseurs call Hungarian wines special. Judging by the reviews, it is these varieties that have the most intense bouquet and pronounced fruit taste. Notes of peach and mango are especially bright in the bouquet.

German Exclusive

In fact, not only Hungary produces ice wine. Germany is not far behind and also brings great varieties to the market. Moreover, it was here for the first time that the technology of its production was discovered, albeit by chance. In Franconia, in 1794, unexpected frosts hit, which served as the opening of such a method for the production of dessert wine. Following her neighbor, Austria quickly adopted the recipe and also began to produce ice wine.

Subtleties of taste

In fact, all varieties, despite the unity of the technological process, differ from each other. Therefore, to find one that you really like, you will have to try more than one of them. German ice wine is a true classic, with seductive sweetness and subtle sophistication. The taste slowly unfolds, one by one bringing to the fore notes of honey and apricot, peaches and mango, melon. The finish reveals a trail full of hints of nuts and floral aromas. At the same time, the wine is thicker, more like a liquor, it is not for nothing that it is called "liquidgold." To date, the most famous is made from Vidal grapes, and it is called Eiswein. German wines are preferred by most of those who have ever tasted ice. Judging by the reviews, the taste of these drinks is really amazing, thick, rich and unforgettable.

Aiswan tasting from Austria

The Austrians were among the first to adopt the technology of ice wine production. This is not surprising, since the exchange of goods between these two neighboring countries was very well established. At the same time, the Kracher winery has been famous for its amazing sweet wines since its inception. It is thanks to dessert wines that the whole world has learned about this small wine-growing region. Ice wines from the Kracher collection are served in the most expensive restaurants and delight with their amazing tastes. In fact, there are very few reviews about this brand of wine, because the cost of wines is very high and not everyone can afford it. Judging by the reviews, the taste of wines from this collection is very sweet, and therefore they are mostly liked by lovers of dessert wines and are consumed after the main meal.

Fanagoria

One of the largest wineries in Russia. Its vineyards occupy about 3,000 hectares. The company carries out a full production cycle and bottles a huge amount of alcoholic products, which are valued not only in the country, but also abroad. The priority of the company is the highest quality. It is thanks to this attitude to their work that such trademarks as "Saperavi" and"Cabernet", "Sauvignon", and many others. However, a separate line in the list of great products is ice wine. Russia is not very suitable for winemaking, and early and severe frosts can easily destroy all work, leaving gourmets without their favorite drink. But experts do not give up, every year they delight us with their "liquid gold". Judging by the reviews, ice wines from this collection have a more delicate taste, which means that they will appeal to more buyers.

ICE WINE Riesling

This is another masterpiece from the famous Fanagoria winery. In 2010, the production of three varieties of ice wine was launched at once. This gave a new round of success. Ice wine "Riesling" has become a legend of Russian winemaking. The icy sparkle of golden color reminds of the bright, winter sun, and the delicate, floral aroma reminds of the hot summer, when the grapes were filled with sweet juice. This variety has received a huge number of awards, including gold at the international competition in Bulgaria and at the 16th international exhibition "Vinorus, Vinotech". Judging by consumer reviews, "Riesling" is a real classic of the genre: the wine is bright, tasty, fragrant and not the most expensive, as it is produced in Russia.

We continue to consider domestic manufacturers

Ice wine "Myskhako" is another great brand of Russian winemaking. If initially this variety was an exclusively Western invention, thenToday, no less tasty varieties are produced in Russia, which give gourmets the pleasure. However, the manufacturer made minor adjustments that gave the variety other notes. It is a sweet table wine that has been aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months. In fact, this is a late harvest Riesling. The aroma is very delicate with tones of canned peach, pineapple and citrus. And the taste is a real treat. Pleasant and refreshing acidity goes hand in hand with fruity sweetness. At the same time, the taste of pear, apricot and pineapple is revealed. Very tasty, but quite expensive. Judging by the reviews, this is one of the most delicious and aromatic wines.

How to drink this drink

It can be served before or after a meal, or even as a dessert. It is recommended to serve at room temperature 12-14 degrees. It is best to put small wine glasses or even glasses on the table. But if you drink wine with food, then you must definitely make sure that the dish is not sweeter than the drink. Ice wine goes great with nuts and fruits, chocolate and cheese. It should be remembered that an open bottle is not stored for a long time, which means that after drinking, you need to re-cork it and put it in the refrigerator. So the wine will stand for up to two weeks. Given that this type of wine is bottled in small bottles of 0.3 liters, it will not be difficult to consume the drink during this time. The bottle must be protected from sunlight and high temperatures (over 20 degrees). Therefore, it is better, after pouring into glasses, to remove the bottle immediately back to the refrigerator.

Summarize

We told you about ice wines for a reason. Their exquisite bouquet is so captivating that more and more people are becoming fans of this drink. If you like dessert wines, then perhaps, having become acquainted with the material presented here, you also decide to try it. Compared to most of the wines on sale today, they are much more expensive. So a small bottle will cost you 100 rubles, and even then, if we are not talking about the most popular brands.

"Fanagoria" (ice wine "Riesling") is a delicious and refined dessert, as well as a wonderful gift for any celebration. Therefore, if you are going to visit, especially if the Christmas holidays are ahead, then be sure to make sure that there is such a bottle in the gift basket. Just imagine: a frosty evening, a snowstorm outside the window, and you have ice wine in your glass… It's time to imagine that you are in a fairy tale about the Snow Queen!