2014 Pillitteri Estates Vidal Icewine Half Bottle 375ml, Niagara Peninsula

Icewine - one of the world’s most luscious and celebrated wines - is one of the most difficult and challenging to make. The extreme weather (-8 degrees) for harvest, the brutal force required for juice extraction and the rigours of fermentation are in complete contrast to the soft, luscious, intense, soothing feel the wine evokes on you once on the palate. The long, extensive finish of Icewine is simply heavenly. One would have to wonder what originally inspired man to press frozen grapes for wine. The simple idea of it seems preposterous but all we can do is say thanks and then, enjoy.

The transformation of the grapes while hanging on the vine awaiting their winter harvest date is nothing short of magical. As the grapes slowly evolve from a simple green to a beautiful golden colour, the flavour becomes much more ‘golden’ as well since the flavour intensifies, the complexity increases and the quality escalates. It is a process that only Mother Nature can accomplish in her own special way.

A golden straw colour, this Icewine is explosive on the nose and on the palate. A small amount of oak treatment during fermentation gives added complexity and depth. With notes of ripe pear, lychees in syrup, floral aromas and candied citrus on the nose. The palate is intensely mouth-filling with flavours of peach, baking spices and tropical fruits. It’s sweetness is balanced by cleansing acidity which lengthens the finish.