Here's How to Make Some of the Sweetest Ice Wine

Ice wine, also known as a dessert wine, is produced in some of the coldest vineyards on the planet. The frozen grapes are harvested in the middle of the night as it is during this time they are exploding with sugary, juicy, and fruity flavors. The aroma of the sweetest ice wines varies from flavored nectarines and lemon to ginger notes that immediately coat the tongue with a distinct juicy taste, which is exhilarating, to say the least.

WHAT IS ICE WINE?

Ice wines are juicy, light dessert wines that are made from frozen grapes. The tradition of making ice wine originated in Germany and Austria, where the beverage is still very popular to this day. In North America, the Pacific Northwest, Niagara area, and Finger Lakes regions have the ideal conditions to make ice wine.

Unlike the harvest of regular wine grapes in the fall, ice wine grapes are left on the vine until midwinter. To make the sweetest ice wine, the grapes must first freeze on the vine, which usually happens at around -7 degrees centigrade (or 20 F). At this point, the grapes are highly concentrated with sugary flavors and are about to explode.

HOW ICE WINES ARE MADE

The instructions for how to make ice wine follow rigid rules for harvesting and processing the grapes. After the grapes are harvested in the middle of the night, when the temperatures are coldest, the water crystals inside the grapes must be frozen solid before the grapes can be picked.

The answer to how to make ice wine must include the disclaimer that it is a time, and labor-intensive, process and, even then, can only be done in years when the environmental conditions are ideal. Not every year results in frozen grapes.

After transporting the grapes in ice-cool containers, the extraction of the highly concentrated juice is initiated. The grapes are usually overripe at this time, with exceptionally high levels of sugar. Much of the sugar will be digested by the yeast during fermentation, which is a long process that often lasts six months.

Bottled ice wine usually has a low ABV (alcohol by volume) ratio compared to most other wines, usually around 10 percent. However, the sweetest ice wine is second to none, ranging from 160-200 g/l of residual sugar. In comparison, most dry wines only have residual sugars between 0-10 g/l. It is for this reason that ice wines are often referred to as dessert wines that are best enjoyed while sipping small amounts.

Common grapes for other varietals can be made into the sweetest ice wine. These include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Vidal Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, and Chenin Blanc. Ice wine can also be made from red grapes.

The key feature of ice wine is the overreaching sweetness, plus the concentrated juicy notes of many fruits, including citrus and dried tropical fruits. In general, ice wine should be enjoyed within the first five years after production.

How to make ice wine culminates in the notion that this wine should be served chilled, between 7-10 degrees centigrade, a temperature which brings out the pleasant fruity notes and aromas.

Since ice wine is primarily a dessert wine, it is best consumed as a nightcap or after a meal. As far as food pairings go, stick to foods that aren’t too sweet, like cheese, salty crackers, and light veggies.  Essentially you want to balance the sweetness of the ice wine with a food that is not sweet. But do not worry if you cannot find a matching food; ice wine is just as enjoyable when consumed solo. A good ice wine to try is the 2016 Hahn Hill Vineyard Ice Wine Riesling was hand-harvested and is a delicious wine to try as your first (or tenth) ice wine.

Not Irish? Don't Like Beer or Whiskey? You Can Still Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Even though it’s traditionally an Irish holiday, St. Patrick's Day is widely celebrated by people of all cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Falling on March 17th each year, people celebrate with parades, decorating with shamrocks, wearing green clothing, and consuming plenty of green food, beer, and–yes–wine for St. Patrick’s Day.

WHO WAS SAINT PATRICK?

St. Patrick is rumored to have been captured by slave traders as a teenager and taken to Ireland, where he was imprisoned for six years. After he escaped to Britain, he became a devout Catholic but soon developed a “religious” urge to go back to Ireland, where he spread the gospel. For the next two decades, he preached about Christianity and the Word of God. After his death, people started celebrating his virtuous life. But over the years, St. Patrick's Day has grown into quite the day of celebration.

HOW DOES ONE CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY?

There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. While some people prefer to go out and drink an Irish coffee, stout, or green lager, many people prefer to gather at home and enjoy a wholesome Irish meal with friends and family. Choose a nice wine for St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate wherever you are located.

WHAT ARE FOODS THAT ONE EATS ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY?

The general food theme for St. Patrick's Day is everything Irish, and this includes the following:

• Irish potato soup
• Irish soda bread
• Shepherd’s pie
• Corned beef (spicy, salty brisket)
• Irish desserts (e.g., bread and butter pudding, apple pie, Guinness cake, etc.)

Of course, any green food is highly recommended on St Patrick's Day, and this includes green salad, guacamole, pesto, zucchini, etc.  Green is the color of the Emerald Isle, and hence the day for this festive event. Regardless, we wine lovers can easily celebrate with St. Patrick’s Day wine!

WHAT WINES SHOULD YOU DRINK ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY?

These days, many people prefer to stick with what they love on this holiday. The key to remember is that most of the traditional St. Patrick's Day foods have bold flavors, and, therefore, you should be selecting St. Patrick’s Day wine that is also bold and not easily overpowered by the flavors of the food.

Now that more people than ever prefer wine for St. Patrick’s Day, people have been getting creative with the kinds and varietals. In general, most white wines are made from green grapes. White wine is great because, with a little bit of flavorless food dye, you now have a festive drink! And, so, if you are celebrating St Patrick's Day with an Irish meal, here are some wine pairings that will enhance the taste buds.

Corned beef and cabbage. This is a classic Irish meal that is not spicy but can be pungent because of the garlic, onions, and mustard. Therefore, you want to pair it with a wine that will not dull the flavors. Your best bet is to pair the meal with a savory wine, like Grüner Veltliner or Sauvignon Blanc.

Irish potato soup with soda bread. This Irish potato soup is creamy and packed with onions and celery. The best wine pairing is a dry Riesling, which will maintain the spicy flavors and provide a touch of freshness and acidity.

Irish dessert. No matter what type of Irish dessert you are having, you will not go wrong with a dessert wine. A bottle of chilled Riesling ice wine will enhance the flavors of the dessert. 

Finally, on St Patrick's Day, it does not hurt to at least try a Guinness again. Even if you hated it last year, things can change, and it really is the iconic drink of the Irish. Although this Irish beverage is not for everyone, a small sip will be the ultimate way to see out St. Patrick's Day until next year.

May the luck o’ the Irish be with you on this St. Patrick’s Day and forevermore! Toast a St. Patrick’s Day wine to the health of your loved ones, family, and friends.

Pie and Wine Pairings for Pi Day!

Pies are one of the most popular foods throughout the year, but more pies are eaten during the winter season than at any other time of the year. Who doesn't like the warm, comforting taste of a succulent dessert pie during the cool days of winter? And, it’s almost a rule that one should eat “pie” on “Pi Day” (March 14 or 3/14). If you don’t remember this holiday from school, here’s the background. Since PI (mathematical symbol π) has the first digits of 3.14, March 14 is celebrated every year as PI (pie) day. It’s not the same kind of “pie,” but, any excuse to eat pie, right? So, what are some good pie and wine pairings?

PIE AND WINE PAIRINGS

What kind of pie and wine pairings are best?  You first must classify the pies.

There are all types of pies, and there is no one particular wine that pairs with all of them. The best way to pair wines with pies is to break down the pies into the following categories.

Dessert pies include apple, pumpkin, custard, cream, cherry, lemon, Meringue, ice cream pie, pecan pie, etc. The list is endless!  In general, if the pie is sweet, then the wine has to be sweeter to maintain the taste differential.

And other, non-dessert pies include:

• Meat pies
• Chicken pies
• Vegetable pies

Depending on the type of pie, the wine pairing becomes a lot easier. Some tips on selecting wine for your pie include:

Choosing a wine that complements the specific aroma and flavors in the dessert. For example, if a dessert is heavy in sugar, then you need to find a wine with similar sweet qualities.

If the dessert is extra sweet, then a sweet wine or bubbly is the way to go.

And for all the pies in between sweet and spicy, pick a wine that is versatile (see below).

CHICKEN PIES AND WINE PAIRINGS

Whether you are consuming spicy, barbecued, or glazed chicken, select a versatile wine, like Riesling, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay. In general, chicken pies pair best with fuller light red or white wines.

MEAT PIE AND WINE PAIRINGS

Meat pies are a family favorite with their gently textured crust and spicy filling. In general, meat pies go best with light savory red wines, like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.

VEGETABLE PIES

If you are consuming a healthier and lighter vegetable pie that is filled with cheese, filo, and spinach, this is the ideal partner with a crisp, aromatic white like Riesling. Or you can experiment with Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.

If the pie is heavy with mushrooms, then the best match is Pinot Noir. Or you can experiment with Gamay.

COMBINED MEAT AND VEGETABLE PIE 

If you are making a hearty pie with a mixture of veal and veggies, like celery, onions, carrots, and corn, this pairs well with light reds and rich white wines. If you had to pick just one wine, then you will never go wrong with Rose.

DESSERT PIES AND WINE PAIRING

Experts recommend that when eating almost any type of sweet pie, a lightly sweet wine makes an excellent pairing. Sweet pies usually beg for sweet beverages, and hence a bubbly or a light red wine will make your day. If the pie has citrus fruits or a dense, sugary caramelized crust, pick a wine that is juicy and fruity, like Gamay or Pinot Noir.

Finally, if you are having cheesecake, the ideal wine to wash down the flavors of the dessert is Riesling ice wine. The wine’s sweet fruity undertones will highlight the sweetness of the cheesecake and leave a very pleasant aftertaste.

At the end of the day, pie and wine pairings are a personal choice. There is no right or wrong wine; if you like it, then that is all that matters.

PI DAY PARTY IDEAS

Have a PI party! Who needs an excuse to eat pie? And we are always looking for reasons to throw a party or celebrate!  Plan your PI party today with wine and PI-themed decorations.  Ask your guests to bring a pie (pizza counts) and a bottle of wine.  Try them all out and may the best combination win! 

MATH PI DAY PARTY

Throw it back to elementary school and have a mathematical theme with fun trivia questions, such as: 

• Who can still recite the most decimals of Pi?
• What is PI most commonly used for in geometry?
• When was the PI symbol devised?
• Who was William Jones in relation to PI?
• What did physicist Larry Shaw have to do with PI Day?

Research some mathematical questions and see who can find the answers WITHOUT the aid of their phone or a calculator.  You can make it interesting by granting the winner a bottle of wine.

Whatever PI Day party ideas you come up with, celebrate PI (pie) with some of our excellent wine! Shop deals today!

Winter's Best Ice Wine Pairing

One of the key reasons many people visit some of the most unique parts of our country is not only to enjoy the wonderful outdoors but also to consume some of the best ice wine. Difficult to make, absolutely juicy, and delicious, this delicate wine is perhaps the most prized alcoholic beverage in the wine industry. And, as always, knowing the secrets behind ice wine pairing can better enhance your enjoyment of ice wine with food.

Even though the grapes to make ice wine are harvested at night during midwinter, it is available to buy year-round. Ice wine, also known as a dessert wine, is most well-known for its juicy flavor and sweetness; very rarely is the ABV (alcohol by volume) above 12 percent. Ice wine is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc but is slightly sweeter and more acidic.

WHAT TYPES OF FOOD PAIRINGS GO WELL WITH ICE WINES?

It is important to know a few things about ice wines before pairing them with food. The perfect pairing of ice wine leads to a more satisfying experience for your palate.

First, the majority of ice wines are sweet, juicy, somewhat fruity, and slightly acidic. Thus, ice wine pairing must complement the wine features, like sweetness and acidity.

Second, in general, because ice wine is sweet, the perfect pairing of ice wine will be with foods that are less sweet, or the taste will be bland. Similarly, because ice wine is slightly acidic, pair it with fatty or meaty foods. The acidity will cut through the fat and make the meal more delicious.

Third, because ice wines are sweet, they are best consumed in small amounts to avoid numbing the sensations. In fact, ice wines can be enjoyed on their own, and that is why they are known as dessert wines.

WHAT ARE THE BEST FOOD PAIRINGS WITH ICE WINE?

Cheese with crackers makes an excellent ice wine pairing, but the cheese has to have a strong flavor, like Blue Cheese or aged cheese (like Sharp Cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano). Cheese with mild flavors will taste bland in the presence of the ice wines' acidity and sweetness. 

Spicy foods make a perfect pairing with ice wine because of the sweetness of the wine. Spicy foods can include some Mexican, Indian, or Thai foods; the more pungent the food, the better the pairing.

Almost any type of salty food makes a great ice wine pairing. From capers, olives, pizza, sausages, crackers, tacos, burritos, etc., the perfect pairing of ice wine will enhance the experience of both the wine and the food. 

Foods that are high in fat (e.g., sausages, meatballs, lamb, pork, etc.) pair well with ice wines because of the wine’s acidity. The acuity permits the fatty foods to complement the wine. 

It may sound counterproductive to consume a dessert with a sweet wine. But ice wines make an excellent pairing with all types of desserts. The key is to make sure that the dessert is slightly less sweet than the wine so you can still have the sweetness differential.

WHICH TYPE OF ICE WINE SHOULD YOU SELECT?

The majority of ice wines are made from Vidal and Riesling. However, other varieties include Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Gamay, and Chardonnay.

HOW SHOULD ICE WINE BE SERVED?

In general, ice wine should be served chilled. Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Have an ice bucket ready to keep the open bottle chilled for a few more hours.

If you are looking for a great ice wine, try our 2016 HAHN HILL VINEYARD ICE WINE RIESLING.

Have You Been to Any of These Winter Wine Festivals?

Over the past three decades, winter wine festivals and winter wine activities have become increasingly popular, attracting thousands of wine lovers across the US. Many different cities each host their own festival, which offers great opportunities for wine lovers to travel, explore the country, try new foods, and, of course, taste different types of wines. For those of you interested in expanding your wine knowledge, enjoying sightseeing, and experiencing different foods, here are some winter wine activities that you will love!

1. Christkindlmarkt.  Located in the center of Chicago's loop district is the Christkindlesmarkt (there are two locations now). The winter wine festival usually runs from November 16 to December 24 each year, with an atmosphere more like a food festival. Besides sweet and savory foods, including candies, many new wines and German beer are available. Admission is free. The place does get crowded, and reservations for a table are recommended.

2. Winter Wineland – Northern Sonoma County, California. This is the place to come if you want to experience the taste of quality wines from many wineries. The festival offers a great opportunity to taste limited-production wines, library wines, and new releases. In addition, there are several hundred participating vendors, and you can even join the winemakers for a casual Northern California breakfast. 

3. Taos Winter Wine Fest – New Mexico. This festival lasts for four days and features exotic foods and wines in 24 nearby Taos restaurants and over three dozen wineries. The festival is held in the scenic village of Taos Ski Valley, where you can also spend time doing snow-related activities. 

4. Winter Wine Festival – New Castle, New Hampshire. This month-long wine and food festival is held at the posh location of Wentworth by the Sea hotel. Located on a tiny island on the New Hampshire coast, it is the ultimate wine festival with premium wines from around the world. 

5. Naples Winter Wine Festival – Naples, Florida. This is perhaps the most prestigious charity wine auction. Guests enjoy Michelin-quality foods with top-quality wines during romantic dinners in private homes. Of course, the festival fee is not cheap, and there are only a limited number of tickets available each year. 

6. New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival – Fairport, New York. This winter wine festival showcases the traditional ice wines made in this region. The winter wine activities include wine tasting, ice wine seminars, horse-drawn wagon rides, and plenty of food. In 2023, it will be the 8th annual New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival. The location for the festival is Casa Larga Vineyards in Fairport, New York. The one-day festival ran on Feb 13, 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm. There is an admission fee that covers the wine tasting and winter wine activities.

7. Long Island WinterFest – Long Island, New York. This is fast becoming a major winter attraction for wine lovers. The four-week winter wine, music, and performing arts festival takes place in many historical venues, hotels, and breweries. It runs from February 1 to March 21 (2023). There are numerous wine and beer-tasting venues with a range of local restaurant options.

8. South Beach Wine & Food Festival – Miami Beach, Florida, is a five-day winter wine festival that attracts some of the best winemakers, chefs, and culinary personalities. The event takes place at various locations in south Florida and attracts thousands of people. The festival runs from February 23 to 26, 2023, at various locations in Miami-Dade and Broward County. There is plenty of food to eat.  Prices depend on the type of event and package.

9. Vancouver International Wine Festival -- Vancouver, BC. Step outside of the US! A visit to the largest wine festival in Canada is highly recommended. Besides top-quality wines and delicious food, there is a champagne reception followed by a Bacchanalia gala dinner. More of a Spring fest, the festival will take place between April 22-30, 2023, at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues in Vancouver.

11. San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival -- San Diego. This festival offers some of the best scenery for wine lovers. The sandy beaches, sailboats, and tranquil Pacific Ocean provide the ideal backdrop for the wine festival that is held in November each year. The weeklong festival attracts both domestic and international wineries with celebrity chefs and legendary winemakers. This crowd-pleasing wine festival is always jam-packed and will run in the fall, between November 8 - 12, 2023. 

Choose one or more of these fantastic winter wine festival experiences and make great memories!