What is ice wine? Features, popular manufacturers, reviews

What kind of 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. You can cool any wine, although its taste and flavor can be properly sampled only if the drink is served at room temperature, in a wide glass. Hence, this phrase imposes a different meaning. So what is ice wine? This is a gift that brings us cold weather. 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. This really deserves attention.

Breath of winter - ice wine

Imagine the vineyards. Surely before your eyes immediately there is a sun-drenched lawn, lush greenery and fragrant clusters. 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 produced. In this case, not any grapes are suitable for the production of an exotic drink. Winemakers throughout the growing season decide what berries to leave on the vine. Wine from ice grapes is proudly called "liquid gold". And really, it's not easy to cook it. Winemakers must leave the berries on the branches until they are killed by frost. And too low temperatures are also harmful to him. Optimal harvesting, when the thermometer dropped to -8 degrees.

Features of the juice of frozen grapes

I would like to emphasize once again the fact that the characteristics refer only to berries, which are frozen on the vine. The more economical option - to freeze them in production - loses a lot in quality, so this way they can only prepare a cheap counterfeit. The juice of the ice grapes is very sweet. Sugar does not freeze, it allows you to squeeze more concentrated and saturated grape must. The result is a small amount of very sweet, dessert wine, which gourmets appreciate. In this case, early, severe frosts and other factors can lead to the fact that the number of berries, suitable for production, is collected quite a bit. 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 warms up consumer interest and stimulates demand.

What do the gourmets say who have tried ice wine (reviews)

In fact, connoisseurs who are interested in elite brands of wines, try and collect them, not so much. It is because of this feedback in the network is a small number. But those who have already tried it, say that the ice wine smells of frosty freshness. But the taste is a little more difficult to describe. This is an amazing balance of delicate fruit taste and fresh acidity, which is generously flavored with rich sweetness.

There are already legends about the origin of this drink, however, the more reliable version is that the winemakers simply did not clean the grapes on time, because the autumn was very warm, and then the frosts hit hard. To save the harvest, berries collected 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 complicated, but it gives an amazing result.

Hungarian varieties

This is the historical homeland of elite wines. Produce it only in such wine regions as Eger, Vilanne, Tokay, Sopron. At the same time, ice wine (Hungary) is highly valued among lovers of this divine drink. It's amazing how treasuredly conservative the traditions of its production are stored here, and this is far from the easiest thing. Winemakers risk every time that berries spoil 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 frosts strike, the berries must be collected in the frozen state, manually, so as not to damage the ice shell. Immediately harvested crop leaves under the press, while the ice crystals remain in the press, and only thick juice flows. Its quantity is small, from 50 tons of grapes it is possible to receive only 2 tons of wine. As you can see, in Hungary they produce real masterpieces. The most popular brands are: Vylyan Pincészet Vylyan Jégbor, Varga Pincészet Jégbor, Ádám Pincészet SILENOS Jégbor. Hungarian wines connoisseurs are called special. Judging by the reviews, it is these varieties that have the most saturated bouquet and the pronounced taste of fruits. Especially bright in the bouquet are notes of peach and mango.

German exclusive

In fact, not only Hungary produces ice wine. Germany does not lag behind it and also brings to the market magnificent grades. Moreover, it was here that for the first time and was, although at random, the technology of its production was opened. In Franconia in 1794, unexpected frosts struck, which was the opening of such a way of producing dessert wine. Already after his neighbor, the recipe quickly adopted and also began to produce ice wine Austria.

Subtlety of taste

In fact, all varieties, despite the unity of the technological process, differ from each other. Therefore, to find something that you really like, you will have to try not one of them. German ice wine - this is a real classic, it is characterized by seductive sweetness and light refinement. The taste slowly opens, one by one bringing to the forefront notes of honey and apricot, peaches and mango, melons. The aftertaste reveals a plume full of nuances and floral scents. At the same time, the wine is more dense, more like a liqueur, it is not for nothing that it is called "liquid gold". To date, the most famous is made from the grape variety Vidal, and it is called Eiswein. German wines are preferred by most of those who have at least once tried ayses. Judging by the reviews, the taste of these drinks is really stunning, thick, saturated and unforgettable.

Aishwana tasting from Austria

One of the first to adopt the technology for the production of ice wines, the Austrians. This is not surprising, as the trade 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 was thanks to dessert wines that the whole world learned about this small wine region. Ice wines from the Kracher collection are served in the most expensive restaurants and please with their stunning tastes. In fact, reviews about this brand of wine is very small, because the cost of wines is very high and not everyone can afford it. Judging by the reviews, the taste of the wines from this collection is very sweet, but because they are for the most part like fans of dessert wines and are used after the main meal.

Phanagoria

One of the largest winemaking companies in Russia. Its vineyards occupy about 3000 hectares. At the enterprise the full cycle of manufacture is carried out and the huge quantity of alcoholic production which is appreciated not only in the country, but also abroad is bottled. The priority of the company is the highest quality. It is thanks to this attitude to their business around the world that such trademarks as "Saperavi" and "Cabernet", "Sauvignon", and many others are known. However, a separate line in the list of excellent products is ice wine. Russia is not very suitable for winemaking, and early and severe frosts can easily destroy all labor, leaving gourmets without a favorite drink. But experts do not drop their hands, every year they please us with their "liquid gold". Judging by the reviews, the ice wines from this collection are characterized by a more delicate taste, which means that more customers will like it.

ICE WINE Riesling

This is another masterpiece from the famous winemaking company Fanagoria. In 2010, the production of three types of ice wine was started. This gave a new round of success. Ice wine "Riesling" became a legend of Russian winemaking. The ice sparkling golden color reminds of the bright, winter sun, and the gentle, floral aroma reminds of the hot summer, when the bunches were poured 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 the reviews of consumers, 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" - another great brand of Russian winemaking. If initially this variety was exclusively a western invention, today in Russia there are no less tasty varieties that give pleasure to gourmets. However, the manufacturer made minor adjustments, which gave the grade other notes. This table sweet wine, which is aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months. In fact, this is "Riesling" late collection. The aroma is very gentle with tones of canned peach, pineapple and citrus. And taste is a real extravaganza. A pleasant and refreshing sour is in step with fruit 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 fragrant wines.

How to use this drink

It can be served both before the meal, and after, 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 need to make sure that the dish was not sweeter than a drink. Magnificently combines ice wine 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 it needs to be re-corked and refrigerated. So the wine will last for up to two weeks. Given that this sort of wine is poured into small bottles of 0.3 liters, it will not be difficult to use a drink during this time. The bottle should be protected from sunlight and high temperatures (over 20 degrees). Therefore it is better, having poured into glasses, to clean a bottle right back to the refrigerator.

Let's sum up the results

We told you about ice wines is not accidental. Their exquisite bouquet is so fascinating that more and more people become fans of this drink. If you like dessert wines, then perhaps, having got acquainted with the material presented here, also decide to try. Compared with most of the wines that are on sale today, their cost is much higher. So a small bottle will cost you 100 rubles, and even if you do not talk about the most popular brands.

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