Ice wine production in Canada is a meticulous process that requires careful attention to detail and specific conditions to produce the high-quality sweet wine that is enjoyed by many around the world. Below are the key steps involved in the production of ice wine in Canada:
1. Harvesting the grapes at the right time
- Ice wine grapes are typically left on the vine until temperatures drop to around -8°C to -10°C (17.6°F to 14°F).
- Grapes must freeze naturally on the vine to achieve the concentrated sugars needed for ice wine production.
- This usually happens in late autumn or early winter, depending on the region and the weather conditions.
2. Hand-picking the frozen grapes
- Once the grapes have reached the ideal freezing point, they are hand-picked early in the morning to ensure they remain frozen.
- Grapes must be harvested quickly to prevent them from thawing, which could affect the quality of the final product.
3. Pressing the frozen grapes
- The frozen grapes are gently pressed while still frozen to extract the concentrated juice.
- Because the water in the grapes is frozen, only the concentrated sugars and flavors are extracted, resulting in a sweeter and more flavorful juice.
4. Fermenting the juice
- The extracted juice is then fermented at a cool temperature for a slow fermentation process.
- This slow fermentation helps preserve the delicate aromas and flavors of the ice wine.
5. Aging the ice wine
- After fermentation, the ice wine is aged in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels to develop complexity and depth.
- Ice wine is typically aged for several months to a few years before bottling.
6. Bottling the ice wine
- Once the ice wine has reached its desired aging, it is carefully filtered and bottled.
- Ice wine is usually bottled in small bottles (typically 375ml) due to its intense sweetness and richness.
7. Labelling and distribution
- After bottling, ice wine bottles are labeled with specific regulations and information required by Canadian wine laws.
- Ice wine is then distributed to local markets, wine shops, and exported to other countries for consumers to enjoy.