Ice wine, a luxurious and sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, is a true indulgence for wine lovers. If you’re searching for the best ice wine, you’re in for a treat. This guide will help you discover some of the top producers and selections that showcase the unique and delectable qualities of ice wine.
Top Recommendations for the Best Ice Wine
1. Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
- Type: Canadian Ice Wine
- Highlights: One of the most renowned producers, Inniskillin’s Vidal Icewine is celebrated for its rich, honeyed flavors with notes of apricot and citrus. It’s a classic choice that exemplifies the excellence of Canadian ice wines.
- Region: Niagara Peninsula, Canada
- Tasting Notes: Honey, apricot, and orange zest
2. Dr. Loosen Riesling Eiswein
- Type: German Ice Wine
- Highlights: Produced by the esteemed Dr. Loosen winery, this Riesling Eiswein offers a beautifully balanced sweetness with vibrant acidity. Expect flavors of ripe peach, honey, and a touch of minerality.
- Region: Mosel, Germany
- Tasting Notes: Peach, honey, and citrus
3. Royal DeMaria Ice Wine
- Type: Canadian Ice Wine
- Highlights: Known for its exceptional quality, Royal DeMaria’s Ice Wine is crafted from hand-harvested frozen grapes. It boasts intense flavors of tropical fruit and honey, making it a luxurious choice for special occasions.
- Region: Niagara Peninsula, Canada
- Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, honey, and vanilla
4. Peller Estates Ice Wine
- Type: Canadian Ice Wine
- Highlights: Peller Estates offers a range of ice wines, including their popular Vidal Ice Wine. It’s renowned for its balance and rich, fruity flavors with hints of caramel and butterscotch.
- Region: Niagara Peninsula, Canada
- Tasting Notes: Caramel, butterscotch, and ripe fruit
5. Weingut Markus Molitor Riesling Eiswein
- Type: German Ice Wine
- Highlights: Markus Molitor is known for producing high-quality Riesling Eiswein with lush flavors of peach, apricot, and honey. The wine is well-balanced with a refreshing acidity.
- Region: Mosel, Germany
- Tasting Notes: Apricot, peach, and honey
6. Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Ice Wine
- Type: American Ice Wine
- Highlights: Produced in Washington State, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Eroica Ice Wine offers a rich and complex profile with flavors of apricot, honey, and citrus. It’s a great example of American ice wine craftsmanship.
- Region: Washington State, USA
- Tasting Notes: Apricot, honey, and citrus
7. Cave Spring Riesling Ice Wine
- Type: Canadian Ice Wine
- Highlights: Cave Spring’s Riesling Ice Wine is known for its vibrant acidity and intense sweetness. Flavors of tropical fruit and honey are balanced by a crisp finish.
- Region: Niagara Peninsula, Canada
- Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, honey, and lime
8. Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Eiswein
- Type: German Ice Wine
- Highlights: Joh. Jos. Prüm is celebrated for its high-quality Riesling Eiswein, which features notes of ripe pear, honey, and apricot. The wine is well-structured and offers a harmonious sweetness.
- Region: Mosel, Germany
- Tasting Notes: Pear, honey, and apricot
9. Okanagan Ice Wine
- Type: Canadian Ice Wine
- Highlights: The Okanagan region produces excellent ice wines with rich, fruity flavors and a smooth texture. Look for offerings from local producers for a taste of the region’s ice wine excellence.
- Region: Okanagan Valley, Canada
- Tasting Notes: Rich fruit flavors, honey, and spice
10. Fonseca Guimaraens Port
- Type: Portuguese Ice Wine
- Highlights: Although not a traditional ice wine, Fonseca Guimaraens Port offers a similar sweet and rich profile with flavors of dried fruit and chocolate. It’s a versatile alternative to classic ice wine.
- Region: Douro Valley, Portugal
- Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, chocolate, and spice
Tips for Enjoying the Best Ice Wine
- Serve Chilled: Ice wine should be served well-chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities and sweet flavors.
- Pair with Dessert: Complement the sweetness of ice wine with rich desserts like chocolate mousse, fruit tarts, or cheese plates.
- Enjoy in Moderation: Due to its intense sweetness, ice wine is best enjoyed in small quantities.
