Icewine from Quebec and Canada

the Quebec ice wine is indeed made with grapes that have frozen naturally on the vines and pressurized in the same state at an outside temperature below -8 ° C.

The making of ice wine has been carried out on a small scale for hundreds of years, with the creation of New France. From 1985 the first winemakers started commercial production of ice wine. Only 5 pioneers obtained the right to market their production.

Indeed the climate Quebecois is ideal for making ice wine. The cold, the low humidity, the wind, the numerous cycles of freeze and thaw, increase the natural dehydration of the grape. The water in the grapes evaporates, thereby increasing the levels of sugars and acidity in the grapes.

At Quebec, the various large-amplitude cycles of freeze-thaw occur several times during the fall period and at the very beginning of winter. The grape then undergoes a slow cooking which gives the ice wine very characteristic taste and flavors.

The grape used in the cultures of Quebec is characterized by a very strong acidity, giving Quebec ice wine a balance and freshness that distinguish it from other wines.

Over the years, Quebec winegrowers have acquired a know-how that has made it possible to build the reputation of ice wine around the world.

Icewine is classified IGP (PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION) which requires Canadian winegrowers to comply with the rules of quality requirements, and in particular the obligation to use only grapes naturally frozen on the vine.

The certification "Quebec ice wine"imposes many constraints:

• The grape must be picked manually
• The grapes must come exclusively from the Quebec region
• White or red grape varieties can be used, Vitis labrusca grape varieties are prohibited
• The process of concentration of sugars must be natural
• The must must have a sugar level of more than 35 ° Brix
• Prohibition on the use of artificial freezing methods
• The alcohol level should vary between 7% Flight and 14.9 % Flight
• The wine must not be rectified by vinage

The ice wine is a sweet, It has a fruity note and a very good length in the mouth. It tastes sweet with incredible acidity.

It should be served chilled, at around 7 degrees.

An extraordinary wine to discover.

Icewine is not a Quebec invention, but Quebec icewine has become the most popular on the world market for this type of wine thanks to Canada's unique climate. It was discovered in 1794, when a sudden cold snap froze the grapes on the vine. The wine growers of the time worried about losing their productions decided to harvest it and were very surprised at the result and obtain a sweet wine.