Question 1

What is Icewine?

Accepted Answer

Icewine is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that naturally freeze on the vine. The frozen grapes are harvested and pressed while still frozen, producing a concentrated juice with intense sweetness, acidity, and flavour.

Question 2

How is Icewine produced?

Accepted Answer

Icewine is produced from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine and are pressed while frozen at -8°C. Ontario's warm summers help grapes ripen, while cold winters allow them to freeze naturally before harvest.

Question 3

Why is Ontario known for Icewine?

Accepted Answer

Ontario's climate is well suited to Icewine production because warm summers ripen the grapes and cold winters freeze them naturally on the vine. Ontario produces a large share of the world's Icewine.

Question 4

What does Icewine taste like?

Accepted Answer

White Icewines often show aromas and flavours of apricot, honey, and citrus, while red Icewines can show notes of cherry, strawberry, and chocolate.

Question 5

What foods pair well with Icewine?

Accepted Answer

Icewine is excellent as a dessert wine and can also pair well with many savoury foods.

Question 6

What is Pillitteri Icewine?

Accepted Answer

Icewine is one of Pillitteri Estates Winery's flagship products. Pillitteri produces a significant amount of Icewine and is known as the world's largest estate Icewine producer.

Question 7

What is Pillitteri Reserve Icewine?

Accepted Answer

Pillitteri Reserve Icewines are rare Canadian Icewines that undergo maturation in oak barrels, allowing them to gain added complexity and aromas.

Question 8

What makes an Icewine a Reserve Icewine?

Accepted Answer

To reach Reserve classification, Icewine must meet a minimum of 38 degrees Brix at harvest and meet strict winegrowing and winemaking standards for balance among residual sugar, acidity, and alcohol.