Though Icewine's roots can be traced to centuries-old German winemakers, there is nothing more quintessentially Canadian than this luscious luxury borne of patience and subzero bravura. Grapes are left on the vine well into the winter months to concentrate and intensify the flavors, as water content freezes, thaws and dehydrates in each precious Icewine grape. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the historic Brae Burn Estate, Inniskillin has been producing world-renowned Icewines from grapes grown in the Niagara Peninsula since 1984.

The red berry characteristics of Cabernet Franc translate as an Icewine into strawberry like aromas and flavors. This Icewine is completely different from the white Icewines. The color comes from pressing only as there is no skin contact during fermentation. The earlier it is harvested, the darker the color and the deeper the flavors.

The grapes for this Icewine were harvested from select vineyards throughout the Niagara Peninsula at a frigid temperature of 14°F. Pressed immediately, the viscous juice was cold settled for 7 days before racking and inoculating. Fermented cool for approximately 21 days, the resulting wine was filtered and transferred to a stainless steel tank to await bottling.

This concentrated and vibrant Icewine is bursting with juicy fruit aromatics of strawberry and cherry with hints of fresh cream. On the palate rich layers
of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb dominate with another hint of fresh vanilla cream. This luscious Icewine has a balanced acidity and long fruit-filled finish.

After a spectacular warm and dry fall, the weather turned sharply cold in November, bringing the first hard frost in the first week of the month and the first freeze/thaw event shortly thereafter, allowing the grapes to begin developing all the classic Icewine characteristics. Ready for harvesting in the early morning of December 14, the Cabernet Franc was harvested over the next few consecutive days, as temperatures were falling between 15°F to 12°F. Thanks to this early harvest, the juice was of the highest quality, with plentiful yields and excellent concentration.

Pairs beautifully with chocolate mousse, strawberries, and blueberry pudding.