If you love wine and desserts, pairing them can be a delicious experience. But how do you choose between ice wine vs dessert wine? Both are popular sweet wines, but they are quite different when it comes to how they’re made, how they taste, and what foods they go best with.
This blog will break down the main differences between ice wine and dessert wine. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what sets them apart and which one might be perfect for your next special meal.
What is Ice Wine?
Ice wine, or “Eiswein” in German, is a special and rare type of wine made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine. This freezing process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a wine that is sweet, rich, and full of flavour, but balanced by high acidity.
Learn all about what is ice wine in our detailed blog post. We explain how it’s made, what it tastes like, and why so many people love this special treat.
Making Process
Making ice wine is a difficult and weather-dependent process. Grapes are left on the vine until late in the season when the temperature drops to at least -8°C (17°F). At this point, the grapes are frozen and then harvested. While still frozen, they are pressed to extract only the sweetest and most concentrated juice, which is used to make the wine.
Read how is ice wine made on our blog! From freezing grape harvests to unique fermentation, find out what makes this dessert wine so special.
Flavour Profile
Ice wine is known for its bold, fruity flavours. It often tastes like ripe tropical fruits, peach, apricot, and honey. Even though it is very sweet, the high acidity keeps the flavours balanced, creating a wine that is rich but not overwhelming. It’s perfect for those who enjoy complex and layered wines.
💡Ice wine is typically made in cold regions like Canada and Germany. In fact, Canada is the biggest producer of ice wine in the world!
What is Dessert Wine?
Dessert wine is a category of sweet wines designed to pair with desserts or even stand alone as a dessert. Unlike ice wine, dessert wine can be made in a variety of ways.
Types
- Port: A fortified wine from Portugal with deep, rich flavours.
- Sauternes: A sweet French wine made from grapes affected by noble rot, with flavours of honey and marmalade.
- Moscato: A sweet Italian wine that’s light, fruity, and floral.
- Tokaji: A golden Hungarian wine with flavours of dried fruit and a rich sweetness.
Flavour Profile
The taste of dessert wines can differ a lot based on the type and how it’s made. Some, like Sauternes, are syrupy sweet, while others, like Moscatos, are lighter and more floral. There’s a dessert wine to suit every taste.
💡Dessert wines aren’t just for sweet dishes. They can pair wonderfully with savoury foods like blue cheese or pâtés, giving you even more ways to enjoy them.
Ice Wine vs Dessert Wine: Key Differences
Understanding the differences can help you choose the right wine for any occasion.
| Feature | Ice Wine | Dessert Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Production Process | Natural freezing of grapes on the vine | Multiple methods like fortification or botrytis |
| Sweetness & Acidity | High sweetness balanced with vibrant acidity | Varies greatly depending on wine type |
| Alcohol Content | Typically low (around 7-12%) | Can range from low (Moscato) to high (Port at 20%) |
| Flavours | Crisp, fresh, with tropical and stone fruit notes | Ranges from floral and light to rich and deep |
| Regions of Origin | Mainly Canada and Germany | Global—France, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, etc. |
| Price | Often high due to rarity | Varies widely, depending on type |
| Best Pairings | Fruity or light desserts, soft cheeses | Cheesecakes, chocolates, and savoury dishes |
Ice Wine vs Dessert Wine: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between ice wine and dessert wine comes down to the occasion and what you like best. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide!
- Choose Ice Wine If…
- You love refreshing, fruit-forward flavours with a balanced sweetness.
- You want to impress your dinner guests with an elegant, rare choice.
- You’re pairing it with light desserts, like sorbets or fruit tarts, or even soft cheeses.
- Choose Dessert Wine If…
- You’re looking for variety and prefer trying different styles and flavours.
- You’re pairing it with desserts like chocolate mousse or tiramisu.
- You enjoy the versatility of sweet wine that can also work with savoury dishes.
Whether you enjoy the bold, sweet flavours of ice wine or the variety of dessert wines, both are a wonderful way to explore new tastes. The next time you treat yourself to something sweet, try pairing it with a glass of your favourite wine to make the experience even better.
