Ice Wine

Ice Wine to Buy Online in Australia

It has never been easier to buy ice wine online in Australia. Enjoy the convenience of browsing our exclusive selection from the comfort of your home, with Australia-wide shipping available.

We offer free shipping on all orders over $100. Delivery times are efficient, ensuring your order arrives promptly: expect a range of 1-3 business days for Melbourne and surrounding areas and 3-7 business days for deliveries to regional areas.

We offer same-day shipping for orders placed by 12 p.m. Payment is easy and secure: We accept Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and bank transfers, so you can enjoy your favourite ice wines without any hassle.

What is Ice Wine?

Ice wine is a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that freeze on the vine. This process creates a rich, sweet flavour with bright acidity. It's known for its high quality and is usually made in cold regions where the grapes can freeze naturally.

Ice Wine Production Process

Selecting the Right Grapes 

The first crucial step begins in the vineyard, where specific grape varieties are chosen for their high acidity and suitability for enduring the frost. The grapes are left to naturally freeze on the vine, which usually occurs in late November to January, depending on the region. This step is critical as the prolonged exposure to cold temperatures allows the grapes to dehydrate slightly, concentrating their sugars and flavors.

Harvesting Frozen Grapes 

When a sustained temperature of approximately 17°F (-8°C) or colder is reached, the grapes are ready to be harvested. Harvesting typically takes place at night or in the early morning hours to ensure the grapes remain frozen. Since the yields are often much smaller than for traditional wines, the grapes must be picked quickly and carefully by hand to maintain their quality.

Pressing and Extracting Juice 

The frozen grapes are then swiftly transported to the winery and pressed while still frozen. Specialised presses are used to extract the concentrated juice without melting the ice crystals locked within the fruit. This results in a small yield of intensely sweet, concentrated juice, which is the foundation of ice wine. Due to the low juice yield from frozen grapes, the production costs are particularly high, making ice wine a premium product.

Fermentation Process 

Once the juice is collected, it undergoes a slow, controlled fermentation process. Fermentation typically occurs over several months at low temperatures to protect the juice's delicate flavours and aromas. Winemakers may use stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, depending on their stylistic preference for the wine. The slow fermentation allows the natural sugars to balance with the acidity, creating the wine's signature sweet and tangy profile.

Clarification, Ageing, and Bottling 

Finally, after fermentation is complete, the wine is clarified and sometimes aged further to develop its complex character. Before bottling, it is carefully filtered to remove any sediments, ensuring the final product is crystal-clear and vibrant. 

Ice Wine Regions 

Canada: A Leader in Ice Wine Production 

Canada, particularly Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, is one of the most famous producers of ice wine. Its consistently cold winters provide ideal conditions for crafting high-quality vintages. 

Germany: The Birthplace of Ice Wine (Eiswein) 

Germany, where ice wine originated, remains a key player. Regions like the Rheingau and Mosel are renowned for their exceptional Eiswein, steeped in tradition and quality. 

Moldova: A Hidden Gem for Ice Wine Enthusiasts 

Moldova is gaining recognition in the ice wine world. Its rich winemaking heritage, innovative techniques, and cold winters create ice wines with balanced sweetness and nuanced aromas. 

Other Notable Producers 

Austria, the United States, and China also contribute to the global ice wine market. Each region offers unique variations influenced by local climates and grape varieties. 

Ice Wine Serving

Serve ice wine chilled, but not too cold—ideally at 8-10°C (46-50°F)—to fully appreciate its delicate flavours and aromas. Start by selecting the right glass, such as a tulip-shaped or small white wine glass, which helps concentrate the aromas.

Pour a small amount, as ice wine is typically enjoyed in moderation due to its richness. Before sipping, take a moment to swirl the wine gently in the glass to release its fragrant notes. Then, bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply to savour its bouquet, which often includes hints of honey, tropical fruits, and citrus.  Take small, slow sips to enjoy its luxurious sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity.

Ice Wine Pairing Ideas

Desserts

• Fruit-Based Desserts: The bright flavours of fruit tarts or pies, such as apple, pear, or berry varieties, align beautifully with the sweetness of ice wine.
• Cheesecake: The creamy texture and delicate flavours of cheesecake perfectly balance the richness of ice wine.
• Chocolate: Opt for white or milk chocolate desserts, as their lighter sweetness harmonises with the wine, avoiding the bitterness of dark chocolate.
• Crème Brûlée: The caramelised sugar and velvety custard in this classic dessert make for a perfect match.

Savoury Pairings

• Foie Gras: The savoury, buttery richness of foie gras creates a sophisticated contrast to the sweet, crisp notes of ice wine.
• Soft Cheeses: Selections like brie, Camembert, or chèvre pair well, providing a creamy texture that complements the vibrant acidity.
• Charcuterie: Thinly sliced cured meats, such as prosciutto or pâté, bring out the complexities in ice wine’s flavour profile.

Fresh Fruits and Nuts

• Crisp Apples and Pears: Their natural sweetness enhances the vibrant fruit notes in the wine.
• Stone Fruits: Peaches, apricots, or cherries are ideal companions, offering a balanced contrast to ice wine’s concentrated sweetness.
• Roasted Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans provide a rich, toasty complement to the wine's flavours.

Unexpected Delights

• Spicy Dishes: The cooling effect of ice wine’s sweetness can balance mildly spicy cuisines, such as Thai or Indian dishes.
• Seafood: Luxurious options like lobster or crab served with a touch of sweetness pair splendidly with ice wine.
• Savoury Pastries: Puff pastries filled with rich cheeses or savoury ingredients can also be a surprising yet delightful companion.

Ice Wine Storing

Start by laying the bottles flat to ensure the cork remains moist, which prevents air from entering and spoiling the wine. Choose a cool, dark place, such as a wine cellar or a temperature-controlled wine fridge, to protect the delicate flavours from sunlight and fluctuations in temperature.

The ideal storage temperature is between 12-14°C (54-57°F), as anything too warm can accelerate aging, while extreme cold could damage the wine. Additionally, aim for a humidity level of 50-80%, which helps maintain the integrity of the cork and prevents it from drying out or cracking.

Don’t Miss Out!

Join the community of wine enthusiasts who know that ice wine isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Order ice wine in Australia today and make your next pour unforgettable!

 

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Your Ice Wine Questions Answered

What is special about ice wine?

Ice wine is a rare and luxurious dessert wine made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine. Its unique production process results in an intensely sweet and concentrated flavour, with vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Can you get ice wine in Australia?

Yes, you can purchase ice wine in Australia from our shop! While Australia’s climate isn’t suitable for producing ice wine naturally, we offer a selection of imported bottles from Moldova.

Why is ice wine expensive?

The high cost of ice wine is due to its labour-intensive production process, the limited yield of juice extracted from frozen grapes, and the potential risks involved in waiting for freezing conditions. These factors make ice wine a premium and exclusive product.

Can you drink ice wine straight?

Yes, ice wine is typically enjoyed straight as a dessert wine. It’s served in small quantities due to its intense sweetness and is often accompanied by complementary foods like cheeses or desserts.

Is ice wine healthy?

Like all wines, ice wine should be consumed in moderation. While it contains antioxidants from grapes, its high sugar content means it should be enjoyed as a treat rather than a health drink.

How should I drink ice wine?

Ice wine is best served chilled, around 10-12°C (50-54°F), in small dessert wine glasses to enhance its aroma and sweetness. It pairs delightfully with rich desserts, fruits, and strong cheeses.

Which country is famous for ice wine?

Canada is the world’s leading producer of high-quality ice wine, particularly in regions like Niagara. Germany is also renowned for its traditional Eiswein, widely celebrated for its craftsmanship and heritage. Moldova, known for its rich winemaking history, also produces exceptional ice wine, leveraging its ideal climate and dedication to quality to create unique and flavourful varieties.

Does ice wine go bad?

When stored correctly, unopened ice wine can age gracefully for several years, developing new complexities. However, once opened, it’s best consumed within 3-5 days and kept sealed in the refrigerator.

Is Riesling the same as ice wine?

No, Riesling is not the same as ice wine. While Riesling grapes are commonly used to make ice wine due to their high acidity, ice wine can also be made from other grape varieties like Vidal or Cabernet Franc.

How much sugar is in ice wine?

Ice wine typically contains around 150-220 grams of residual sugar per liter, making it one of the sweetest wine styles. The exact sugar content varies depending on the grape variety and production process.

Does ice wine taste better with age?

Ice wine can age well, developing deeper flavours and more complexity over time. However, many people prefer to enjoy its fresh, fruit-forward character in its youth.

Is ice wine a sparkling wine?

No, ice wine is not a sparkling wine. It’s a still dessert wine, and its sweetness and flavour intensity come from its unique production process, not carbonation.

How do you cool ice wine?

To cool ice wine, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid rapid cooling methods like an ice bucket, as they can affect its delicate flavours and aromas.