Inniskillin Icewine Cabernet Franc 2022 375ml

#22 in The Enthusiast 100, 2024. Wow! This ice wine’s strawberry gelato and quince paste aromas are a perfect sweet and tart one-two punch. Then there are the rich, thick flavors of strawberry-rhubarb crumble and guava—as good as any dessert. I may have to try this with a piece of bittersweet chocolate. (Editors’ Choice)

• Country: Canada
• Region: Ontario
• Appellation: Niagara Peninsula
• Size: 375ml
• Alcohol by Vol: 9.5%

Varietal

Ice Wine

Ice Wine, or Eiswein, is a luscious dessert wine made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine. This process concentrates the sugars, resulting in a sweet, rich wine with intense flavors of tropical fruits, honey, and apricots. Originating from Germany and Canada, Ice Wine is typically made from Riesling, Vidal Blanc, or Gewürztraminer grapes. Harvesting takes place in the early morning hours when temperatures drop below -8°C (17°F), ensuring the grapes remain frozen during pressing. The yield is small, making Ice Wine a rare and expensive treat. Its vibrant acidity balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious and refreshing finish. Ice Wine pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts, blue cheeses, or enjoyed on its own as a decadent finale to a meal.