Icewine and Late Harvest Wine
our wine
Niagara’s seasons are very delineated. Summer is warm and autumn is cool followed by a quick shift to winter’s cold; these are the perfect conditions for producing Icewine and Late Harvest wines. When winter arrives the berries are typically harvested at night when they are frozen at -8 ºC (minimum) and when they are at least 36 Brix (% sugar).
Site and grape variety matter here. Vidal is both delicious and a sturdy variety of grape but Cabernet Franc and Riesling are the most elegant. The Short Hills Bench is uniquely situated 7 KM south of Lake Ontario, further away from the moderating effect of the water. This means that the minimum condition (-8 ºC) arrives more consistently than elsewhere in Niagara, allowing for more opportunities to pick, often earlier. Consequently we are able to produce all three major varieties of Icewine, including the fickle Cabernet Franc and Riesling, with great quality and consistency.
Late Harvest is a related category of wine. In our case, we produce it only at the highest level (called Special Select Late Harvest). Specifically that means the fruit is harvested at 32 brix or more but without conditions placed on temperature at harvest.
HOUSE STYLE: As mouth wateringly refreshing as they are delicately sweet. The emphasis on perfumed fruit flavours, crispness and minimal sweetness makes them unique amongst dessert wines — they awaken your palate.
2008 Vidal Icewine
Tropical aromas dominated by pineapple and mango. The palate is tart and piquant but very rich, complex and persistent.
2009 Riesling Icewine
Perfumed and citrusy with richness. Further aging will enhance nuances of mineral, evolved and dried fruits and honey.
2010 Cabernet Franc Icewine
Intense, vibrant fruit aromas and flavours, exhibiting strawberry and raspberry above all others. Age for 1 to 4 years from vintage.
2008 Select Late Harvest Vidal
Silver (2008) – Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards Intense, vibrant fruit aromas and flavours.
2009 Select Late Harvest Riesling
Intense citrus fruit including grapefruit and lime. Pear and peach characteristics are followed by spicy, lingering pear notes on the finish. Age 1 to 8 years from vintage.
Our Wine
