How to Choose a Good Ice Wine

Ice wine is very different from its more common counterpart, table wine. Ice wine takes a little more understanding regarding the making process to help you make an informed decision when the time comes to choose a good ice wine. Here are some tips to help you choose the right ice wine for your palate and budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Select a wine that has no artificial freezing. Unlike the table wine, ice wine is made from crushed, frozen grapes. The best ice wines are made from naturally frozen grapes that have been frozen for nearly 36 hours. When choosing an ice wine, do your research. Ensure the wine maker allows nature to freeze the grapes rather than a high tech man-made freezer.
2. Look for a sweetness-acidity balance. Because of its manufacturing process, ice wines are sweet. However, along with its sweetness there should be a proper natural blend of acid. A good ice wine balances the sweet and acidic flavors
3. Ask your waiter. If you are dining out and would like to have an after dinner ice wine to accompany your dessert, consult the waiter. Quality restaurants have trained staff that can gladly answer your questions and help you choose the appropriate ice wine.
4. Speak to your wine retailer. Liquor and wine stores that carry ice wine have someone on staff that is knowledgeable about ice wines. Speak to the staff; ask questions that help you to choose the right wine for your tastes and budget.
5. Search online. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips. You may have to dig deep to find what you're looking for, but the search is worth it if in the end you choose the right wine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've never purchased ice wine before, look to spend a little more than you would for table wines. Making wine from frozen grapes produces less of a yield than non-frozen grapes. For an inexpensive ice wine, look at a starting price of $35 for a half-bottle.