Top 10 Ice Wines ~ One of my favorite things to drink

Top 10 Ice Wines

There seems to be countless wines on the market to choose from, so when you find yourself looking for the perfect wine you might feel a little bit lost.  If you are anything like me, you have probably been hearing more and more about “ice wines” but what are they exactly?  Ice wines, or dessert wines as they are often called, have been around for hundreds of years, but they are becoming more and more popular.  

I do not have any affiliation with these wineries, just sharing the best of the best.  Why not check out my article on the Top 10 Late Harvest Rieslings here as well.

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These wines are made from freezing grapes during the growing process.  Since they are still attached to their vine, the freezing process does not affect the sugars inside of the grapes but do still freeze the water.  This causes the fruit to dehydrate and the sugars then become concentrated, which means a stronger flavor within the wine.  This is what causes the exceptionally sweet flavor in these “ice” or “dessert” wines.  

One thing to take note of if you are shopping for an ice wine is to keep an eye out for a bottle that has the letters VQA on the label. VQA is the initials for the organization that regulates and ensures that these wines are genuine ice wine and not a product that is created with artificially frozen grapes.

Now that we have a little background on what ice wines are, let’s talk about what the best ice wines are.  Here is a list of the top 10 ice wines on the market right now.

1. Petit-Vedrines.  This grape dessert wine is unique in that when you drink it on its own, it has a grassy, earthy flavor.  When you drink it with dessert though, you will start to taste hints of coconut and honey with a little taste of caramel.  
2. Brown Brothers Muscat. If you are looking for an inexpensive wine that is ideal for the cooler weather, the Brown Brothers Muscat is a great choice.
3. Casa Larga Cabernet Franc Ice Wine.  The Casa Larga Cabernet Franc Ice Wine is a slightly aged ice wine which features a mixture of sweet and dry red fruit flavors offer less sweetness, but still, maintains a full flavor.
4. Inniskillin Vidal Icewine Niagara Peninsula. This Canadian ice wine is wildly popular and is made from the Vidal grape, which is native to Canada.  It has hints of apricot and mango and pairs well with dinner or dessert.
5. Magnotta Riesling Ice Wine.  This fruity and fragrant wine is best served with dessert rather than dinner.
6. Cave Springs Cellars Riesling Icewine Niagara Peninsula.  This popular Canadian ice wine is a thicker, yet flavorful fruit wine.
7. Eberle Winery Muscat Canelli.  Exported from California, the Eberle Winery Muscat Canelli has a melon taste that is mixed with pineapple and citrus is yummy and will only set you back about $12 per bottle.
8. Paradise Ranch Riesling Ice Wine.  This wine features a blend of pineapple, kiwi, and papaya which is quite unique.
9. Covey Run Riesling Ice Wine. The rich apricot taste in this ice wine makes it a perfect pair with your favorite dessert.
10. Hunt County Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice Wine.  With bright flavors of apricots and raisins, this ice wine is full of flavor and goes perfectly when paired with your favorite dessert.

My wife and I love our icewines!  We have a pretty good selection from different wineries, especially those found in the Niagara region like Niagara-on-the-Lake.  When we travel to Niagara Falls, we always search out new ones to buy!

Do you like Ice Wine, what is your favorite if you have one?  Comment below on what you like about it. ~Tom

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."