Making Icewine with Mother Nature is a collaborative effort. As the winemaker at The Ice House, my role is to take her concentrated Icewine grape nectar through the fermentation process and enhance the complex fruit flavours that develop while the grapes are on the vine. My goal is to capture that burst of fresh fruit delivery rarely have seen in other fine wines. At The Ice House winery, visitors learn how this luscious elixir is made to create one of the most elegant and luxurious of wines. After 30 years of making Icewine, I have learned that Mother Nature is -
Making Icewine with Mother Nature is a collaborative effort. As the winemaker at The Ice House, my role is to take her concentrated Icewine grape nectar through the fermentation process and enhance the complex fruit flavours that develop while the grapes are on the vine. My goal is to capture that burst of fresh fruit delivery rarely have seen in other fine wines.
At The Ice House winery, visitors learn how this luscious elixir is made to create one of the most elegant and luxurious of wines. After 30 years of making Icewine, I have learned that Mother Nature is the true Wizard of Ice wine. I am here to follow her lead and value her secrets. She is in control; a lesser man would turn grey.
What are the vines used to make Northern Ice? Hybrid vs Vitis Vinifera
Vidal blanc cross of ugni blanc (Trebbiano) x. Seibel 4986
Cabernet Sauvignon vitis Vinifera
Are the vines planted in any special way?
Rootstalk and scion graph:
Leaf petiole and blade and Shoot growth
VSP canopy management: Vertical Shoot Positioning = more sun exposure and easier quality management
What is so special about the Niagara climate for growing Icewine grapes?
Niagara is considered a cool climate appellation; high shifts in day to night temperature generates a high complexity of flavors in the grapes
The circulation of off-shore wind between Lake Ontario & the Niagara escarpment generate what is referred to as the “lake effect” where the circulation of air profoundly moderates seasonal temperatures across the Niagara appellation. The moderation of temperature extends the growing season well into the fall.
Our sub appellation is “Niagara River”; soils are generally stratified fine sands, which create natural drainage
The large fast flowing river generates convectional currents that draw cooler air into the gorge which pulls warm
air from above to moderate temperatures in the vineyards
Northern Ice Icewine Grapes Year in Review:
April / May – Canes are tied down and trellis system chosen
May /June – Bud breaks & flowers- grapes ripen approximately 100 days from flowering
July – Summer pruning/hedging and bunch thinning for better air circulation & sun light
August /September – Small green berries begin to change color and develop more sugar
September /October – Harvest of table wines
October / November – Canopy netting protects ripe Icewine grapes from birds
November / February – Icewine and Late harvest is harvested
February / April – Winter pruning is done
