Savoring the Bite of Winter: Ice Wine's Quest for Freezing Nights
In Franconia, ice wine has been renowned for nearly 230 years as an exquisite aperitif or dessert companion, often paired with cheeses. As winter approaches, some daring vineyard owners leave their grapes hanging on the vines, hoping for nights as crisp and cold as their favorite vintage. Why the chill? Freezing grapes are the only choice for ice wine production.
Ice wine's magic happens when temperatures drop significantly. "Only at temperatures below -7°C can ice wine be harvested," explains Michael Bock from the Franconian Winegrowers' Association in Würzburg. The grapes must be picked by hand, frozen, and pressed instantly, preserving the essence of concentrated fruit and acid.
This year, ice wine hopefuls number fewer than those who made it in 2012. But some were fortunate last year, harvesting ripened frozen grapes on December 13 at a frigid -11°C. Their efforts yielded an estimated 600-700 liters of the delectable specialty.
For years, ice wine production has been limited in Franconia, largely thanks to climate change. Winters used to freeze hard enough to support ice wine production by January or February. But now, ragged grapes meant for compost often enter the scene.
Yet, ice wine's allure doesn't diminish. Priced between 20 and 70 euros per half-liter bottle, it holds the unmistakable honor of crowning a vintage. Records dating back to 1794 prove its presence in Franconia.
Food enthusiasts eagerly await agriculture teams this year, ready to gather frozen grapes for ice wine production. The frozen drink adds a fruity, acidic twist to any dish. No wonder 'Underfront' magazine often delves into the intricate process of its creation.
As winter approaches, frost settles as a deciding factor in the ice wine production story. Severe frost can speed up the freezing process but exerts careful control to avoid over-freezing or uneven freezing, which negatively affects the wine's quality.
Grape variety and climate also play pivotal roles. Grapes like Riesling, abundant in sugar and acidity, are commonly used for ice wine. Franconia's continental climate with its bone-chilling winters makes it an ideal location for ice wine production. Despite the challenges, winemakers in Franconia have devised techniques to enhance ice wine production, such as pressing semi-frozen grapes to quickly create delectable wine after freezing.
So, as winter descends, Franconian vineyards hope for some biting cold and freezing nights to birth the coveted sweetness of ice wine production, soaring high above the biting chill that accompanies it.
