Palate
Rich, complex notes of strawberry and raisin; balanced by smooth, mousse-like bubbles.
Growing Conditions
In the fall, after the other vineyards have been harvested and the leaves have fallen from the vines, our ice wine vineyards are covered with netting to protect the fruit from hungry birds. Grapes in these vineyards experience a freeze and thaw cycle that desiccates them and enhances their flavors.
Harvest
The ice wine grapes will only be harvested if and when temperatures have fallen to roughly 12ºF for a day or more and the grapes are completely frozen, usually in December or January. Extreme care must be taken to harvest.
We harvest the grape by hand, collecting it in grape bins that will be stacked on trailers and taken immediately to the winery for pressing. Ice wine harvests yield approximately 60 gallons per ton of grapes, compared to the September harvest rate of 170 gallons per ton.
Winemaking
A rare rosé ice wine made from a combination of Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin grapes, with fine, mousse-like bubbles made in the méthode champenoise tradition.
The press of the grapes while they are still frozen. In western New York, this mean watching the forecasts carefully so harvesting and pressing can be completed at optimally low temperatures.
RS: 16.0%
Food Pairing
The bubbles and the interesting strawberry notes of this wine are captivating and a delicious pairing for many desserts including strawberries dipped in chocolate, or a pound cake with a fine drizzle of chocolate or strawberry or both!
