The discovery of Icewine was accidental. Producers in Franconia, Germany made virtue of necessity by pressing juice from frozen grapes in 1794. They were amazed by the high sugar concentration. It was not until the mid 1800’s that Ice wine was intentionally made by the winery.
This occurred in the Rheingau. Winexpert’s Selection Spéciale Cabernet Franc Red Icewine Style is an intensely flavorful example. The hallmark of great Icewine is a dynamic balance between sweetness and acidity. Because of the naturally high acid, the finish is crisp and bracing, despite the intense sweetness.
Cabernet Franc vines bear thinner-skinned, earlier-ripening grapes with lower overall acidity, when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc vines survive cold winters better than Cabernet Sauvignon, but are more susceptible to being damaged by Spring frosts.
Sweet and rich, almost syrupy in texture, with rose and salmon tints, Cabernet Franc Icewine entices with irresistible aromas and flavors: ripe currants, notes of spice, honey, strawberry, tart rhubarb and cranberry . Icewine shows best when it is chilled but not cold. The ideal temperature is 10-12 degrees Celsius.
Similar Styles:
Selection Spéciale Icewine Style Food Pairings: Renowned as a “dessert in a glass” it is ideal on its own or is excellent paired with a red fruit dessert, dark chocolate or a decadent triple chocolate fudge cake.
Sweetness Code: Sweet
Alcohol by Volume: 11-11.5%
Oak: None
Aging: The intensity of flavor makes this wine immediately appealing, but under good conditions it will age nicely for one to two years, but it’s best consumed fresh and snappy.
12.3 liters / 3.25 US Gallons, Yields 11.5 liters / 3 US Gallons.
Ready to bottle in 6 weeks
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