German Eiswein- The sweet Dessert Wine created by Frost

Although you wouldn’t think that frost or icy conditions are good from wine production, some growers count on the the cold so they can make Eiswein. But …. what is German Eiswein (Ice Wine)?? Is it frozen wine? Is it wine-flavored ice cream? Eiswein (Ice Wine, Eis Wine) is a refreshing and sweet (but not cloying) dessert wine produced in Germany (and other countries) under very special conditions.

What is German Eiswein?

And why is it so expensive??

Producing Eiswein is a risky business for any vintner, and not many regions have the right climate. It must be warm enough in the summer to grow the grapes, and then freeze in the winter. The first Eiswein was probably made after a fluke early cold spell at Schloss Johannisberg (west of Wiesbaden in Hesse) in the 19th century. The local winemaker didn’t want to waste the grapes that froze on the vines, so he tried making wine anyway… and it was a success…. so they made notes, and managed to do it again!

WHAT IS EISWEIN

 

Where is Eiswein Grown?

In Germany, the primary growing areas are the Mosel, Rheinhessen, Pfalz and Rheingau. Grapes are left on the vine LONG past the regular harvest season. They must be protected from birds, insects, rot and disease for months… until the first frost that dips to  -7 °C (19 °F) or colder. Then it’s all hands on deck to harvest the grapes within a few hours in the early morning before the sun touches them. The shale covered hills where the vines grow make this extra difficult. In early days, darkness and cold, as well as presses that weren’t strong enough to crush frozen grapes added to the difficulties. Even today with pneumatic presses and electric lights, its still not an easy task to harvest and press Eiswein. As a result, the yield is quite low… but the results… magnificent, and quite worth the effort.

Can’t You just FREEZE Grapes to make Eiswein?

Only wine made from grapes that have legitimately hung on the vine until after the first frost may be labeled Eiswein. Wine made from cryoextraction (artificial freezing) may not legally be labeled Eiswein. In cold temperatures, the water in the grapes freezes, but the sugar and other solids do not. Because they’ve hung on the vine so long, there is extra sugar in the healthy grapes. The wine must be harvested and pressed while the grapes are still frozen, this means the water is left frozen on the press… and the sugars and other solids are made into wine. Less water= more flavor. However! this means the work force must be large, and they have to work fast. Even the wine press room is kept cold, so the grapes don’t thaw before pressing. Ice and frost break down the cell walls of the grapes, and if they begin to thaw, the grapes will begin to rot quickly, making them useless.

 

Most German Eiswein is made from Riesling grapes. The high sugar content in the grapes means the wine is sweeter… but it also takes longer to properly ferment. Oddly, although the sugar content is high, Eiswein is not sticky sweet, and in fact, is quite refreshing with a taste of peaches or even tropical fruits. The alcohol content is actually lower than other table wines (around 6%). Eiswein is a wonderful accompaniment to many dessert dishes.

Because it is so labor intensive, and has a much lower yield, Eiswein is relatively expensive. Also, it is sold in skinny half bottles of 375ml.

While most Eiswein comes from Germany, growth and production of Eiswein has gone international, primarily in Canada… just follow the snow trail… Sadly, climate change is making conditions less favorable for Eiswein. Perhaps another reason for us to do something about global warming..

 

Where to Buy Eiswein

Over the years I have found Eiswein at Trader Joes, Bevmo, and other markets.
Or you can order it here…

 

 Schmitt Sohne Rheinhessen Ice Wine (500ML) 2020Wine.com Jackson-Triggs Reserve Vidal Icewine (187ML Split) 2019Wine.com Inniskillin Riesling Icewine (375ML half-bottle) 2021Wine.com

 

 Watch the Harvest

Harvest takes place in the cold and dark…and the shale covered wine hills make it even more difficult. No wonder it’s so expensive.

&

EISWEIN FUDGE!!

This might be the best idea EVER!

Ice Wine or Eiswein FudgeIce Wine or Eiswein Fudge

Do you want to know more about wines? Please visit Sokolin Wines

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what is eis wine

3 thoughts on “German Eiswein- The sweet Dessert Wine created by Frost

  1. where can i buy the blue bottle of eiswein shown above..

    1. I’m not finding that year/variety available (Blue Nun Eiswein). Depending on where you live, you might be able to have TotalWine.com Ship Eiswein to you.
      http://www.totalwine.com/

  2. Yes I went over there to the Black Forest Area and tried a blue bottle that looks like your picture. Where can you find that? I’m sure you can have it shipped

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