Canadian Icewine from Cabernet Franc grapes: a particularly rare treasure

Lakeview Cellars is one of the lines of the Diamond Estate winery from Canada. The grapes for lakeview wines come from the best vineyards in the Niagara region and benefit from the coastal breezes of Lake Ontario. The wines all bear the “VQA Niagara Peninsula” seal. VQA stands for “Vintners Quality Alliance”, an appellation and regulation system for original Canadian wines that guarantees quality and authenticity. Lakeview’s reputation stems from the winery’s commitment to producing premium VQA wines at affordable prices. The harvest of the Icewine grapes takes place when the temperatures have reached -8 degrees Celsius or colder. The hand-picked, naturally frozen grapes produce a juice with an intense concentration of sugar, acids, flavors and aromas when pressed. However, the yield is much lower than most wines, ten times more grapes are needed per bottle. The resulting wine has a high natural sugar content, a low alcohol content, an amazing acidity and is intensely sweet and tasty. In 2013, the Cabernet Franc grapes for the Icewine were harvested at temperatures of -10 to -13 degrees Celsius in early December. The juice of the grapes was fermented cool in stainless steel tanks until the end of February.

And this is how the Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine 2017 tastes

The Lakeview Cabernet Franc Icewine has rich aromas of strawberries, cranberry and cherry. On the palate there are even deeper, more complex peppery aromas that balance the sweetness wonderfully. In addition, it has a fine, fresh acidity and a long finish. The wine should ideally be served slightly chilled, at about 12 degrees Celsius.