Pillitteri Estates Winery is proud to produce one of nature’s most exquisite gifts — Icewine. Harvest of the Icewine grapes occurs when temperatures have reached -8*C or colder. When pressed,these hand picked, naturally frozen grapes yield a juice with an intense concentration of sugars, acids, flavours and aromas.
The yield, however, is far lower than for most wines, requiring ten times more grapes per bottle. The resulting wine is high in natural sugar, low in alcohol, has an amazing acidity level, and is intensely sweet and flavourful. Pillitteri Icewine is a unique tasting experience with flavours that can range from honeyed peach and apricot to more tropical fruit like mangos. Pillitteri Estates, takes great pride in producing Icewine within the strict VQA standards — a recognition of the highest level of quality attainable. Pillitteri Estates Icewine has been recognized at wine competitions throughout the world, earning some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
Icewine - one of the world’s most luscious and celebrated wines - is one of the most difficult and challenging. The extreme weather for harvest, the brutal force required for juice extraction and the rigors of fermentation are in complete contrast to the soft, luscious, intense, soothing feel the wine evokes on you once on the palate. The long, extensive finish of Icewine is simply heavenly. One would have to wonder what originally inspired man to press frozen grapes for wine. The simple idea of it seems preposterous but all we can do is say “thanks” and then, enjoy”
The transformation of the grapes while hanging on the vine awaiting their winter harvest date is nothing short of magical. As the grapes slowly evolve from a simple green to a beautiful golden colour, the flavour becomes much more “golden” as well since the flavour intensifies, the complexity increases and the quality escalates. It is a process that only Mother Nature can accomplish in her own special way.
