Riesling - The King's Grape for Making Ice Wine

The Riesling grape is one of the most respected grape varieties in the world, largely because of the high quality of the wines made from it. Riesling is known for its complexity, elegance, and vibrant acidity, making it a favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers around the world. One particular use for the Riesling grape is in the making of ice wine, a dessert wine with an intense sweetness and rich flavor that is often associated with the winter and holiday seasons.

History and origin of the Riesling grape
The Riesling grape has a long history and has been grown in the Rheingau region of Germany for centuries. Originally native to the Rhine region of Germany, the grape is now widely distributed around the world, from New Zealand to California. The grape is named after the Rhine Valley, where it was traditionally grown and used to make wine.

Riesling grapes are one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and have been popular in Europe since the Middle Ages. Over the years, the grape has only grown in popularity due to the complexity and versatility of the wines made from it.

Characteristics of the Riesling grape
Riesling grapes are known for their complexity and balance, with a unique combination of high acidity and fruity aromas. The grape has a thick skin, which contributes to its unique flavor profile and texture. Riesling wines are known for their intense aromas of citrus, peach, apple and honey, as well as floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle.

What is ice wine?
Ice wine, also known as Eiswein, is a special type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been harvested and frozen on the vines. This method causes the water in the grapes to freeze, concentrating their sugar and acid content. The grapes are then hand-picked and pressed, producing a highly concentrated juice with a high sugar content and intense flavor.

The process of making ice wine is complex and time-consuming, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized wines in the world. Ice wine is often associated with the winter and holiday seasons because of its intense sweetness and rich flavor.

Why is the Riesling grape the King of Ice Wine?
The Riesling grape is one of the most popular grape varieties in the world and is used to produce a wide variety of wines, including the famous ice wine. The Riesling grape is particularly suitable for making ice wine because of its distinctive characteristics.

1. High acidity
One of the main reasons Riesling grapes are so well-suited for making ice wine is their high acidity. Ice wine naturally has a high sugar content, which can lead to a heavy and syrupy texture on the palate. The high acidity of the Riesling grape balances out this sweetness, creating a refreshing and balanced taste.

2. Fruity aromas
Riesling grapes have a wide range of fruity aromas, including peach, apple, apricot, and citrus. These aromas are concentrated during the ice wine making process, giving the wine a deep, rich flavor. The fruity character of the Riesling grape pairs well with the intense sweetness of ice wine, creating a complex and delicious flavor experience.

3. Thick skin
The Riesling grape has a thick skin, which is an important characteristic for making ice wine. When it freezes on the vines, the water in the grapes freezes and expands, causing the cell walls to burst and the sugar and acid content to remain concentrated. The thick skin of the Riesling grape protects the grape from bursting and allows for a higher concentration of sugars and acids.

4. Late ripening grape
The Riesling grape is a late-ripening grape and is usually harvested in October or November, which allows the grapes to freeze on the vines. This is an important aspect of making ice wine, as the sugar and acidity of the grapes must be concentrated before they are picked and pressed.

The Riesling grape is an ideal grape variety for making ice wine, partly because of the four reasons mentioned above. The combination of these characteristics makes for a delicious and balanced ice wine that is known for its intense sweetness and rich flavor. Ice wine made from Riesling grapes has been produced for centuries and remains a popular choice for wine lovers all over the world.