Manic Monday | Minus 8 means more than just a bit cold
With the temperatures seriously dipping below zero for several days in a row it can only mean one thing.... Ice Wine! Sitting warm and toasty in my car with the heated seats helping to take the chill out of my bones, my eyes wander to the bright lights on the surrounding hills, the significance of which is all too clear. Our vintners together with friends and family have donned warm clothing to shield them from the elements, oft times in the dark of night, in search of the perfect frozen grapes.
There are many rumors about when the grapes are picked for Ice Wine but here is the version that I believe to be the truth for British Columbia (it does differ from province to province). "In BC, wineries must register their intention to make Ice Wine with the BCWA and advise them when they commence harvest. The grapes must be frozen and the ambient air temperature is required to be -8° C or lower at the time of harvest." A harvest which is done entirely by hand...
From bud break to this moment of truth, this fruit, together with the wine maker, has been on quite a journey; one that is not for the faint of heart. This frozen piece of perfection has endured a summer season that hopefully had just the right amount of sun, rain and heat followed by a fall that did not cool down too quickly. It has managed to escape the bears and the birds, the hail and the winds to be here in this moment and ready for the choosing.
Ice wine is an exact science and one that involves considerable risk for those wineries prepared to take the chance on creating something that is truly a Canadian Signature Item and renowned world wide.
As you consider what you might want to slip under the tree this Christmas season... keep in mind this fine delicacy and remember the many hands that worked countless hours to bring those few ounces of intense flavor into the sleek and slender bottle.
Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO
