FOR something rather different this Christmas, why not look to Canada for your sweet wine needs?
It’s a country that is still largely unrecognised in the wine world, but is currently making big strides in the world of sticky wines due to their trump card – Icewine.
These unique delights are made in the freezing climates of Niagara and the Okanagan valley where the sub-zero temperatures freeze the grapes on the vines resulting in an incredibly concentrated and naturally sweet tipple when vinified.
They are the ultimate festive wines that are surprisingly versatile with a wide variety of foods.
Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine 2006/2007 £43.69 (375ml) Waitrose Wine Direct
A real decadent and sparkling delight. Made by using Icewine from the Vidal grape and fermented in a sealed vessel which, like Champagne, traps the carbon dioxide forcing it to integrate into the wine.
The result? A rich nose comprising of marmalade and tinned pineapple. The bubbles are gentle and acidity perfectly in balance which make this a truly luxuriant partner to foie gras.
Peller Estates Ice Cuvée NV £19.15 slurp.co.uk
A more affordable example of the above made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and topped up with a dosage of ice wine.
Sweet apple pie and yeasty flavours dominate this cracker of a wine and make this an utter triumph with salty starters such as oysters or smoked salmon.
Jackson Triggs Proprietary Reserve Vidal Icewine 2005 £16.50 (375ml) winedirect.co.uk
Made exclusively from the Vidal grape variety, a hybrid of the rather bland Ugni Blanc and Rayon d’Or grapes.
This still but lusciously sweet wine shows fresh lychee and papaya fruit flavours with a honeyed and maple syrupy complexity.
The wicked burst of acidity keeps the wine fresh and non-cloying on the finish. Great with mince pies or a dessert in its own right.
Inniskillin Vidal Gold Icewine 2006 £45.00 (375ml) Ocado
One final gift from winter for this week is again not cheap, however it is well worth splashing out on for a real Christmas treat.
The highest quality and sweetest grapes were picked for this multi-award winning wine, with oak-ageing providing a softer and butterscotch coating for the rich apricot and mango charged fruit flavours.
Utterly sublime with blue cheese or pate and a wine to wow even the snobbiest of wine crowds.
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