What is ice wine and why should you try it?
Ice Wine: Extreme Sweetness Born from the Cold
ice wine · how ice wine is made · sweet wine · Verdil de Gel · ice cider
In the world of sweet wines, there is one that truly inspires admiration for its rarity, its extreme production, and its delicate balance: ice wine, or Eiswein in German. It is a wine that can only be made when nature allows it, which is why it is so special.
At Bouquet Xaló, we have the privilege of offering two gems born from this philosophy: Verdil de Gel from Bodegas Enguera, and Viuda de Angelón Ice Cider, two perfect examples to understand what ice wine (or cider) is and why you should try it.
What is ice wine?
Ice wine is made from grapes that are harvested when they are frozen on the vine, usually at temperatures below -7°C. When pressed in this state, the water (which is frozen) separates from the must, leaving a very concentrated juice with a very high sugar and acidity content. This concentration results in a very sweet, balanced wine with a silky texture, intense aromas, and vibrant freshness.
It is a risky and climate-dependent process: not all vintages allow this type of late harvest, which makes these wines highly valued and uncommon products.
Production and style
- The grapes are left on the vine until they freeze naturally.
- They are harvested by hand, at night or in the early morning, under extreme conditions.
- They are cold-pressed to separate only the most concentrated must.
- Fermentation is slow due to the high sugar concentration.
- The result: very sweet wines, but with balance and elegance, thanks to natural acidity.
Although classic ice wine comes from Germany or Canada, in regions like Valencia or Asturias, innovative projects have adapted the concept with indigenous grapes and selected apple varieties.
Verdil de Gel – Bodegas Enguera
This Valencian sweet wine is made with the Verdil grape, a very delicate indigenous variety. Instead of natural freezing, a process of controlled cryoselection is applied, achieving a profile similar to traditional icewine: sweet, unctuous, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, and flowers, perfect for desserts, foie gras, or blue cheeses.
📍 Discover and buy it here:
👉 Verdil de Gel – Bodegas Enguera
Ice Cider – Viuda de Angelón
Made in Asturias with selected apples, this ice cider is a concentrated elixir, fermented from the must extracted after freezing the fruit. The result is a sweet, intense cider with great balance, perfect for lovers of different and sophisticated flavors.
📍 Discover and buy it here:
What to pair with ice wine or cider?
These sweet wines and ciders pair perfectly with:
- Aged or blue cheeses
- Foie gras or artisan pâtés
- Fruit desserts, pastries, or tarts
- Nuts and Christmas sweets
- Or simply… as a meditation drink
Natural sweetness, unique character
Ice wine is one of the most unique liquid treasures in the world. Its production demands precision, patience, and sensitivity. At Bouquet Xaló, we offer you two ways to enjoy it: with Verdil grapes or Asturian apples, but always with the same common thread: the intense flavor of the exceptional.