Inniskillin 'Gold' Niagara Vidal Icewine 2022
Inniskillin Gold Vidal Icewine is a truly exceptional, oak aged Canadian sweet wine crafted on the freezing Niagara Peninsula. Using the hardy Vidal grape, the winemaking team works hand in hand with the extreme winter weather to create this luxurious masterpiece. Instead of picking the grapes in the autumn, they are left on the vines until the temperatures drop below minus eight degrees. They are then carefully harvested in the middle of the night while completely frozen solid, ensuring only the most intense, concentrated sugars and flavours remain. When these frozen grapes are gently pressed, only a tiny drop of pure, golden nectar is extracted. What sets the 'Gold' edition apart is its time spent maturing in oak barrels. This patient resting period weaves a beautiful layer of warm vanilla and toasted spice through the vibrant fruit. In the glass, it opens with a rich perfume of peach, ripe apricot, and golden honey. Every sip is incredibly smooth and deeply sweet, perfectly balanced by a bright, refreshing wave of natural acidity that stops it from ever feeling cloying or heavy. This is a breathtaking bottle to pour at the end of a grand evening. While it is rich enough to be enjoyed entirely on its own as a dessert in a glass, it is also a spectacular partner for indulgent food. Serve it nicely chilled straight from the fridge alongside a classic baked cheesecake, a vanilla crème brûlée, or a rich chicken liver parfait.
