| While many people are enjoying the mild winter in Canada so far, the makers of that sweet dessert beverage known as ice wine are anxiously waiting for a colder weather, reports Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The grapes that are harvested at -7° C are still on the vines as the temperatures have not reached consistently below this temperature. Normally, the harvest takes place around Christmas time.
The origins of ice wine can be traced to the late 1700s in Germany , where Eiswein was discovered after an early freeze. Only several drops come from a single frozen grape, but they are rich and sugary. Freezing temperatures concentrate the natural sweetness and acidity of the grapes, as does the added time the grapes spend on the vine. Grapes for most other Finger Lakes wines are harvested in September and October.
For ice wine makers who follow traditional methods, there are several potential pitfalls. The longer the grapes are on the vine, the more likely they are to become fodder for hungry deer, turkeys or other wildlife. Extended warm weather can mean the grapes spoil before they're picked.
Harvesting traditionally takes place in the middle of the night to prevent the warmth of the sun from damaging the delicate grapes. That means when conditions are right, wineries have to round up work crews to pick in the dead of night in frigid weather.
For details, read http://www.democratandchronicle.com
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