Cryoextraction

Ah Icewine! That unctuous nectar of the Gods produced in cool climates from grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine. However, there are some countries today producing this style that lack cold winters so natural freezing can’t happen. Instead, ripe or late harvest grapes are picked and artificially frozen until they’re solid. Known as “cryoextraction” the frozen grapes are then crushed and fermented. Much cheaper to produce than the “real thing”, this freezer wine in California, is called “vin de glace”. Although similar in character, purists would argue that true Icewine is strictly a product that Mother Nature creates and any other form is a lackluster imitation.