If a wine aficionado thinks of Canada the first thing it strikes thou is the liquid gold of Icewine (http://wi-not.biz/2010/04/icewine-a-royalty/) treasures the country possesses. It’s not where it originally hailed from but surely did take a dual citizenship there later. Icewines are a treat for those who like pampering their sweet-tooth in style. The luscious golden sticky liquid tinkling at the curve of the glass with scented aromas of all those guilty pleasures of honey, marmalade, figs, tropical and exotic fruits, and much more is hard to turn down and will rather leave you turned on with its class and posh charm, especially if it’s a Vidal. Tempting and enticing for sure but the price tag can burn a hole in your pocket. Lately, Wi-Not tasted a Canadian Icewine that was worth the buck and sharing too.
Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula is an epitome of Icewine production regions in the world. So much so that about 60% of the Icewines of the world is contributed by this region. Bone-chilling snowfall with a beautiful Noble Rot layer and high-tech vinification brings out the best of Vidal, king of Icewine grape varieties. Located in the heart of the Ontario is Pillitteri Estates Winery. It’s high-quality wine production has positioned it at one of the biggest producers in the category. The quality speaks for itself at various tastings and judgements that have won Pillitteri hundreds of awards from sanctioned International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) competitions. Most notably, Pillitteri was awarded the only North American medal at the 2005 Effervescents du Monde, an international wine competition recognizing the best sparkling wines in the world. It also won a rare Grand Gold Medal for its 2004 Vidal Sparkling Icewine, the Effervescents du Monde’s highest honour.
Having said all that Wi-Not had to try it and put it through our taste test. Here’s our review:
2007 Pillitteri Estate Icewine – 100% Vidal (White):
Inviting bright golden colour. Intense aromas with layers of fresh and dried white peaches, honey, figs, orange marmalade, raw mangoes, pineapple, cashew, vanilla, custard, and hints of sweet spices. Medium sweet palate well balanced with high acidity preventing it from cloying. Fruit-forward palate set perfect for a caramel-based dessert or blue cheese or even by itself. Serve chilled and drink while it’s young.
We adulate our Icewines. They’re impossible to find in India and if one get a glance of them at a store or on a wine-list it’s hard to justify its quoted price-tag. Nonetheless, we see them on a horizon and look forward to be featuring more often at our dinner tables. Cheers!!