Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine

Description

Harvest Constant watch over fluctuating temperatures by vineyard manager Gerald Klose and winemaker Bruce Nicholson saw the desired frigid temperatures finally set in on the fourth week of January 2013. Inniskillin harvested at the desired minimum of minus 10C. The naturally frozen grapes of Cabernet Franc and Riesling were harvested first from the Woerthle Vineyard, Line 4 at Concession 6, Niagara-on-the-Lake, within the Four Mile Creek sub appellation in the early morning hours with pressing following immediately. The Vidal grapes were then harvested from the Brae Burn Vineyard, Line 3 at the winery site, Niagara River sub appellation. All of the grapes were picked by mechanical harvester. Nicholson achieved the critical balance between the natural sugars and the natural acidities which he strives for.Winemaking The grapes for this Cabernet Franc Icewine were harvested from select vineyards throughout the Niagara Peninsula at a frigid temperature of -10C. Pressed immediately, the viscous juice was cold settled for 7 days before racking and inoculating. Fermented cool for approximately 21 days the resulting wine was filtered and transferred to a stainless steel tank to await bottling.Winemaker’s Notes Characteristics of strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb dominate the nose while the palate shows a robust concentration of red fruits as well, all of which complemented by a well balanced acidity.Food Pairings Salted dark chocolate; chocolate mousse with stewed or fresh berries; traditional strawberry rhubarb pie; porcini dusted rib eye. – Inniskillin