Wines Niagara Peninsula Peller Estates - Icewine Oak Aged - 2018

Peller Estates’ 2018 Cuvée Icewine Oak Aged from the Niagara Peninsula is a testament to the excellence of Canadian sweet winemaking. This white wine, produced from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, showcases a luscious intensity derived from painstaking harvest at sub-zero temperatures. Although the precise varietal makeup of this icewine is not specified, Niagara Peninsula’s most prestigious icewines are commonly made from Vidal, Riesling, or sometimes Chardonnay or Gewürztraminer. The oak aging adds another dimension, likely lending subtle vanilla and spice nuances to the innate richness and purity of the icewine’s primary fruit character. Expect a decadent palate brimming with notes of ripe apricot, honey, citrus peel, and perhaps tropical fruit, balanced by vibrant acidity and gentle creamy notes contributed by oak maturation.

Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, straddling the southern edge of Lake Ontario, is Blessed with a unique microclimate. The interplay between lake effects and cold winters not only supports classic cool-climate viticulture but provides the very conditions essential for icewine production—a region globally recognised for perfecting this challenging style. Soils here are diverse, with limestone, clay, and sand contributing complexity and finesse to the wines. Historically, the region has rapidly risen in esteem over the past three decades, now internationally celebrated for its benchmark sweet and icewines.

Cuvée Icewine Oak Aged calls for pairings that can match its concentration and balance. Serve it alongside bold blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton for a powerful contrast of sweet and savoury. Traditional foie gras, torchon or seared, is a luxurious match, as are desserts favouring stone fruits, such as an apricot tarte tatin, or a delicate lemon posset. Regionally, try with Ontario apple tart or butter tarts for a local touch.

For the best tasting experience, serve slightly chilled at 6–8°C. Use small dessert wine glasses to best appreciate its aromatic intricacy and luscious texture. This icewine is both a decadent end to a fine meal and a contemplative glass on its own.