KEWAUNEE, WI (WTAQ) – Harsh winters come easy in northeast Wisconsin, but utilizing that cold to make precious wine is hard to do.
Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery in Kewaunee has put in that intensive labor to produce an ice wine that will be released to the public on Saturday.
“We are excited and proud to release this rare wine that reflects the soul of our region here in northeast Wisconsin,” says owner and winemaker Steve Johnson. “Here on the Frozen Tundra we are among the very few places in the world that can make authentic ice wine.”
Johnson explains the arduous process needed so that they could create this highly sought-after dessert wine.
“You need about three consecutive days where it’s below 15 degrees. Then you’re picking frozen grapes so it’s not for the faint of heart,” Johnson says. “But then the pressing takes a very long time because you’re literally pressing marbles and you need pressure of about 300 psi to push the ice crystals out of the berries.”
A single press of those frozen grapes can take up to half a day, according Johnson, which comes before the fermentation which is three times longer than the normal fermentation process of a wine.
“When it’s finally finished, you get this multi-layered flavor which is really something to savor,” says Johnson. “It’s just a very concentrated, deep rich lingering flavor that you get on the palate.”
The finished product, made using Frontenac Gris, costs $55 for a half bottle. Johnson says it will only be available at Parallel 44 and Door 44 wineries, along with their website.
“I think this nectar of the Frozen Tundra will please both the wine connoisseur and those wine drinkers just starting to explore their taste,” Johnson adds.
Parallel 44’s Ice Wine is a sweet, intense, full bodied dessert wine bursting with flavors of apricot and honey. It’s recommended to pair with fruit based desserts, such as apple pie or cherry tort, or cheese cake.
