The first time I tried Ice Wine, it was like a first kiss: sweet, soft and lingering both on my palate and my mind for the rest of the night.  I know champagne and sparkling wines are always a tradition for Valentine’s Day, but what about a little sweetness for your sweetheart?  The pleasurable and aphrodisiac qualities of Ice Wine, roses and chocolates paired with Ice Wine will make your sweetheart swoon and your evening memorable. I asked my friend Ash Mehta of Tastes of the Valleys for his recommendations (that naughty boy is the one responsible for introducing me to Ice Wine):

Inniskillin Riesling – $69.95: Inniskillin Icewine, recognized as one of the world’s great wines, is harvested at the pinnacle of Canada’s crisp winter; the grapes are naturally frozen on the vine and picked when the temperature drops to -10°C. Only a few drops of luscious nectar can be squeezed from each bunch, which is then expertly guided through fermentation to achieve the rich and alluring specialty wine. The outstanding quality of the 2007 Harvest provided much excitement leading into the winter and Icewine Harvest. Early January 2008 marked the beginning of the harvest and all was concluded by the end of January 2008. This relatively early harvest delivered top quality fruit with ideal sugar levels providing great concentration of flavours and strong acidity for optimum structure and balance. The 2007 Icewine Vintage will stand out as one of the best for overall quality. Great hints of lemon and lime offer the crisp and tart flavors that pair well with fresh and fruit based desserts, rich cheeses and with many layers that allow this refreshing wine to stand on its own.

Inniskillin Riesling – $49.99: This Icewine was made from hand harvested Vidal grapes, naturally frozen on the vine. The removal of ice crystals, separated from frozen grapes during pressing, concentrates the juice into delicate nectar. The grapes for the 2007 Vidal Icewine were picked January 1st, 16th, and 22nd, 2008, from the Plut Family Vineyard in Osoyoos, British Columbia. This Vidal Icewine exhibits tropical aromas, with intense honey, peach and pear on the palate.

Ash also recommends Trokenbeerenauslese; though not an ice wine, it is similar in taste.  Kracher from Austria is the best known producer and Tastes of the Valleys carries the Cuvee and some vintage bottles as well.

Happy Valentine’s Day!