This is one of the defining examples of Riesling icewine, and a key part of why Inniskillin is considered a pioneer of the category. Produced in the Niagara Peninsula, where reliably cold winters allow grapes to freeze naturally on the vine, it represents a more precise and citrus-driven style compared to richer, more opulent icewines like Vidal or Cabernet Franc. Riesling brings something very specific to icewine: high natural acidity. That's crucial, because without it, a wine at this level of sweetness would feel heavy. Here, the acidity cuts cleanly through the concentration, giving the wine lift and clarity rather than weight. The production method is the same as all true icewine - grapes are harvested frozen and pressed immediately, yielding only a small amount of intensely concentrated juice. What stands out is how controlled the result feels: rich, but never cloying.
The flavour profile leans more towards citrus and stone fruit than darker or jammy notes. Lemon, lime, peach, and apricot dominate, often with a lightly honeyed edge, all sharpened by that bright acidity. Texture is dense and almost syrupy, but the wine doesn't sit heavily. Instead, it carries a kind of energy, where sweetness and freshness move together in a very clean, focused way.
Compared to other icewines:
- More precise and linear than Vidal
- Fresher and more citrus-driven than Cabernet Franc
- Less about richness, more about balance and tension
Overall, this is a benchmark sweet wine, showing how extreme sweetness can still feel elegant when supported by acidity.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Bright and expressive, with lemon, lime, peach, and honeyed notes.
Palate:
Rich yet vibrant, with citrus, apricot, and tropical fruit balanced by sharp acidity.
Finish:
Long and clean, with lingering sweetness lifted by fresh, zesty acidity.
