Wines
Ice Wine
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Dessert
- White • Very sweet
- 8–12% ABV
- Medium body
- Very sweet sweetness
- medium-high acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.
Skip if…
- ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.
At a Glance
8–12%ABV
Very sweetSweetness
medium-highAcidity
LowTannin
MediumBody
8°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Ice Wine?
A sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.
Taste profile
Very sweet sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyStone FruitAcidicSweetHoney
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: Dessert
- ABV range: 8–12%
- Medium body
- Very sweet sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Very sweet
- Acidity
- medium-high
- Tannin
- Low
- Stone Fruit · medium intensity — Ice wine often shows peach or apricot-like fruit.
- Acidic · medium intensity — Ice wine commonly needs acidity to balance sweetness.
- Sweet · high intensity — Ice wine is defined by concentrated sweetness.
- Honey · medium intensity — Ice wine commonly shows honeyed richness.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Riesling, Vidal, Cabernet Franc
- Region(s)
- Ontario, Niagara, Germany
- Country
- Canada / Germany
- Sweetness
- Very high
How it’s made
- Method
- Wine made from grapes frozen on the vine, concentrating sugar and acidity.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 8°C
- Glassware
- White wine glass
When to serve
DessertSweet wine fans
Dietary
How Ice Wine fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- TokajiBoth dessert styles; similar sweetness (very sweet); medium body.
- Late HarvestBoth dessert styles; similar sweetness (very sweet); medium body.
- SauternesBoth dessert styles; similar sweetness (very sweet); medium body.
- Vin SantoBoth dessert styles; similar sweetness (very sweet); medium body.
- EisweinBoth dessert styles; similar sweetness (very sweet); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Ice Wine?
- A sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.
- What does Ice Wine taste like?
- Ice Wine is often described as Stone Fruit, Acidic, Sweet, Honey. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Ice Wine?
- Ice Wine pairs well with Cheese Board, Chocolate, Dessert, Fruit. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is Ice Wine?
- Ice Wine typically has an ABV of 8–12%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink Ice Wine?
- Ice Wine works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Ice Wine?
- If you enjoy Ice Wine, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Ice Wine improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Ice Wine depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Ice Wine with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.