2016 RIESLING ICE WINE

On December 19, 2016, just as early morning temperatures dipped to a chilly 12° F, the Chateau Grand Traverse staff gathered to begin picking frozen Riesling grapes.

This specialty dessert wine was produced from ultra-ripe Riesling grapes purposefully left on the vine to naturally freeze late in the season. Once picked, the grapes are gently pressed to extract a minuscule amount of the unfrozen essence of the grape, much like extracting the flavors from a snow cone.

TASTING NOTES

This rich, almost nectar-like, dessert wine comes alive with flavors of ripe pineapple, golden raisins, dried apricot, and ripe lemon. Aromas of honeysuckle and sweet herbs lead to a bold and luscious palate combined with notes of ripe grapefruit and honey to finish.

AWARDS

Best of Class, Ice Wine Category: 2018 Michigan Wine Competition
Double Gold: 2018 Michigan Wine Competition
Double Gold: 2019 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

TECHNICAL DATA

Vintage: 2016
Appellation: Old Mission Peninsula
Varietal: Riesling      
Residual Sugar: 12.2° Brix
Alcohol: 13.0%
Winemaker: Bernd Croissant