In Austria, the conditions for harvesting ice wine grapes in 2023 have been ideal, creating a perfect environment for this unique and sweet wine variety.
The process of making ice wine involves harvesting the grapes at temperatures well below freezing, typically between -7°C and -12°C, which leads to the water inside the grape pulp freezing. This freezing concentrates the sugars in the grapes, making the resulting juice much sweeter when pressed.
More information in the most complete guide of Ice Wines.
ICE WINES IN AUSTRIA: THE HARVEST 2023
The harvest often takes place in the early hours of the morning, with family and friends of the winegrowers braving the freezing temperatures to gather the grapes. This year, one of the ice wines produced will be dedicated to the youngest son of the Kaiser family, a winemaker in Austria, who was born in April 2023.
This dedication underlines the special nature of the ice wine harvest and the wine produced from it.
The fluctuating temperatures from the end of summer to the depths of winter cause the grape pulp to freeze and thaw several times before the final harvest, further concentrating the sugars. This makes ice wine a dessert variety, often characterized by high levels of sweetness and acidity, a profile especially suited to grapes like Vidal Blanc and Riesling grown in cooler climates.
Due to the additional labor and specific conditions required for harvesting these grapes, ice wine often commands a higher price point compared to regular wines. However, its unique taste and the effort put into its production make it a special treat, particularly in the winter months.
This year’s successful harvest is a significant event, especially considering the challenges posed by increasingly mild winters, which have made the production of ice wine more uncertain in recent years.
The ideal conditions experienced this season have allowed winegrowers in Austria to produce this rare and sought-after wine, adding a special touch to their offerings.
WHO IS THE FAMILIE STEFAN KAISER?
Stefan Kaiser is associated with the Magdalenenhof winery located in the Leithaberg region of Austria. The winery, known as Magdalenenhof – Familie Stefan Kaiser, has produced various wines that have garnered attention and acclaim. For instance, their 2018 Neuburger, a white wine, received a rating of 89 points in a tasting conducted in 2019. This wine is characterized by its unique grape variety, Neuburger, and reflects the diverse wine types possible in the Leithaberg region, which is known for allowing a wide variety of wine types across its 3,576 hectares.
Additionally, the winery’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique also received notable recognition with a 90-point rating in a 2020 tasting. This red wine, made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety, is another example of the winery’s commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking. Magdalenenhof – Familie Stefan Kaiser offers a range of wines, from white to red, demonstrating versatility and a deep understanding of winemaking in the Leithaberg region.
For more information about the winery and its offerings, you can visit their website at: Magdalenenhof – Familie Stefan Kaiser.
THE WINERY MAGDALENENHOF
Weingut Magdalenenhof, a family-run winery managed by Johannes and Dagmar Blaes, is in its third generation of operation.
Located in Rüdesheim, the winery is known for its unique approach to winemaking, emphasizing the nuanced characteristics of each wine. The vineyards, situated in prime locations like Magdalenenkreuz and Kirchenpfad, cultivate a variety of grapes including Riesling and Spätburgunder.
The winery’s philosophy focuses on sustainable practices and a holistic approach to ensure high-quality wines with distinctive flavors and long-term storage potential. For more information, visit their website at: Weingut Magdalenenhof.
