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Cuttings from the Vineyard

What does it take to make superior ice wine?

"Timing and temperature, with Nature firmly of your side" says Hans Christian Jost.

To make ice wine you need juice pressed from grapes that have been subjected to temperatures of at least -8C for a couple of days.

In early winter 2006, a warm spell was causing serious concern for winemaker Hans Christian Jost's ice wine crop. Then a snap cold hit the province between Christmas and New Year's, enabling grape grower John Warner to harvest wine-ready grapes. The grapes were spectacular – flavourful and aromatic. They produced a superior ice wine for Jost, one that won a double gold at the prestigious Tasters Guild International wine judging competition – the highest award presented.

Knowledge and experience paid off, with help from Mother Nature, Nova Scotia-style.