Media Releases

November 21, 2013 (Kelowna, BC) – Winemakers and viticulturalists in BC are collectively rejoicing with the arrival of the annual Icewine harvest. With sub-zero temperatures in the Okanagan this week, the harvest for BC’s “liquid gold” started on Wednesday, November 20 and continued into the early morning hours on November 21.

This year, 29 wineries expressed interest in producing Icewine for a potential harvest of 1,000 tons, which would be the most ever on record. 2013 marks the 3rd earliest Icewine harvest on record, second to 2003 (November 5) and 2011 (November 19).

The first 2013 Icewine grapes were brought in by Little Straw Vineyards in West Kelowna on Wednesday, November 20 just before 7 AM with temperatures at -10°C (14°F). After a break during the day, they resumed picking at 10 PM when temperatures plunged again to -9°C (15.8°F) and they were able to complete their harvest of Lemberger and Auxerrois. Owner/Winemaker Pete Slamka reports that the overall quality is very good with very sweet, honeyed characters. Volcanic Hills Estate Winery in West Kelowna also completed their harvest on Wednesday, November 20 starting at 7:30 PM with the temperatures at -9°C (15.8°F). Proprietor Bobby Gidda notes that they brought in 3.7 tons of Riesling first, followed by Zweigelt and Chardonnay.

Ezra Cipes, CEO of Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna notes that “To make superb Icewine, the first thing you need is superb grapes. The Okanagan Valley is singularly blessed because not only have we had a growing season that produced perfect grapes, but we had the temperatures that froze our grapes on the vine to produce this delicious nectar. It’s perfection in a glass.” Summerhill started their Icewine harvest on Wednesday, November 20 at 9 PM with temperatures between -9°C (15.8°F) and -12°C (10.4°F) in their four vineyards. Their team has harvested a portion of their Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, and the harvest will continue this evening at their Kelowna and Oliver vineyards.

Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate and Inniskillin Okanagan also harvested overnight in Oliver, starting at 12:45 AM at -10°C (14°F) and reaching lows of -12°C (10.4°F) by 4:45 AM. Each winery brought in 7 tons of Riesling from the Whitetail Vineyard and there is still approximately 10 tons of Vidal to be picked for Inniskillin when the temperatures drop again. “Picking exceptionally early like this is icing on the cake for what has been a stellar year. A hot dry summer combined with this earlier than normal artic outflow has given us Icewine grapes in outstanding condition,” said Troy Osborne, Director of Western Viticulture for Constellation Brands Canada. “An added benefit from harvesting Icewine in November is the nice quantity, as we don’t lose nearly as much to wildlife and birds.”

As of Thursday morning, 20 wineries have started their harvests and an estimated 446 tons have been brought in, with more picking expected to continue tonight.

To keep up-to-date on the harvest, follow @winebcdotcom, #BCHarvest2013 and #Icewine on Twitter.

For photo downloads from Summerhill Pyramid Winery, click here.

WINES OF MARKED QUALITY ICEWINE REGULATION

The Wines of Marked Quality Regulation closely control the production of BC VQA Icewine. The key stipulations are that harvesting takes place at temperatures of -8˚C (17.6˚F) or lower, and the pressed grape juice is a minimum of 35 Brix. Artificial refrigeration of grapes, juice, must or wine is strictly prohibited.

Producers must contact the BC Wine Authority to report the time harvesting begins, and to confirm prior reported tonnages and exact areas of vineyard left for Icewine production.

VITICULTURE

Harvest dates:Can be as early as November or as late as February. Producers track weather systems for early warnings of imminent cold weather.

Permitted varietals: All varietals are permitted. The most common are Riesling, Vidal, Ehrenfelser, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,and Gewürztraminer, though Zweigelt, Maréchal Foch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Kerner, Lemberger, Oraniensteiner, Gamay Noir, Muscat and Merlot are all used as well.

Viticultural techniques:Most vineyards are netted against predators, particularly birds.

Harvesting method:Principally by hand. Usually takes place during the night or at dawn.

Harvest temperatures:Although regulation states the temperature must be at least -8˚C (17.6˚F), producers often wait for -10˚C (14˚F) or lower before harvesting.

Frequency:The Okanagan Valley and Similkameen Valley are the only areas to regularly experience these cold climatic conditions in British Columbia. When temperatures do not fall enough for Icewine harvests, producers often make Late Harvest wines.

ICEWINE VINIFICATION

The following are general production techniques.

Pressing:The frozen grapes are brought as quickly as possible to the winery where they are pressed. One press cycle can last up to six hours.

Yields:Yields can range from 150 to 300 litres per ton (compared to approximately 600 litres per ton for dry table wines).

Fermentation:Temperatures generally range from 15 to 20˚C over a three- to 12-week period, depending on the Brix and strain of yeast. Fermentation is generally stopped using cold temperatures resulting in alcohol levels between 9 and 12 percent.

Acidification: Icewines can be acidified or deacidified.

Yeast:Icewine is inoculated, generally using strong fermenting yeast such as PDM.

Cold and heat stabilization: Icewines are stabilized before bottling.

Filtration: Generally using an earth and a pad filter, as membrane filters can easily clog.

Bottling: Generally within 6 to 9 months of the harvest.

Ageing potential:Icewines, particularly from Riesling, can age for over 10 years but are often preferred young and fresh.

About the BC Wine Institute (BCWI)

Since 1990, the BCWI has played a pivotal role in taking BC’s wine industry from a vision to an internationally recognized niche region producing premium wines and providing quality wine tourism experiences.

Representing 137 member wineries throughout the province, the BCWI supports and markets the Wines of British Columbia (BC VQA), which gives consumers assurance they are buying a wine that is made from 100% BC grapes. The BCWI also markets the Wine Regions of British Columbia; delivers quality trade, media and consumer tastings; and acts as the voice of BC’s wine industry by advocating to government on behalf of its members. Learn more at www.winebc.com.