In Germany last week, a sudden cold snap caused a special surprise: in several places, winemakers were already able to start harvesting frozen grapes for Eiswein.
Text Ingrid Larmoyeur (The Wine Institute)| Image: Harvest of ice wine 2025 in Nieder-Olm, Weingut Bischofsmühle / Harvest of ice wine in Nieder-Olm, Weingut Bischofsmühle, Rheinhessen.
According to the Deutsches Weininstitut, harvesting was already taking place - in temperatures as low as -9°C - in Rhine-Hesse, Franconia, Saxony, the Palatinate, along the Hessische Bergstraße and in the Moselle, among others. Not only did classics such as riesling and silvaner participate, but also the modern variety souvignier gris, which can stay healthy on the vine for an extra long time thanks to its thick skin. This variety is therefore increasingly used for Eiswein.
Legally, you can only harvest pigeons for Eiswein when the temperature drops to at least -7°C. When frozen, the sugary juice remains liquid while the water freezes. The juice that is then pressed from the frozen grapes is super concentrated and lusciously sweet. Ice wines typically have a very high natural residual sugar content and fresh fruit acids. This makes them a sought-after speciality.
With suitable frosts becoming increasingly scarce, every Eiswein harvest is actually a minor miracle. An excellent vintage is already expected for 2025.
Don't want to miss a single edition? Subscribe then subscribe to WINELIFE Magazine now!
Want to stay up to date with the best articles? Follow WINELIFE magazine on Instagram, Facebook and sign up for our fortnightly newsletter.
English (UK) 
Nederlands 
Deutsch