Released just in time for the 2015 Niagara Icewine Festival, is the Southbrook Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine. Harvested on a chilly December morning in 2013, these frozen Cabernet Franc grapes were cold settled and racked to neutral oak barrels for 4 months of slow fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine was then aged for 5 months in stainless steel before bottling.
Organic and Biodynamic 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine
This rich sweet wine is expressive of strawberry and rhubarb compote and ends with a long lush finish. Raspberry red in colour, this icewine is abundant in red fruits and balanced with a vibrant acidity. Retailing at $34.95, this dessert wine is one that will impress both veteran and beginner wine drinkers.
Here is a look at some of the kind words that have been said about the newest Southbrook addition.
94 Points– An all estate, indigenous and inoculated Icewine, even if it were not thought possible to do so. Spoons out pure raspberry and apricot distillate, this Cabernet Franc is a product of happily fermented yeast because of a clean, natural and healthy vineyard… There is orange, pomegranate molasses and cinnamon stick in here. Goes straight to the cavity, with sugars and acidity set on high, along with structure and length…A thinker of clean, clean Icewine thoughts, from a desert of fermentation to realize a dessert garden of eden. I took a sip and “I got taken away, by a heavenly host, to a heavenly place.” Tasted December 2014. -Michael Godel ,Winealign.com
92 points – “Rich yet not heavy, sweet yet balanced – luscious, delicious, and exotic. Strawberry jam, rhubarb, candied beet, plus a nuance of mystic winter wonderland in the background – turmeric … rosehip oil … the exhaust of Santa’s carriage … somethin’ … Organic / Biodynamic.”- Zoltan Szabo
As we enter the second week of the Niagara Icewine festival, Southbrook’s pairing is the perfect palate pleaser. Come in this weekend or next to try the Blue Cheese and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese with a glass of icewine. Also, this Saturday and Sunday you will find Southbrook and their newest icewine at the kickoff of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival on historic Queen Street.
2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine and Blue Cheese and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese
The 2013 Cabernet Franc Icewine currently retails for $34.95, and can be purchased at the winery or online. Though this time of year can be cold, there is nothing quite like the Niagara Region during the winter months. Make it a point to come down and say hello and warm up with the staff at Southbrook.
Southbrook Vineyards is a Good Food Fighter. Please support the businesses and organizations that support Good Food Revolution.
