Ice Chardonnay 2014
Ice Chardonnay 2014 is the result of a late harvest and a rare winemaking approach: grapes left on the vine until frost, then pressed while still frozen to yield an exceptionally concentrated must. Slow fermentation in small tanks, followed by its natural halt, creates a generous equilibrium between sugars and acidity. Aromatically, it reveals dried apricot, candied citrus peel, honey, and dried flowers, with delicate nutty nuances. The palate is dense yet threaded with a fresh, precise line, making it as fitting alongside desserts as it is as a contemplative wine on its own.
The grapes selected for Crama Darie’s icewine come from plot 7, set on the highest plateau of the estate. They are left on the vine until after the onset of frost, when the water in the berries freezes and sugars and aromas naturally concentrate. Harvesting is done by hand, during short windows at temperatures below –7 °C, into small crates, to protect the berries and allow for rigorous selection of perfectly healthy fruit.
The berries, still frozen, are then pressed slowly, in fractions, to obtain an intensely concentrated must with low yield, yet exceptional aromatic intensity and high sugars. The must is gently cold-settled, then fermented slowly in small stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperature, with a selected yeast strain capable of performing in high-sugar environments. Fermentation stops naturally, without further intervention.
After fermentation, the wine is kept on fine lees to gain volume and a creamy texture, then prepared and bottled to evolve in bottle.
Brilliant amber with intense golden highlights. Clear, viscous, with slow, weighty tears sliding down the sides of the glass.
Dried apricot, acacia honey, baked quince, orândel, a hint of salted caramel, nuances of noble botrytis.
A sweet opening, yet beautifully balanced. Firm acidity that supports the sugar. Unctuous texture. Very long finish with a saline note.
A collectible dessert wine—intense and harmonious. Expansive sweetness, carried by acidity, with a very long finish.