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On Canada's west coast lies the Province of British Columbia. Within its interior can be found the Okanagan Valley, where they have indeed proven that quality wine grapes can be grown above the 50th parallel. Climate plays a very major role in determining the ability to successfully grow grapes for wine production. It has been stated that the best wine grape zone is located between the latitudes of 30 degrees and 50 degrees. Below 30 it's too hot, above 50 it's too cold.

The Okanagan Valley extends north from the town of Osoyoos, stretching for 124 miles. Cradled between two mountain ranges, a chain of blue lakes string along the valley floor. The surrounding hills display a picturesque combination of orchards and vineyards. Sunshine is prominent here, even in the winter. The southern end of the Okanagan Valley receives less than 10 inches of rain fall each year making it Canada's only true desert.

This summer saw an abundance of sunshine and a minimum of rain. Temperatures soared above the 100 degree mark. Combining this with a mild winter and an early spring, Okanagan producers are predicting the 1998 vintage to be the best in years, both in quality and quantity. As the harvest approaches and fall settles in, hopes rise in anticipation of the late-harvest wines and their world renowned Icewines.

Icewines, the rare decadent desert wine, require a concentrated effort from the winegrower and or wine maker. The sugar content of the grape is extremely important. It must be substantially higher than other wine varieties. Sunshine produces a higher sugar content in the grape. The more sunshine the sweeter the grape.

However, the secret to producing Icewine is to allow the grapes to freeze on the vine. Growers literally allow the grapes to remain on the vine until the temperature drops to a minus 10-13 degrees centigrade. In this frozen state, the sugar rich juice begins to freeze and is allowed to remain on the vine for several days. This ensures that the grape will not thaw during harvesting and processing.

Once the harvesting begins, the work must be done quickly to assure success. The harvest begins around 5 a.m. and should be completed by 10 a.m., to prevent any chance of the afternoon sun thawing the grape. Frozen grapes are extremely firm and when they are pressed, a small amount of intensely sweet, highly acidic juice is recovered. Pressing removes the frozen water particles leaving behind the juice. If the ice begins to melt the increased water content dilutes the sweet juice.

Icewines can also be produced in artificially created circumstances, but it's not the real thing! Make sure the bottle you purchased has the VQA label to guarantee its authentication. Germany is also noted for their Eiswein (Icewine), however they cannot rely on the weather to cooperate every year; whereas the wineries in British Columbia and Ontario produce more due to their consistent weather patterns.

Unfortunately, the effort needed to produce Icewines is reflected in the cost. Icewines are expensive. Perhaps with such a bountiful crop, the 1998 vintage year will not only produce a high quality Icewine from the Okanagan, but also a reduction in price.

Try Cedar Creek Estate or Inniskillian Riesling Icewine. You are in for a treat!