Wines Niagara Peninsula Hillebrand - Showcase Vidal Icewine - 2014

Hillebrand’s Cuvée Showcase Vidal Icewine 2014 is a classic emblem of Canadian liquorous white wines, particularly those emerging from the prestigious Niagara Peninsula. Produced predominantly with Vidal, a hybrid grape variety known for its winter hardiness and excellent acidity, this icewine is likely to shine with an extraordinary balance between lush sweetness and invigorating freshness. The 2014 vintage offered favourable conditions, with a cold snap essential for harvesting grapes naturally frozen on the vine—crucial for the concentrated aromas and complex sugars that define icewine. Expect enchanting notes of honey, candied tropical fruits, marmalade, and perhaps a touch of caramel and apricot, all brought together by Vidal’s lively acidity that prevents the palate from becoming cloying.

The Niagara Peninsula, Ontario’s premier wine-growing region, boasts unique climatic influences from Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. The region benefits from a cool climate, with significant diurnal temperature swings—ideal for preserving acidity and freshness in the wines. Its mineral-rich, varied soils, coupled with cold winters, make it one of the few places on earth where icewine can be consistently produced. The area earned its worldwide reputation for icewine in the late 20th century and continues to deepen its legacy with producers like Hillebrand.

Vidal Icewine is a luxurious companion at the table. It pairs brilliantly with blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, whose saltiness and creaminess counterbalance the wine’s sweetness. Foie gras, either in terrine or pan-seared, is another exceptional match, as the wine’s acidity lifts the richness. For a regional touch, enjoy it with Ontario apple pie or a pear and almond tart, as the stone and orchard fruit notes echo those in the glass.

Serve well-chilled, ideally between 6-8°C, in small dessert wine glasses to allow the intense aromatics to unfold gradually. Pour thoughtfully—this is a wine to savour slowly, relishing its rare complexity and finesse.