Wines Niagara-on-the-Lake Château S Charmes - Icewine Vidal - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Château S Charmes’ Cuvée Icewine Vidal 2023 is a quintessential Niagara-on-the-Lake dessert wine that reflects both the expertise of the estate and the unique elements of its terroir. Crafted exclusively from Vidal grapes, an aromatic hybrid varietal renowned for its thick skin and resilience in cold temperatures, this icewine owes its luxurious sweetness and complexity to grapes that are left on the vine well into winter and hand-harvested while frozen. This painstaking process concentrates the sugars and flavors, resulting in a golden wine beautifully rich in notes of candied apricot, honey, ripe peach, and citrus zest. The 2023 vintage promises vibrant acidity balancing the natural residual sugar, delivering a mouth-coating, unctuous texture and a long, persistent finish.

Ontario’s Niagara-on-the-Lake region, nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, provides the ideal microclimate for icewine production. The significant temperature fluctuations and cold winters are essential, ensuring grapes can freeze naturally on the vine. The mineral-rich soils, influenced by glacial deposits, provide excellent drainage, fostering grape health and flavor concentration. Niagara’s history is deeply intertwined with wine innovation, particularly for icewine; it is Canada’s most celebrated wine style, having achieved global acclaim for its exceptional quality and consistency.

For food pairings, this icewine truly shines alongside desserts that echo its richness—classic options include crème brûlée, lemon tart, or a simple platter of blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton, which accentuate the wine’s fruit and honeyed character without overshadowing it. For a regional Canadian touch, try serving it with butter tarts or pecan pie. Salty appetizers such as foie gras pâté also make for a luxurious combination, with the wine’s acidity balancing the richness of the dish.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this icewine well-chilled at 6-8°C. This temperature allows the expressive aromatics and luscious texture to shine while keeping the sweetness refreshing and lively. Use small dessert wine glasses to concentrate the exquisite aromas and sip slowly to savor every nuance of this Canadian gem.