Rare CrystallineTreasure
Feb 22 '00 (Updated Nov 30 '00)
Eisweins are as rare as mentioned in other articles but they are also available from Germany.
Eisewein is a wine made from certain grapes that are harvested after a frost. The frost chills the grapes causing small ice crystals to form within the grape and in effect concentrating the natural sugars. Hence the name eiswein, which means ice wine. The grapes are then harvested and no additional sugars are added when the wine is made.
If you can find a good eiswein, buy it and save for at least 10 years before tasting it. You'll be glad you did. The flavor and character of these rare treasures need time to allow them to develop their complexities. Some wines are designed for aging while others are to be consumed young. A good eiswein is meant to be aged.
I have 2 splits of an eiswien that I purchased 15 years ago for $20.00 a bottle. They are a 1983 vintage Brauneberger Kloftergarten, riesling eiswein. I don't know what they would cost today, probably a lot. I thought $20.00 was a lot for such a small bottle 15 years ago. I am saving one of these bottles for a special toast someday, when my daughter weds.
I have not tried my eiswein yet, but if it's anything like the other wines I have purchased, it is sure to be great.
I have tried many types of German wines; ausleses, spatleses, beerenausleses, and trockenbeerenausleses. These types of wines come to full flavor with the years. They are not meant to be consumed young. The difference between a well aged fine wine and an everyday table wine is significant. The colors, smells, flavor, and even texture are worlds apart. Believe me the wait is well worth it.
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