Reif Icewine - Amazing
There is a long and rich history at the Reif. They are one of the founding Family wineries of the Niagara region of Ontario. Ewald Reif established the vineyards in 1977; opening their doors in 1982. In 1988 his nephew Klaus W. Reif. came to Canada and acquired the winery.
The winery was founded by Ewald Reif, He sold the winery to his nephew Klaus. Klaus philosophy that 'Great wines start in the vineyard' is the cornerstone of the quality and integrity of Reif Wines.
Reif Estate Winery has a rich history in Icewine production, they were among the very early pioneers. Their first vintage of Vidal Icewine produced in 1984. This 10 acre vineyard block on our 125 acre estate is still used today to produce their internationally acclaimed Vidal Icewine.
The grapes for Icewine are picked in winter at temperatures of at least -8˚C so that only the highly concentrated juice is pressed from the frozen berries, leaving behind the icy water crystals. The result of these unique climatic conditions is a deliciously sweet wine with exceptional high concentration of sugars, acids and extracts from the grapes with intense flavours and aromas. Although Icewine was first produced in Germany in 1794 Canada is now the largest and best producer of Icewine.
Reif Estate Winery has enjoyed international acclaim for their Icewines for over 20 years. In 1987 our Vidal Icewine was named by renowned Wine Critic, Robert Parker Jr., as one of the year's Top Ten Wines. Since 1984 Reif's Icewines have received over 100 Gold Awards.
AWARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Gold Medal at Vin Expo in Bordeaux
Best Icewine Trophy at the International Wine Awards
Gold at the Japan Wine Challenge
Grand Gold at VinItaly
Wine of the Year at the Ontario Wine Awards
Best Sweet Wine Trophy at Cuvée Wine Awards
Gold at Decanter Wine Awards
Gold at International Wine Challenge
Gold at International Wine and Spirits Competition