Winegrowers in the Elbe Valley harvest ice wine

Very small quantities are produced

A "very limited quantity" of the rarity is produced. "If we harvest 500 kilograms with a pressing level of less than 50 percent, we might end up with 200 liters," said Probst.

In contrast, all grapes have already been harvested regularly at the Schloss Wackerbarth state winery, said spokesman Martin Junge. Ice wine is always like a lottery - and this time they had decided against betting on the specialty. Only the trainees at the state winery have a small ice wine project. This would result in a few bottles.

No ice wine was produced in Saxony from the previous 2024 vintage. This was due to the poor harvest after frost damage in spring - the winegrowers had used the small quantities entirely for their quality wines.

Ice wine harvest requires frost

Ice wine is considered a rarity by wine connoisseurs. Cold temperatures of at least minus seven degrees are a prerequisite for its production. The frozen grapes are harvested and pressed immediately. The result is a high-quality, noble sweet wine.

An ice wine harvest must take place by February 28 of the respective harvest year. According to wine law, no more grapes may be used for ice wine production after this date, even if the temperatures are still suitable.

It is unusual for it to be frosty enough for an ice wine harvest as early as November, said the manager of Schloss Proschwitz. After the season ended with very changeable weather, this was very positive. Grapes did not last until January this time, said Probst.

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