Which factor is thought to be important for the development of ice wine character?

• A. Grapes are fully ripe
• B. Humid, misty mornings followed by sunny, dry afternoons
• C. Both grapes must be fully ripe and humid, misty mornings followed by sunny, dry afternoons
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Ice wine character comes from grapes that have reached full ripeness and from a weather pattern that encourages water in the grapes to freeze while sugars and acids stay concentrated. When the grapes are fully ripe, they have high sugar levels and complex flavors that become intensified as the water inside the berries freezes on the vine. Humid, misty mornings followed by sunny, dry afternoons provide the right balance: the morning moisture supports the formation of ice on the grapes as temperatures drop, and the afternoon sun helps finish ripening balance and concentrate the flavors and acidity. Without ripe grapes, the sugar level wouldn’t be enough to carry the sweetness and intensity; without the specific freezing-friendly weather, the ice-on-the-grape effect wouldn’t occur. So both factors together best explain the development of ice wine character.