At a glance

Producer

Cave Spring Cellars

Region

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

Dessert

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$70 - $90 USD

Tasting profile

Rich, luscious honeyed stone fruit, apricot, citrus marmalade, tropical notes with vibrant acidity

Evolution: Over time, develops complex tertiary aromas of dried apricot, ginger, tea, and petrol nuance

At peak: Peak complexity with harmonious balance of rich sweetness and refreshing acidity

Structure

Acidity

High, vivid acidity typical of Riesling supports balance and aging

Tannins

None (white dessert wine)

Alcohol

Around 9-10% ABV

Aging potential

20+ years from vintage due to balance of acidity and sugar

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2050

Optimal window

2018 to 2053

Current status

Still young and vibrant, beginning development of complex tertiary notes

Current condition

Fresh acidity balances sweetness, drinking well now but will improve with years

Riesling icewines from Cave Spring Cellars show excellent acidity-sugar balance allowing extended maturation. 2018 vintage is still youthful but will gain notable tertiary complexity over next 10-15 years before plateauing.

Food pairing

Ideal with blue cheese, foie gras, spicy Asian cuisine, fruit desserts, or alone as a contemplative dessert.

Serving

Serving temperature

8-10°C (46-50°F)

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Water conservation via drip irrigation, integrated pest management, natural cover crops to reduce erosion, energy-efficient winery operations

Cave Spring Cellars shows strong commitment to sustainable farming and winemaking practices typical for Niagara Peninsula. While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, their integrated approach promotes ecosystem health and reduced resource consumption. Local climate allows natural icewine production without energy-intensive intervention, improving sustainability profile vs artificial freezing methods.