What is difference between an ice wine and late harvest wine?

Both ice wine and late harvest wine are sweet wines made from grapes that have been allowed to hang on the vine longer than usual, but there are key differences:

Ice Wine:

* Made from frozen grapes: The grapes are harvested while frozen, usually at temperatures below -8°C (17.6°F).

* Natural concentration: Freezing concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a very sweet and concentrated wine.

* Time-consuming and expensive: Harvesting frozen grapes is labor-intensive and requires specific weather conditions, making ice wine expensive.

* Intense sweetness and acidity: Ice wines are known for their intense sweetness and high acidity, which balances the sweetness and creates a complex flavor profile.

Late Harvest Wine:

* Grapes are harvested later than normal: Grapes are harvested when they are ripe and have reached high sugar levels, but not necessarily frozen.

* Botrytis cinerea (noble rot): In many cases, the grapes are affected by botrytis cinerea, a type of fungus that dehydrates the grapes and concentrates the sugars.

* Less intense sweetness: Late harvest wines are generally less sweet than ice wines, but still considerably sweeter than dry wines.

* More approachable: Late harvest wines are often more approachable than ice wines, with a broader range of sweetness and flavor profiles.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Ice Wine | Late Harvest Wine |

|---|---|---|

| Harvest Condition | Grapes are frozen | Grapes are ripe and sometimes affected by botrytis |

| Sweetness | Very sweet and concentrated | Less sweet than ice wine, but still sweet |

| Acidity | High acidity | Moderate acidity |

| Price | More expensive | Generally less expensive |

| Availability | Less common | More common |

In summary: Ice wine is made from frozen grapes and offers intense sweetness and acidity, while late harvest wine is made from ripe grapes, sometimes affected by botrytis, and presents a more approachable sweetness and flavor profile.