Vintage: 2009
Appelation: Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, in the region of the Basses-Laurentides, Quebec, Canada
Apple Varietal: 57% Macintosh, 18% Empire, 18% Lobo, 9% Spartan
Alcohol by volume: 9%
Taste: Aromatically piercing, Cryomalus is redolent of crushed apple skins, apricot and honey with hints of citrus and white flower blossom.The palate is succulent but well balanced with ripe notes of apricot, honey, and sweet apple acidity to lengthen and lift the finish. From a sweetness perspective, the residual sugar levels here are akin to Icewine at 15grams/liter.
Cameron Confidential: In short, the product is made much the same way that ice wine is made; however, while grapes are typically left to hang on the vine, ice cider apples are picked in September and then left outdoors to freeze naturally before a gentle pressing and a fifty day, natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The resulting cider is left to sit on the lees for about 4 months before soutirage and bottling. The 2009 vintage Cryomalus is a blend of Macintosh, Empire, Spartan and Lobo apples from 50 year old apple trees in the Saint-Joseph-du-Lac region of Quebec in Canada. More information can be found here at Antolino Brongo.
The wine is best enjoyed out of a traditional dessert wine glass or a Pinot Noir styled glass with a big bowl and smaller aperture. Try a bottle or two of one of the coolest new “wines” you will ever try, Cryomalus.
