What is the German term for ice wine?

The German term for ice wine is Eiswein. The name literally combines the German words for “ice” and “wine,” describing wine made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine before harvest.

When grapes freeze, much of their water turns to ice while sugars, acids, and flavor compounds remain concentrated in the remaining juice. Winemakers press the frozen grapes quickly, producing a small amount of intensely sweet must. The resulting wine is prized for balancing rich sweetness with bright acidity, rather than tasting merely sugary.

Eiswein is associated especially with Germany and is part of the country’s Prädikatswein classification. It is commonly made from Riesling, although other varieties may be used. The style is distinct from Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, which depend on late-harvest or botrytized grapes rather than freezing. Canada’s icewine tradition is also internationally important, but “Eiswein” specifically remains the German name and is not interchangeable with every sweet late-harvest wine.