Is Vidal The Key?

Hi there,

I'll start by saying I can't handle the taste of most wine. It's just not something I seem to enjoy the taste of. That said, I've fallen in love with the taste of Ice Wine, specifically Vidal Ice Wine. A year ago someone suggested I try Late Harvest and I tried some Late Harvest Riesling. Unfortunately I hated it. I can just about drink regular Riesling but I still don't enjoy that taste that is present in all wines(I can't really describe what it is but it's always there, the base taste of wine I guess would be the best way for me to put it).

Long story I gave up on Late Harvest but last week my co-worker told me she tried Late Harvest and I might enjoy it. She said it was Late Harvest Vidal. I thought, well there's no harm in trying. I loved it. In fact I could barely tell a difference between Vidal Ice Wine and Late Harvest Vidal.

Here's my question... I wonder if my taste is more due to the Vidal taste then it is due to the sweetness/sugar content of the wine. In other words, Vidal tastes so different from other grapes that I actually enjoy it. Could it be due to the grape? Does regular Vidal wine remind you of Vidal Late Harvest or Vidal Ice Wine or do they taste completely different?

Vidal is pretty unique among hybrids. It ripens later in the season than most grapes, has fairly loose bunches and tough skins, all of which make it ideal for late harvest and ice wines. It is not very aromatic compared to other varieties, but it's one outstanding feature is it provides a full, long finish. I've been making Vidal for over 30 years and in addition to making a semi-dry, normal harvest version, I often blend it with other hybrid grapes to enhance the mouthfeel; even reds and sparkling cuveé.

Vidal is a very versatile grape in that it can be used for a wide range of wine styles—everything from a crisp dry table wine, to the ice wines for which it is well known.

Here in Ontario, the typical aromas in Vidal wines include: pineapple, mango, green apple, citrus and sometimes a note of tropical fruit.

Hi there,

I'll start by saying I can't handle the taste of most wine. It's just not something I seem to enjoy the taste of. That said, I've fallen in love with the taste of Ice Wine, specifically Vidal Ice Wine. A year ago someone suggested I try Late Harvest and I tried some Late Harvest Riesling. Unfortunately I hated it. I can just about drink regular Riesling but I still don't enjoy that taste that is present in all wines(I can't really describe what it is but it's always there, the base taste of wine I guess would be the best way for me to put it).

Long story I gave up on Late Harvest but last week my co-worker told me she tried Late Harvest and I might enjoy it. She said it was Late Harvest Vidal. I thought, well there's no harm in trying. I loved it. In fact I could barely tell a difference between Vidal Ice Wine and Late Harvest Vidal.

Here's my question... I wonder if my taste is more due to the Vidal taste then it is due to the sweetness/sugar content of the wine. In other words, Vidal tastes so different from other grapes that I actually enjoy it. Could it be due to the grape? Does regular Vidal wine remind you of Vidal Late Harvest or Vidal Ice Wine or do they taste completely different?

Based on your generic description of "base taste of wine", I can't speak to why you would prefer only Vidal Ice Wine over any other wine on the planet, but I can support what Howie and Paul say about the variety. It does have a wonderfully fruity character, and it certainly lends itself to premium Late Harvest and Ice Wine.