The Carretto Vidal Ice Wine from Pillitteri Estate captures the artistry and patience behind one of Canada’s most luxurious wine styles. Harvested from frozen Vidal grapes on the coldest nights of winter, this sweet white wine is a concentrated expression of nature’s rarity. Named after the family’s iconic Sicilian carretto (cart), it’s a symbol of heritage, tradition, and celebration in every bottle.

Pillitteri Estate Carretto Vidal – Sweet White Ice Wine 37.5cl
Brand: Pillitteri Estate | Category: Ice Wine | ABV: 10.5% | Origin: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada | Vol: 375ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Intense tropical fruit, honey, and apricot with a delicate floral lift.
Palate: Rich and silky, mango, peach, and lychee wrapped in golden honey, balanced by fresh acidity.
Finish: Long, smooth, and sweet, with lingering tropical and citrus notes.

Production Details:
Made from Vidal grapes naturally frozen on the vine, picked in the early hours when temperatures drop to at least -8°C. The frozen grapes are pressed to release a small amount of concentrated nectar, fermented slowly to retain vibrant fruit character.

Perfect For:
Pairing with cheesecake, crème brûlée, or blue cheese, or serving as an elegant dessert on its own.

Expert Notes:
Vidal Ice Wine is prized for its balance of sweetness and acidity, and Pillitteri’s version consistently delivers a lush, fruit-driven profile with freshness to match.

Customer Reviews:
"Liquid gold, absolutely delicious."
"Sweet but perfectly balanced."
"A special treat for after dinner."

Interesting Fact:
It can take 4–5 times more grapes to make ice wine compared to regular wine, which is why it’s often called one of the world’s rarest and most labor-intensive wines.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled in small dessert wine glasses to concentrate its aroma and flavor.

Distillery Background:
Pillitteri Estate Winery, founded in 1993, is a family-run operation in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, one of the world’s most renowned ice wine regions. Their wines reflect both Canadian winemaking excellence and the Sicilian heritage of the Pillitteri family. Known for their meticulous vineyard care and dedication to small-batch production, Pillitteri has won hundreds of awards for their ice wines, making them a global ambassador for this luxurious style.