VINELAND, Ontario, Canada: Niagara wine industry has more than quality to talk about and it all comes at a price. London England’s highly rated Decanter and Square Meal magazines have recognized Royal DeMaria 2002 Meritage Icewine as not only the world’s most expensive icewine but it is also world’s first Meritage Icewine to be produced.

Originally listed at $395 Cdn, the Royal DeMaria 2002 Meritage Icewine has been added to Royal DeMaria’s limited Collector Series of icewines where it sells for a cool $5000 Cdn per bottle (375ml).

The 2002 Meritage Icewine is the 6th icewine that Royal DeMaria has added to their Collector’s Series. The Collector’s Series of icewines are icewines that were originally produced in commercial volume but through unprecedented sales have dropped to a volume of 5 cases or less. The icewines gaining this recognition must also have surpassed the expectations of Winemaker, Joseph DeMaria within the international competition circuit. Royal DeMaria Wines ‘Canada’s Icewine Specialists’ is being internationally recognized as the Versace of icewines. The limited Collector’s Series of icewine and pricing per 375ml bottle are:

Royal DeMaria 1999 Riesling Icewine - $1800
Royal DeMaria 2000 Chardonnay Icewine - $2000
Royal DeMaria 2000 Gamay Icewine - $2200
Royal DeMaria 2000 Gewurztraminer Icewine - $2300
Royal DeMaria 2000 Pinot Gris Icewine - $2500
Royal DeMaria 2002 Meritage Icewine - $5000

Royal DeMaria’s other icewines sell from $56.75 to $219.95 / bottle.
President/Winemaker Joseph DeMaria states that “these prices reflect Canadian winemakers as producers of the world’s best icewines and Ontario is spearheading that reputation internationally. I think Ontario’s grounds should not be harvested for volume use but should be treated for niche markets. I believe Ontario’s wineries will meet any world wines head to head in regards to quality. It will get to a point where if you purchase a bottle of an Ontario wine chances are you probably have the best and at a price. The foundation of our industry is for Ontario farmers and wineries to work together into buying Ontario first.”

Recently, Royal DeMaria Wines ‘Canada’s Icewine Specialists’, attracted the attention of multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group, who visited the winery. When Mr. Branson’s driver commented on the amount of wine purchased, 7 bottles in total, Mr. Branson was quoted as saying, “I purchased the most wine from a small winery with the biggest reputation”.

Within 5 years of competing, Royal DeMaria has brought home to Canada 3 world wine records at the world’s most prestigious and largest competitions, namely 5 Citadelles Trophies from Les Citadelles du Vin, VinExpo, Bordeaux, France (2002), 5 Gold Medals from Concours Mondials, Brussels, Belgium (2003) and 4 consecutive Double Gold Medals from Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (2001-2004).

For more information or interviews contact Charlene Stephenson Royal DeMaria Wines
Email icewine@royaldemaria.com
Phone: 905-562-6767 or 1-888-793-8883 fax: 905-562-6775 web: www.royaldemaria.com