Hmmm, well, that is a very different definition from what is normally considered "ice wine" which is made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, thus concentrating the sugar leading to a very rich, sweet wine (with normal alcohol content). I know scrumpie (mmmmm...) is made by freeze fractionating cider, but I've never heard of that been done with wine.
Of course, we all know that the effect of wine is mediated by benign (sic) possesion by the wine spirits attracted by the fermentation process. I suspect that the aroma and taste of clearwine grapes are extremely attractive to the most powerful and benificial of these spirits which, when combined with the secret rituals known only to the priestesses of the clearwine clan, create a fine tasting wine with a potent effect and minimal aftereffects... These particular spirits are the off-spring of a boggle and a handmaiden of the white lady (don't even ask... ;) and hate the offspring of Malia. Good clearwine can thus enhance resistance to disease (acting as an augment in HW). The other side of the coin, however, is that they also attract the attention of other trickster spirits, including pratfall, foolish and garrulous. Most people, however, consider it worth the bother.
In the west certain sorcerous orders have learned how to maniupulate these sprits (or essences) and concentrate their effects via arcane processes (involving lots of boiling and coiled pipes). These essences are high in the fire element and help resist the effects of cold. This is a technique stolen from the dwarves who, in typical fashing, have created constructs to try and retrieve these essences. These are immaterial entities that will search out and engage in spirit combat any of the misused essences in an attempt to devour them. If these happen to be inhabiting somebody at the time then the poor unfortunate is subject to the side-effects of this fierce battle, including splitting headaches, nausea, dry mouth, general malaise, etc...
Cheers!
Yak (who is not normally this obsessed with alcohol - honest! ;)
ps: For those involved in the whole truth debate, remember: In vino veritas.
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