Sweet wine is a delight that can perfectly complement a dessert or be enjoyed alone. But which wines are sweet and how can you identify them? In this article, we will answer this question by exploring the different types of sweet wines available, how they are made, and what some of the top options are. This article has a reading time of approximately 4 minutes.
Types of sweet wines
1. Dessert wines
Dessert wines are known for their intense sweetness and are often served in small quantities at the end of a meal. These wines can be white, red or rosé, and are characterized by a high residual sugar content. Examples include:
- Sauternes: From the Bordeaux region of France, this sweet white wine is made mainly from the Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle varieties. Its sweetness comes from botrytis cinerea, also known as "noble rot."
- Tokaji Aszú: A Hungarian wine made from grapes affected by botrytis, known for its complex flavors and balanced sweetness.
- Late Harvest: In Chile, late harvest wines, such as Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, are made with grapes that are left to mature on the vine longer than usual, concentrating their natural sugars.
2. Fortified wines
Fortified wines have alcohol added during their fermentation, which stops the process and leaves a greater amount of residual sugar. Some popular examples are:
- Port: A fortified red wine from Portugal, known for its rich sweetness and robust body.
- Sherry (Jerez): Especially the type known as Pedro Ximénez, which is extremely sweet and is made in Spain.
- Madeira: A fortified wine from the island of Madeira, Portugal, available in various levels of sweetness.
3. Sweet sparkling wines
Not only are sparkling wines bubbly and festive, they can also be sweet. Some examples include:
- Moscato d'Asti: A slightly sweet Italian sparkling wine, with fresh and fruity flavors, ideal for desserts or as an aperitif.
- Prosecco Dolce: A sweeter version of the popular Italian sparkling wine.
- Demi-Sec Champagne: A style of champagne with a touch of sweetness, perfect for pairing with fruits and light desserts.
How are sweet wines made?
The sweetness of wines can be achieved through several winemaking methods:
- Late harvest: The grapes are left on the vine longer, allowing the natural sugars to concentrate.
- Botrytis cinerea: "Noble rot" affects grapes, drying them out and concentrating sugars.
- Fortification: Alcohol is added during fermentation, stopping the process and preserving residual sugar.
- Adding sugar or concentrated must: In some cases, sugar or concentrated must is added to wine to increase its sweetness.
Featured sweet wines
Chile produces a wide variety of sweet wines that can satisfy any sweet palate. Some notable examples include:
- Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc: With notes of tropical fruits and honey, perfect to pair with light desserts. Buy Late Harvest Puntí Ferrer here
- Late Harvest Riesling: With balanced acidity and natural sweetness, ideal to accompany citrus desserts. Buy here German sweet Riesling Baron Knyphausen.
- Moscatel: An aromatic sweet wine with notes of flowers and fruits, excellent as an aperitif or with desserts. Buy Moscato Mancura here .
Sweet wines offer a wonderful diversity of flavors and styles that can be enjoyed on various occasions. From dessert and fortified wines to sweet sparkling wines, there is an option for every sweet wine lover. Experiment with different types and discover which one is your favorite to enjoy these delicious wines to the fullest. Health!
