Dessert wine refers to sweet wines typically enjoyed after a meal, though some can also be paired with savoury dishes. These wines often have a higher sugar content and richer flavours than standard wines, making them perfect for complementing desserts or for enjoying on their own. There are many types of sweet dessert wines, each with its own production process, characteristics, and serving suggestions.
Popular Types of Dessert Wines
There are a variety of dessert wines, each bringing unique flavours and styles to the table. Below are some of the most popular types:
- What is a Port drink? Port is a fortified dessert wine from Portugal, known for its deep, rich flavours and higher alcohol content. It is often enjoyed with chocolate or strong cheeses.
- Sherry is a fortified wine from Spain, which can range from very dry to very sweet. Sweet Sherry wines, like Pedro Ximénez, are rich and syrupy, often served with desserts like ice cream or cakes.
- Ice Wine (Eiswein) Dessert Wine
- Ice wine or eiswein is made from grapes that freeze naturally on the vine and are harvested at this time. This process concentrates the sugars, resulting in a sweet, fruity wine with high acidity. It pairs well with fruit-based desserts.
- Sauternes Dessert Wine
- Sauternes is a famous French dessert wine. Famous due to its unique growing conditions, this dessert wine is made from grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis), where the grapes become partially raisined, which concentrates the sugars and flavours more. It offers sweet honeyed notes with a hint of apricot and citrus.
- Moscato (Muscat Wine) Dessert Wine
- Muscat grapes come in many varieties including white pink, yellow and black. Therefore, they are used to make a variety of dessert wines. The wine is known as light and floral, with notes of orange blossom, peach, and citrus. It's one of the most approachable sweet wines, perfect for pairing with lighter desserts or as a refreshing standalone drink.
How Are Dessert Wines Made?
Dessert wines use various production methods to concentrate sugar and flavour. Fortified wines, like Port and Sherry, have additional alcohol added during fermentation to stop the process, preserving natural sugars. Late-harvest wines allow grapes to ripen longer, increasing sugar levels, while ice wine is slightly different and only harvested below -8 degrees.
Ice wines are made from frozen grapes, resulting in a naturally sweet and vibrant wine. This specific dessert wine is more expensive as they are only grown and harvested in certain wine regions around the world.
Sweet Wine vs. Dessert Wine
Though all dessert wines are sweet wines, not all sweet wines are considered dessert wines. The term "dessert wine" generally refers to those wines consumed after a meal or with sweet dishes, whereas sweet wines like Moscato can be enjoyed at any time, even as an aperitif. While Sauvignon Blanc is typically a dry, crisp white wine, certain late-harvest varieties can be used to produce sweet dessert wines.
Is Dessert Wine Red or White?
Dessert wines can be either red or white. Port and some Sherries are well-known red dessert wines, while Sauternes, Moscato, and Ice Wine are popular white varieties. The colour often depends on the grape used and the winemaking process.
Comparing Dessert Wines to Other Types of Wine
Dessert wines, like Sauternes and Ice Wine, differ significantly from table wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio in terms of sweetness and alcohol content. While dry wines like Chardonnay are often crisp and acidic, dessert wines are sweeter, richer, and typically enjoyed in smaller portions.
Storing Dessert Wines
The correct storage is key to preserving the sweetness and flavour of dessert wines. Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place, and once opened, refrigerate it to extend its shelf life. Some dessert wines, like Port, can last for weeks after opening, while others should be consumed within a few days.
Dessert wines are a delightful and versatile addition to any meal or celebration. Whether you're enjoying a fortified Port at Christmas or an elegant ice wine, there's a dessert wine to suit every taste and occasion. Exploring different types of sweet dessert wines can offer a whole new world of flavour.
FAQ’s
- What is a dessert wine?
Dessert wines are sweet wines typically enjoyed with or after dessert. They have a higher sugar content and richer flavours than most table wines.
- How should I serve dessert wine?
Dessert wines are best served chilled, in small glassware, to enhance their rich, sweet flavours.
- What types of dessert wine are red wine?
Popular red dessert wines include Port and some Sherry wines, which are typically fortified and have bold, rich flavours.
- What is the difference between Ice Wine and regular sweet wine?
Ice wine is made from frozen grapes, producing a naturally sweet and high-acid wine. Regular sweet wines may use methods like fortification to preserve sweetness.
- Is Sherry a dessert wine?
Yes, Sherry can be a dessert wine, especially sweeter varieties like Pedro Ximénez, which are rich and syrupy, ideal for pairing with desserts.