Sweet white wines are known for their rich, fruity flavors and are a favorite choice for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their glass. Whether you’re looking for a dessert wine or a refreshing sweet wine for any occasion, this guide will help you identify the best sweet white wines available.
Popular Sweet White Wines
1. Moscato
- Characteristics: Light, floral, and aromatic with flavors of peach, orange blossom, and honey.
- Sweetness Level: High
- Serving Suggestions: Great as an aperitif, with fruit-based desserts, or paired with spicy foods.
2. Riesling
- Characteristics: Aromatic with notes of apricot, honey, and floral undertones. Ranges from off-dry to very sweet.
- Sweetness Level: Varies from off-dry to high sweetness. Look for “late harvest” or “ice wine” Rieslings for more sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with Asian cuisine, spicy dishes, and desserts.
3. Sauternes
- Characteristics: Rich and luxurious with flavors of honey, apricot, and butterscotch, often with a creamy texture.
- Sweetness Level: Very High
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect with foie gras, blue cheese, or as a dessert wine on its own.
4. Ice Wine
- Characteristics: Made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, leading to a concentrated sweetness with flavors of ripe fruit and honey.
- Sweetness Level: Very High
- Serving Suggestions: Ideal for dessert pairings, such as fruit tarts or creamy cheeses.
5. Tokaji (Tokay)
- Characteristics: Complex and sweet with flavors of honey, orange peel, and dried fruits. Hungarian Tokaji is known for its rich sweetness.
- Sweetness Level: Very High
- Serving Suggestions: Excellent with rich, creamy desserts or strong cheeses.
6. Gewürztraminer
- Characteristics: Fragrant and spicy with flavors of lychee, rose, and ginger. Often has a noticeable sweetness.
- Sweetness Level: Medium to High
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with spicy cuisine and strong-flavored cheeses.
How Sweet White Wines Are Made
1. Late Harvest
- Process: Grapes are left on the vine longer to develop higher sugar levels before harvest. This results in sweeter wines.
- Examples: Late Harvest Riesling, Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.
2. Ice Wine
- Process: Grapes are frozen while still on the vine, leading to a concentrated juice with high sugar content.
- Examples: Canadian Ice Wine, German Eiswein.
3. Fortified Wines
- Process: Adding a distilled spirit like brandy to the wine to stop fermentation, preserving higher sugar levels.
- Examples: Some styles of Tokaji, certain dessert wines.
Tips for Choosing Sweet White Wine
- Read Labels: Look for terms like “late harvest,” “ice wine,” or “dessert wine” to identify sweet wines.
- Check Residual Sugar: Some wine labels or online resources provide information on the residual sugar content.
- Consult Experts: Wine shop staff or sommeliers can recommend sweet white wines based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Sweet white wines offer a delightful range of flavors and sweetness levels, perfect for various occasions and pairings. From the fragrant Moscato to the rich and complex Sauternes, there’s a sweet white wine to suit every palate. Explore these options and enjoy the deliciously sweet side of white wine!
