Sweet Wine

Sweet Wine: Making Process

Crafting sweet wines is a mix of science and tradition, designed to capture and enhance the natural sweetness of the grapes.

Grape Selection

The foundation of sweet wine is the grape itself. Varietals like Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Sémillon are renowned for their sweetness, making them ideal candidates for sweet wine production.

Fermentation and Residual Sugar

Fermentation for sweet wines may be allowed to continue for a shorter period or halted prematurely to leave behind a higher level of residual sugar. This is often done at lower temperatures to slow fermentation and retain more sweetness.

Ageing and Sweetness

Sweet wines are often aged in oak barrels to add depth and complexity to their flavour. Oak ageing can also mellow the wine's sweetness, balancing it with smoky or spicy notes.

Sweet Wine: Food Pairing

Pairing sweet wines, especially ice wines, with food makes meals more enjoyable, mixing the wine's sweetness with matching flavours. Ice wine, which is very sweet and a bit acidic, goes really well with lots of different foods.

Cheese

The crisp sweetness of ice wine contrasts beautifully with the creamy, often pungent flavours of cheese. Aged cheddar, with its sharpness, or blue cheese, with its strong, bold flavours, can stand up against the sweetness of ice wine, creating a memorable taste sensation. The combination of sweet and savoury brings out the best in both the wine and the cheese, making for an exquisite pairing.

Dessert

Desserts and ice wine are a natural pairing, with the wine's sweetness complementing the dessert rather than overwhelming it. For an exceptional pairing, choose desserts that are less sweet than the wine itself. Chocolate fondue, lemon tart, or almond cake can harmoniously blend with ice wine, enhancing the richness and depth of flavours in both.

Ice Cream

Pairing ice wine with ice cream can be a delightful surprise. The key is to balance the sweetness and flavours thoughtfully. Vanilla bean ice cream, with its creamy texture and subtle flavour, serves as a perfect canvas for the vibrant notes of ice wine. Alternatively, fruit sorbets, like raspberry or peach, can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet wine.

Sweet Wine: Serving & Storing

Proper serving and storage of sweet wines can vastly improve the tasting experience while preserving their quality and essence.

Sweet wines are best served slightly chilled to around 45-55°F (7-13°C) to enhance their sweetness without muting their flavours. A dessert wine glass with a smaller bowl can concentrate the aromas, providing a more aromatic experience.

Sweet wines should be stored on their side in a cool, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations and direct light. Proper storage can help them age gracefully, allowing their flavours to evolve and develop over time.

Your Wine Questions Answered

What kind of wine is sweet?

Sweet wines, often referred to as dessert wines, are those in which the fermentation process has been stopped early to retain more natural sugars or are made from grapes with high sugar content. These wines can range from lightly sweet to lusciously rich and are typically enjoyed with desserts or as a standalone treat.

What is a sweet wine?

Sweet wine is categorised by its higher sugar content, which is often the result of halting fermentation before all the sugar is converted into alcohol or by using naturally sweet grape varieties. These wines include Sauternes, Moscato, and ice wines, which are known for their rich sweetness.

What is a sweet wine for beginners?

For beginners, Moscato or Riesling can be an excellent introduction to sweet wines. These wines offer a gentle sweetness complemented by a balanced acidity, making them palatable and not overwhelmingly sugary for those new to the world of sweet wines.

What is a slightly sweet wine called?

Wines that offer a hint of sweetness without being overly sugary are often referred to as off-dry. Off-dry wines, such as some Rieslings or Chenin Blancs, contain a slight amount of residual sugar, providing a subtle sweetness that complements their fruit flavours and acidity.