Types of Dessert Wine
Drinking dessert wine is a practice found all around the world, and the various types of this specialty wine can be perfectly paired with different sweets.
What is Dessert Wine?
Definitions of dessert wine vary from country to country. In the UK, a dessert wine is drunk with a meal, as opposed to before or after it. In the US, a dessert wine is classified legally by its percentage, and any wine over 14% makes the cut. For some, dessert wine is simply a sweet and strong wine. Made in a few different ways, dessert wines can be both red and white and can be enjoyed before, during or after your meal. However, they vary in taste and sweetness, so being aware of the differences will help you make the right choice.
Dessert Wine Nutrition
Due to the wide range of dessert wines, there can be significant variation in the nutritional value. Per glass, there are approximately 150-250 calories, 12 grams of which are carbohydrates.
Types of Dessert Wine
There are many different types of wine, including sparkling dessert wine, lightly sweet dessert wine, richly sweet dessert wine, sweet red wine, fortified wine, ice wine, late harvest wine, noble rot wine, dried grape wine, and raisin wine among others.
Fortified Wine
The best known fortified wines are port, sherry, and Madeira. To increase the alcohol content, the grape spirit is added to the wines either during or after the fermentation process. Fortified wines are up there with the sweetest and strongest of fortified wines, and they age well.
Richly Sweet Dessert Wine
These unfortified wines are made with excellent quality grapes and can age very well.
Ice Wines
Ice wine is made from grapes that are pressed while still frozen. They are very rich and sweet. Due to the labor-intensive nature of production and weather-dependent method of making them, ice wines are rare and have a price tag to match.
Raisin Wine
Most common in Italy, these wines are made from dried grapes and are often drunk with the accompaniment of almond biscuits.
Lightly Sweet Dessert Wine
Lightly sweet dessert wines are fresh, fruity, and easy to drink. They work well with spicy dishes or with fruit-based desserts.
Sweet Red Wine
Often the cheapest option for dessert wines, sweet red wines don’t have the best reputation. However, higher quality, small batches of sweet red wine are well worth trying.
Sparkling Dessert Wine
The clue is in the name for these sweet white dessert wines! These are the perfect choice if you’re after fizz and have a sweet tooth.
Noble Rot Wine
These wines are made from grapes that have been deliberately affected by a spore called ‘noble rot’. This process creates dessert wines with honey and ginger flavors.
