In many ways, dessert wines are a lot like dessert: They’re often sweet, decadent, and best enjoyed in moderation. But just like any other type of wine, you should keep a few things in mind when you’re drinking dessert wine.
Dessert wines are typically very sweet and rich, so serve them in a small glass. Next, serve the wine at the right temperature. Red dessert wines are usually served slightly warmer than white dessert wines. Finally, choose the right food pairing. Dessert wines go well with fruit, cheese, nuts, and chocolate.
Let’s dive deeper into this article, explore the world of dessert wines, and learn how to drink dessert wines to help you get the most out of your experience.
A Closer Look at Dessert Wine
Dessert wine is a type of sweet wine that is typically served with dessert. As the name suggests, these wines are usually sweeter than other types of wine.
Dessert wines can be made from various grapes, but they are typically made from dessert grapes such as Riesling, Sémillon, and Moscato.
Dessert wines come in many styles, from rich and syrupy to light and refreshing. The sweetness level can also vary, from barely noticeable to cloying.
As a general rule, the sweeter the wine, the richer the flavor. For example, a dessert wine made from Semillon grapes will taste sweeter than one made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
Dessert wines are usually higher in alcohol than other types of wine, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re drinking them.
Red dessert wines are around 14% alcohol, while white dessert wines are usually around 11% alcohol.
How To Drink & Serve Dessert Wine
Drinking dessert wine is not just drinking any wine with dessert. It would be best to remember a few things to get the most out of your experience.
1. The Best Glass for Dessert Wine
The first thing to know is that dessert wines are often served in smaller glasses than other types of wine. This is because they’re typically higher in alcohol and sugar, so you don’t need to drink as much to enjoy the flavor.
Even though you can still use any wine glass, the best glass for dessert wine is a small glass, such as a flute or cordial glass. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without drinking too much.
2. The Right Temperature
Dessert wines are typically served at slightly different temperatures than other types of wine. Red dessert wines are typically served at room temperature, while white dessert wines are usually served chilled.
This keeps the wine at the right temperature and prevents it from being too sweet. If you’re unsure what temperature to serve your wine, a good rule is to start with the lower end of the range and then adjust based on your preferences.
3. Choose the Right Food Pairing
When it comes to pairing food with dessert wine, you have a few options. Dessert wines go well with fruit, cheese, and chocolate.
- Fruit: Dessert wines pair well with fresh fruit, such as berries, cherries, and grapes.
- Cheese: Dessert wines go well with cheese, especially softer cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.
- Chocolate: If you’re looking for a real treat, pair your dessert wine with chocolate. Dark chocolate is a great option, but milk or white chocolate can also be delicious.
Fruit-based desserts, such as a fruit tart, or chocolate desserts, such as chocolate cake or brownies, are also great choices.
You can also pair dessert wine with cheese plates or charcuterie boards. This is a great option if you want to have a light dessert or you’re looking for something to nibble on while you drink your wine.
When pairing food with dessert wine, it’s important to remember that the wine should be sweeter than the food. Otherwise, the wine will taste bitter. Dessert wines are a great way to end a meal or have a special treat.
Popular Dessert Wines To Try
There are many different types of dessert wines, but some of the most popular include:
Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet, yellow dessert wine from the Bordeaux region of France.
Sauternes is made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been affected by noble rot, a fungus that concentrates the sugars in the grapes.
This wine is rich and dense, with flavors of honey, apricots, and peaches.
Moscato d’Asti
A light, sparkling dessert wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Moscato d’Asti is made from the Moscato Bianco grape and is usually very low in alcohol (around 5%).
Moscato d’Asti is a great choice if you’re looking for a light, refreshing dessert wine.
Riesling Spätlese
The Riesling Spätlese is a German dessert wine made from Riesling grapes. Riesling Spätlese wines are typically off-dry, meaning they’re not as sweet as other dessert wines.
The sweetness level can range from barely noticeable to quite sweet.
Tokaji Aszú
A dessert wine from Hungary made from Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes. Tokaji Aszú is a sweet, golden wine with apricots, peaches, and honey flavors.
This wine is often aged in barrels for many years, which gives it a complex flavor.
Ice Wine
A dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. Ice wine is a sweet, syrupy wine with flavors of apricots, peaches, and honey.
This wine is typically made from Riesling or Vidal Blanc grapes.
Takeaway
The important things you need to know about how to drink dessert wine are; dessert wines are typically served in smaller glasses, at the right temperature, and with the right food pairing.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to enjoy your dessert wine to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, moderate consumption of sweet wine is good for health. Sweet wine is rich in antioxidants and has many health benefits. However, it is important to remember that sweet wine should be consumed in moderation.
Yes, you can make your dessert wine at home. You will need to purchase a grape concentrate and yeast kit. Once you have the kit, follow the instructions to make your dessert wine.
