10 Dessert Wines to Tantalize your Taste Buds
When it comes to wine, dessert wines are the creme de la creme. These wines are typically made with sweet and sticky ingredients like honey, raisins and figs. They are often served after a meal, as their sweetness can complement desserts perfectly. Today, we will be discussing 10 different dessert wines from various manufacturers. We will explain why each wine is unique and worth trying! So without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Chateau d’Yquem
The Chateau d’Yquem is a dessert wine made in the Sauternes region of France. It is made with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are affected by noble rot. This creates a unique flavor profile for the wine, as the grapes absorb sweetness from the affected berries. The resulting wine is a golden color with a syrupy texture. It has flavors of honey, apricots and peaches, with a high level of acidity. The Chateau d’Yquem is one of the most famous dessert wines in the world, and fetch a high price tag.
2. Vin Santo del Chianti
The Vin Santo del Chianti is an Italian dessert wine made from a blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Bianca grapes. The grapes are dried for several months before being pressed. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet wine. The Vin Santo del Chianti is a golden color with flavors of honey, apricots and almonds. It has a medium-body and a moderate alcohol content.
3. Tokaji Aszu
Tokaji Aszu is a Hungarian dessert wine made from Furmint and Harslevelu grapes. The grapes are affected by noble rot, which concentrates the sugars in the grapes. The resulting wine is a golden color with a syrupy texture. It has flavors of honey, apricots and peaches, with a high level of acidity. Tokaji Aszu is one of the most famous dessert wines in the world, and fetch a high price tag.
4. Trockenbeerenauslese
Trockenbeerenauslese is a German dessert wine made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot. This creates a unique flavor profile for the wine, as the grapes absorb sweetness from the affected berries. The resulting wine is a golden color with a syrupy texture. It has flavors of honey, apricots, and peaches, with a high level of acidity. Trockenbeerenauslese is one of the most famous dessert wines in the world and fetch a high price tag.
5. Sauternes
Sauternes is a French dessert wine made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been affected by noble rot. This creates a unique flavor profile for the wine, as the grapes absorb sweetness from the affected berries. The resulting wine is a golden color with a syrupy texture. It has flavors of honey, apricots and peaches, with a high level of acidity. Sauternes is one of the most famous dessert wines in the world, and fetch a high price tag.
6. Icewine
Icewine is a Canadian dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet wine. Icewine is typically made with Riesling or Vidal Blanc grapes. It is a golden color with flavors of honey, apricots and peaches. It has a medium-body and a moderate alcohol content.
7. Passito di Pantelleria
Passito di Pantelleria is an Italian dessert wine made from Zibibbo grapes. The grapes are dried for several months before being pressed. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet wine. The Passito di Pantelleria is a golden color with flavors of honey, apricots and almonds. It has a medium-body and a moderate alcohol content.
8. Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is a French dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes. The grapes are picked late in the season and are then fermented in oak barrels. This process creates a unique flavor profile for the wine, as the grapes absorb sweetness from the affected berries. The resulting wine is a golden color with a syrupy texture. It has flavors of honey, apricots, and peaches, with a high level of acidity. Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is one of the most famous dessert wines in the world and fetch a high price tag.
9. Commandaria
Commandaria is a Cypriot dessert wine made from Xynisteri and Mavro grapes. The grapes are dried for several months before being pressed. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet wine. The Commandaria is a golden color with flavors of honey, apricots, and almonds. It has a medium-body and a moderate alcohol content.
10. Vin Santo
Vin Santo is an Italian dessert wine made from Sangiovese and Trebbiano grapes. The grapes are dried for several months before being pressed. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a sweet wine. The Vin Santo is a golden color with flavors of honey, apricots, and almonds. It has a medium body and a moderate alcohol content.
Dessert wines are perfect for those who enjoy the sweetness in their glass. These 10 dessert wines will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From the well-known German Trockenbeerenauslese to the lesser known Passito di Pantelleria, there is sure to be a dessert wine for everyone on this list. So, grab a glass and enjoy!
FAQs about Dessert Wines
- What are dessert wines?
Dessert wines are sweet wines that are typically served with dessert. These wines can be made from a variety of grape types and can range in sweetness from semi-sweet to syrupy sweet.
- What are the most popular types of dessert wine?
Some of the most popular types of dessert wine include Moscato, Riesling, and Sauternes.
- How should I serve dessert wine?
Dessert wine should be served in a small glass at a temperature of 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- How long will a bottle of dessert wine last?
A bottle of dessert wine will typically last for 2-3 years after it has been opened.
- What is the difference between fortified and non-fortified wines?
Fortified wines are those that have had additional alcohol added to them, while non-fortified wines have not had any additional alcohol added. Fortified wines tend to be sweeter and higher in alcohol content than non-fortified wines.
- How many calories are in a glass of dessert wine?
A glass of dessert wine typically contains around 100-150 calories.
- What are some food pairings for dessert wine?
Dessert wine pairs well with fruit, chocolate, and cheese. It can also be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner drink.
- Can I cook with dessert wine?
Yes, you can cook with dessert wine! Some recipes that call for dessert wine include poached fruits, sauces, and glazes.
- What is the difference between sparkling and still wines?
Sparkling wines contain carbon dioxide bubbles while still wines do not contain carbon dioxide bubbles.
- How should I store dessert wine?
Dessert wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be consumed within 2-3 days.
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