Sweet wines have a devoted following, and for good reason—there are truly exceptional sweet wines out there! However, the reputation of sweet wines took a hit when some producers started using sugar to mask flaws in cheaper options. Labels like “Sinner’s Whispers” or whimsical depictions tarnished the image of all semi-sweet and sweet wines. Now, many hesitate to admit, “I like sweet wine,” fearing judgment in a world that seems to favour only dry wines. But this shame is misplaced. Sweet wines are serious business, deserving of respect and occasional indulgence!
Sugar is a Natural Component
Did you know that even dry wines contain sugar?
Here’s how wine is made: grapes are crushed, and the resulting juice undergoes fermentation. But what does that mean? During fermentation, the natural sugars in the grapes are converted into alcohol by yeast, which is naturally present on the grape skins. Without sugar, there would be no wine! If fermentation is allowed to complete, most of the sugar transforms into alcohol, resulting in dry wine. However, if the process is interrupted—often by lowering the temperature—some sugar remains, creating semi-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet wines, depending on how much sugar is left. In fact, even dry wines can contain up to 4 grams of sugar per litre!
Semi-Dry Doesn’t Mean Inferior
A semi-dry wine isn’t fundamentally different from a dry one in taste. Yes, it contains a bit of sugar, but guess what? A glass of milk has more sugar than a glass of semi-dry wine! Sometimes grapes naturally accumulate more sugar during hot growing seasons, leading to semi-dry wines. Instead of producing high alcohol levels of 15.5%, winemakers prefer to stop fermentation around 13% and retain some of the sweetness.
No Sugar Syrup Here
If a winemaker is aiming for a semi-sweet wine, they allow the grapes to dry slightly to concentrate the sugar. After pressing, the grape juice ferments to a certain point before the fermentation is halted. Importantly, no sugar syrup is involved! However, this is only true for quality semi-sweet wines; cheaper versions often contain additives and syrups.
Sweet Wine: The Dessert of Wines
Now, let’s explore sweet wines in more detail. Crafting a great sweet wine is an art that requires patience and precision. The aim is to allow the grapes to lose water while accumulating sugar and rich flavours. There are four primary methods for making sweet wines:
1. Drying the Grapes
Grapes are left on the vine until late autumn, concentrating the sugars as water evaporates. This method is nerve-wracking for winemakers, as weather conditions can jeopardize the grapes. Look for Late Harvest wines, Auslese, or Vendanges Tardives—often quite affordable!
2. Drying Grapes on Straw Mats
Ripe grapes are laid out on straw mats in cool, dry spaces. This ancient technique is popular in Italy and France’s Jura region. You might find Passito or Vin de Paille wines—good passitos can be quite affordable, while straw wines from Jura are rarer and pricier.
3. The Noblest Method: Noble Rot
A special mold, botrytis cinerea, develops under specific conditions, especially in fog-prone areas like Sauternes, France. This mold punctures the grape skin, allowing water to evaporate and concentrating the sugars and flavours. Look for Sauternes, Beerenauslese, or Trockenbeerenauslese—these wines are typically more expensive but worth every penny!
4. The Most Dramatic Method: Freezing the Grapes
Grapes are left on the vine until they freeze, then harvested and pressed while still frozen. The juice is rich in sugar and results in sweet wines known as Ice Wine.
Why Dry Wine Lovers Should Explore Sweet Wines
1. Rich Complexity: Sweet wines offer a wealth of flavours—think fruit, spices, pastries, nuts, and even hints of incense or pine.
2. Balanced Sweetness: A well-crafted sweet wine will have enough acidity to balance out the sweetness, elevating it beyond mere syrup.
Additional Perks of Sweet (and Semi-Sweet) Wines
– Long Shelf Life: Open bottles can be stored in the fridge for up to a month while still tasting great.
– Versatile Glassware: Sweet wines taste delightful in any glass—no need for fancy stemware.
– Convenient Sizes: Sweet wines often come in smaller bottles, making them perfect for casual enjoyment.
Four Golden Rules for Sweet Wine Lovers
1. Don’t be Embarrassed: Sweet wine has its place and deserves appreciation.
2. Chill It: Serve at around 12°C for the best flavour experience.
3. Food Pairing: Pair with savoury dishes rather than desserts for a delightful contrast.
4. Shop Smart: Purchase from reputable sources to avoid low-quality imitations.
Sweet wines are a wonderful option, offering complexity and character that can surprise even the staunchest dry wine enthusiast. So go ahead—embrace your love for sweet wines and share that joy with others! For more insights and personalized selections, visit vinbonmilton.ca and discover the world of sweet wines today!
