Dessert wine
Published on June 18, 2023.png?locale=en)
Dessert wines: a comprehensive guide for wine connoisseurs
There's nothing better than a good dessert, but what about a good dessert wine? Although it's often forgotten, a good dessert wine can be the perfect ending to a meal. Here is a comprehensive guide for wine connoisseurs who want to discover the different types of dessert wines, how they are made, and how to best enjoy them.
What is dessert wine?
Dessert wines are wines that are typically served after a meal and have a higher sweetness and alcohol content than other wines. Most dessert wines are made from grapes that are very ripe and sweet, or from grapes that have been dried or frozen in a special way.
Dessert wines come in a variety of styles, colors and flavors. Some of the most popular types of dessert wines are port, sherry, Sauternes, Tokaj and ice wine. Each type has its own unique history, production methods and flavor profiles.
How is dessert wine made?
Most dessert wines are made from grapes that are either harvested very late or treated in a special way to increase their sweetness. Here are some of the most popular types of dessert wines and how they are made:
Port: Port wine is made from a combination of grapes grown in the Douro region of Portugal. The grapes are harvested late in the fall and then crushed to release the juice. During the fermentation process, brandy is added to increase the alcohol content. The port is then aged in barrels before being bottled and sold.
Sherry: Sherry is produced in the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera. The grapes are usually harvested early to have a lower sugar content. The wine is then blended with brandy and aged in oak barrels that have previously been covered with a special yeast to give the wine a unique flavor.
Sauternes: Sauternes is a French dessert wine made from grapes that have been infected by a mold. The grapes are dried naturally, which increases the sugar content and makes the wine sweeter. The wine is then aged in barrels and can age for years.
Tokaj: Tokaj is a Hungarian dessert wine made from grapes that are infested with a mold. The grapes are dried naturally, similar to Sauternes, to increase the sugar content. The difference is that Tokaj wines also have a special noble rot that gives them a unique flavor. The wine is then aged in barrels and can age for years.
Ice wine: Ice wine is made from grapes harvested during the winter frost. The grapes are pressed while they are still frozen, resulting in a very concentrated juice. The wine is then stored in barrels and can age for years.
How do you drink dessert wine?
Dessert wines are usually served in smaller portions than other wines. A typical serving is only about 50 ml. Dessert wines should also be served at a slightly cooler temperature than other wines to best bring out their aromas and flavors.
Some wine connoisseurs prefer to pair dessert wines with certain foods. Here are some classic combinations:
Port and blue cheese: the strong flavor of blue cheese pairs well with the full-bodied and tangy port.
Sauternes and Foie Gras: The sweet and creamy flavor of foie gras pairs perfectly with the sweet and juicy flavors of Sauternes.
Tokaj and Apple Pie: The fruity notes of apple pie pair well with the fruity notes of Tokaj.
Ice wine and dark chocolate: the rich flavors of dark chocolate pair well with the fruity and sweet notes of ice wine.
Conclusion
Dessert wines are a special type of wine that are often overlooked, but can be a perfect complement to a delicious dessert or cheese platter. With a variety of styles, colors and flavors, there is something for everyone. Whether it's port, sherry, Sauternes, Tokaj or ice wine, each dessert wine has its own unique flavors and history. With a few simple serving and pairing tips, you can be sure to choose the perfect dessert wine for any occasion.
There's nothing better than a good dessert, but what about a good dessert wine? Although it's often forgotten, a good dessert wine can be the perfect ending to a meal. Here is a comprehensive guide for wine connoisseurs who want to discover the different types of dessert wines, how they are made, and how to best enjoy them.
What is dessert wine?
Dessert wines are wines that are typically served after a meal and have a higher sweetness and alcohol content than other wines. Most dessert wines are made from grapes that are very ripe and sweet, or from grapes that have been dried or frozen in a special way.
Dessert wines come in a variety of styles, colors and flavors. Some of the most popular types of dessert wines are port, sherry, Sauternes, Tokaj and ice wine. Each type has its own unique history, production methods and flavor profiles.
How is dessert wine made?
Most dessert wines are made from grapes that are either harvested very late or treated in a special way to increase their sweetness. Here are some of the most popular types of dessert wines and how they are made:
Port: Port wine is made from a combination of grapes grown in the Douro region of Portugal. The grapes are harvested late in the fall and then crushed to release the juice. During the fermentation process, brandy is added to increase the alcohol content. The port is then aged in barrels before being bottled and sold.
Sherry: Sherry is produced in the Spanish city of Jerez de la Frontera. The grapes are usually harvested early to have a lower sugar content. The wine is then blended with brandy and aged in oak barrels that have previously been covered with a special yeast to give the wine a unique flavor.
Sauternes: Sauternes is a French dessert wine made from grapes that have been infected by a mold. The grapes are dried naturally, which increases the sugar content and makes the wine sweeter. The wine is then aged in barrels and can age for years.
Tokaj: Tokaj is a Hungarian dessert wine made from grapes that are infested with a mold. The grapes are dried naturally, similar to Sauternes, to increase the sugar content. The difference is that Tokaj wines also have a special noble rot that gives them a unique flavor. The wine is then aged in barrels and can age for years.
Ice wine: Ice wine is made from grapes harvested during the winter frost. The grapes are pressed while they are still frozen, resulting in a very concentrated juice. The wine is then stored in barrels and can age for years.
How do you drink dessert wine?
Dessert wines are usually served in smaller portions than other wines. A typical serving is only about 50 ml. Dessert wines should also be served at a slightly cooler temperature than other wines to best bring out their aromas and flavors.
Some wine connoisseurs prefer to pair dessert wines with certain foods. Here are some classic combinations:
Port and blue cheese: the strong flavor of blue cheese pairs well with the full-bodied and tangy port.
Sauternes and Foie Gras: The sweet and creamy flavor of foie gras pairs perfectly with the sweet and juicy flavors of Sauternes.
Tokaj and Apple Pie: The fruity notes of apple pie pair well with the fruity notes of Tokaj.
Ice wine and dark chocolate: the rich flavors of dark chocolate pair well with the fruity and sweet notes of ice wine.
Conclusion
Dessert wines are a special type of wine that are often overlooked, but can be a perfect complement to a delicious dessert or cheese platter. With a variety of styles, colors and flavors, there is something for everyone. Whether it's port, sherry, Sauternes, Tokaj or ice wine, each dessert wine has its own unique flavors and history. With a few simple serving and pairing tips, you can be sure to choose the perfect dessert wine for any occasion.