What Types of White Wine Are Sweet?
Certain white wines are inherently sweet due to their residual sugar, the sugar left over after fermentation. These wines range from slightly off-dry to intensely sweet, depending on the grape varietal and the winemaking process.
Understanding Sweet White Wine
White wine, often associated with crisp acidity and refreshing flavors, can also express a delightful sweetness. The level of sweetness is determined by the residual sugar (RS) in the wine – the natural sugars from the grapes that remain unfermented. Dry wines have very little RS, while sweet wines have a significant amount. Understanding the various factors contributing to sweetness is key to navigating the world of white wines.
Factors Contributing to Sweetness
Several factors influence the sweetness of a white wine:
Grape Varietal: Some grape varietals naturally possess higher sugar levels, making them predisposed to producing sweeter wines. Examples include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato.
Ripeness at Harvest: Grapes harvested later in the season are riper and contain more sugar. Delaying the harvest is a common technique for producing sweeter wines.
Fermentation Process: The fermentation process converts sugars into alcohol. Stopping the fermentation prematurely, either through chilling, adding sulfur dioxide, or other methods, leaves residual sugar in the wine.
Noble Rot (Botrytis Cinerea): In certain conditions, a beneficial mold called Botrytis cinerea can infect grapes. This “noble rot” dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, resulting in intensely sweet wines.
Common Sweet White Wine Varieties
Many delicious and intriguing sweet white wines are available. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular:
Moscato: Known for its intense floral aromas and sweet, fruity flavors. Often lightly sparkling (Moscato d’Asti).
Riesling: A versatile grape that can produce wines ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Sweet Rieslings often exhibit flavors of honey, apricot, and petrol.
Gewürztraminer: Aromatic and exotic, with notes of lychee, rose petals, and spice. Sweet Gewürztraminers can be intensely flavored and slightly off-dry to medium-sweet.
Sauternes: A prestigious sweet wine from Bordeaux, France, made from Botrytis-affected Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.
Icewine (Eiswein): Made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine, concentrating their sugars. Icewines are intensely sweet and offer a refreshing acidity.
Residual Sugar Levels
To further understand the spectrum of sweet white wines, it’s helpful to consider residual sugar levels:
| Wine Style | Residual Sugar (grams per liter) | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Less than 4 g/L | Minimal sweetness, often perceived as tart or crisp | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio |
| Off-Dry | 4-12 g/L | Slightly sweet, with a hint of sweetness on the palate | بعض Rieslings, بعض Gewürztraminers |
| Medium-Sweet | 12-45 g/L | Noticeable sweetness, balanced by acidity | Moscato d’Asti, بعض Vouvray |
| Sweet (Dessert) | More than 45 g/L | Intensely sweet, rich and concentrated flavors | Sauternes, Tokaji, Icewine |
Serving and Pairing Sweet White Wines
Sweet white wines are best served chilled to enhance their refreshing qualities and balance their sweetness. They pair beautifully with:
- Desserts: Fruit tarts, creamy cheeses, chocolate desserts.
- Spicy Foods: The sweetness can help balance the heat.
- Foie Gras: A classic pairing with Sauternes.
- Cheeses: Blue cheese, goat cheese, or other tangy cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I identify a sweet white wine when shopping?
Look for clues on the label. Words like “Late Harvest,” “Dessert Wine,” “Sauternes,” “Icewine,” or specific varieties like “Moscato” and “Gewürztraminer” often indicate a sweeter wine. The alcohol level can also be a clue; lower alcohol wines (below 11%) often have higher residual sugar.
What is Botrytis and why is it important for sweet wine?
Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot, is a fungus that affects grapes under specific humid conditions. This beneficial mold pierces the grape skins, causing water to evaporate and concentrating the sugars, acids, and flavors. The result is incredibly complex and intensely sweet wines such as Sauternes and Tokaji.
Are all Rieslings sweet?
No, Riesling is a very versatile grape capable of producing wines ranging from bone-dry to extremely sweet. The level of sweetness depends on the winemaking process and the winemaker’s intention. Look for label indicators like “Trocken” (dry) or descriptions mentioning residual sugar or sweetness level.
Is Icewine naturally sweet, or is sugar added?
Icewine is naturally sweet. Grapes are left on the vine until they freeze solid. As the frozen grapes are pressed, the ice crystals remain behind, concentrating the sugars and flavors into a luscious, intensely sweet juice. No sugar is added.
What’s the difference between Moscato and Moscato d’Asti?
Moscato d’Asti is a specific type of Moscato from the Asti region of Italy. It is lightly sparkling (frizzante), low in alcohol, and known for its aromatic floral notes and sweet, fruity flavors. Moscato can refer to a broader category of sweet, often still, wines made from the Muscat grape family.
Can sweet white wine age?
Yes, some sweet white wines can age beautifully. Wines with high acidity and significant residual sugar, like Sauternes and Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling, can develop complex flavors and increased elegance over many years.
Is it okay to pair a sweet white wine with savory dishes?
Absolutely! Sweet white wines can create delightful contrasts with savory dishes. The sweetness can balance spicy flavors, complement salty cheeses, and even enhance the richness of dishes like foie gras. Experiment and find your favorite pairings!
What temperature should I serve sweet white wine?
Sweet white wines are best served chilled, typically between 45-55°F (7-13°C). This temperature helps to highlight their refreshing acidity and balance the sweetness.
Does the price of a sweet white wine indicate its quality?
Generally, higher-priced sweet white wines often reflect higher quality. This is often because the grapes may be hand-harvested and the production process can be more labor intensive. However, there are also excellent affordable options available. Look for recommendations from trusted sources.
What makes Sauternes so special and expensive?
Sauternes is a uniquely complex and intensely sweet wine from the Bordeaux region of France. It’s made from Botrytis-affected Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, and the noble rot process is unpredictable and requires precise conditions, making it a rare and valuable wine.
Are there any lower-sugar alternatives to traditional sweet wines?
Yes, you can find off-dry white wines that offer a hint of sweetness without being overly sugary. Look for wines with a residual sugar level between 4-12 g/L, such as some Rieslings and Gewürztraminers.
How long can I store an opened bottle of sweet white wine?
Opened bottles of sweet white wine can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The high sugar content acts as a natural preservative. Recork the bottle tightly to prevent oxidation.