What is Sweet White Wine? - C’est Cheese

Sweet white wine is a delightful variety of wine appreciated for its lush fruit flavors and smooth, sweet taste. Ranging from just off-dry to very sweet dessert wines, there is a sweet white wine to suit every palate. This article will explore what defines sweet white wine, how it differs from dry wines, and recommendations for delicious sweet white wines to try.

What Sets Sweet White Wine Apart?

So what exactly makes a white wine “sweet”? Here are the key characteristics of sweet white wines:

Higher residual sugar – Measured in grams per liter (g/L), wines with over 45 g/L of residual sugar taste perceptibly sweet. Many sweet whites have over 100 g/L.
Lower acidity – Tartness balances out sweetness. Sweet whites often have lower acidity, enhancing the sweet taste.
Intense fruit flavors – Sweet white wines burst with ripe fruit notes like peach, melon, pineapple, and mango.
Smooth, syrupy texture – The sweetness creates a lush, velvety feel.
Lower alcohol – Ranging from 5.5% to 13% ABV, sweet whites offer lighter drinking.

Compared to dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, sweet whites offer an entirely different experience of rich, fruity sweetness. Next, let’s explore how sweet white wines get their signature sweet character.

How is Sweet White Wine Produced?

Winemakers use various techniques to create sweet white wines:

Pressing and Fermenting Grapes

It all starts with selecting grape varieties that naturally have robust fruity flavors and aromas. Common grapes include Muscat, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Semillon. Pressing separates the sweet juice from skins and pits. During fermentation, yeast converts grape sugar into alcohol.

Aging Process

For added complexity, wines may be aged before bottling. Oak barrels, low temperatures, or special yeasts can impart flavors. Sweet sherries undergo oxidative aging.

Deciding Sweetness Level

A key step is determining how much residual sugar to retain. Halting fermentation early leaves more unfermented sugar for sweetness. Luxury botrytized wines like Sauternes concentrate sugars via a “noble rot.”

Winemakers have numerous techniques to craft the perfect sweet white at the desired sweetness level. Next, let’s go over how wines are classified from dry to sweet.

How Do You Measure Wine Sweetness?

Two key components determine a wine’s sweetness – residual sugar and acidity. Here’s how they are measured:

Residual Sugar (RS) – Unfermented sugar remaining in wine after the fermentation process. Measured in grams per liter (g/L). The higher the RS, the sweeter the wine.
Titratable Acidity (TA) – The total acidity of wine, primarily from tartaric and malic acids. Measured in g/L. Lower acidity makes wines taste sweeter.

Below are common RS levels and how they correlate to wine sweetness:

Dry: 0-10 g/L – No perceptible sweetness, just acidity.
Off-Dry: 10-35 g/L – Hint of sweetness balanced by acidity.
Medium: 35-120 g/L – Moderate sweetness, fruit flavors evident.
Sweet: 120-220 g/L – Very sweet and syrupy.
Dessert: 220+ g/L – Entirely sweet with intense ripe fruit.

Looking at technical specs like RS and TA levels helps determine a wine’s sweet style. Next, let’s explore the range of sweetness in white wines.

White Wine Sweetness Spectrum

Ranging from just off-dry to lusciously sweet dessert wines, there are diverse sweet white wine styles.

Off-Dry Whites

Subtle sweetness with noticeable fruit flavors. Enjoy as an aperitif or with a light meal. Examples: Pinot Grigio, German Kabinett Riesling.

Semi-Sweet Whites

Slightly sweeter than off-dry with mild sweetness and fruity flavors. Pair with fish or poultry. Examples: Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc.

Sweet Whites

Noticeable sweetness balanced by acidity. Enjoy as an aperitif or dessert wine. Examples: Muscat, late harvest Riesling.

Very Sweet Dessert Wines

Intensely sweet with a syrupy texture. Served with desserts or solo. Examples: Sauternes, Tokaji Aszú.

With this range of styles, there’s a sweet white wine for every taste preference and occasion! Next, let’s look at techniques to increase sweetness.

How is White Wine Sweetness Increased?

Winemakers use various techniques to intensify sugar levels:

Late Harvest – Leaving grapes longer on vines concentrates sugars as moisture evaporates.
Noble Rot – Letting Botrytis Cinerea fungus dehydrate grapes, increasing sweetness. Used for Sauternes and Tokaji.
Freezing Grapes – Freezing harvested grapes concentrates sugars in the grape juice.
Fortification – Adding grape spirit, as in Port, raises sugar content along with alcohol.
Arrested Fermentation – Halting fermentation leaves residual sugar instead of converting to alcohol.

These time-honored methods create lusciously sweet dessert wines and added dimensions of flavor.

Sweetness vs. Fruitiness in Sweet White Wine

Sweetness and fruitiness both add to the flavors of sweet whites but refer to different components:

Sweetness – Caused by residual sugar, measured in RS grams per liter.
Fruitiness – Comes from aromatic compounds like esters and terpenes that scent of flowers and fruits.

While separate components, sweetness often complements and enhances the perception of fruitiness. Very sweet wines need intense fruitiness to balance the sugar. Next, let’s explore why sweet white wine is worth sipping.

Benefits of Drinking Sweet White Wine

What’s not to love about sweet white wine? Here are some of its many virtues:

Intense, smooth flavors – The sweetness makes it easy to appreciate the complex fruit aromas.
Food-friendly – With a touch of sweetness, these wines pair well with a wide variety of cuisines.
Beginner-friendly – The gentle sweetness is appealing to new wine drinkers.
Lower alcohol – Many sweet whites are under 10% ABV, allowing you to enjoy more than a couple glasses!
Utterly delicious – Do we need more reasons? Sweet whites are a joy to drink on their own.

How to Use Sweet White Wine

The uses for sweet white wine are endless! Here are some top ways to enjoy it:

As an Aperitif

Chilled, sweet whites are the perfect palate awakener before a meal.

With Desserts

Sweet wines pair beautifully with desserts, especially fruit-based ones.

In Cocktails

A touch of sweet white adds body and fruitiness to mixed drinks.

Cooking with It

Use sweet white in sauces, vinaigrettes, even poached fruit.

On Its Own

Served well-chilled, sweet whites are delicious all alone.

With this versatility, a bottle of sweet white belongs in every wine lover’s arsenal!

Popular Sweet White Wine Types

With so many options, it can be tough choosing a sweet white wine. Here are some top picks:

Moscato

Known for perfumed aromas of orange blossom and ripe peach. Low alcohol around 5-7% ABV with intense sweetness. Perfect as an aperitif.

Riesling

Riesling spans a range from dry to very sweet. Sweet styles offer lime, apricot and honeysuckle notes. Pair with spicy foods.

Sauternes

The king of sweet wines, made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc affected by noble rot. Intense honeyed sweetness with apricot and spice flavors.

Chenin Blanc

Off-dry styles offer apple and melon notes with subtle sweetness. Medium sweet Vouvray is rich and honeyed.

Gewürztraminer

Very aromatic with rose petal and lychee flavors. Ranges from off-dry to lusciously sweet dessert wines.

With this primer, let’s consider the best picks for beginners and cooking.

Best Sweet White for Beginners

For new wine drinkers, I recommend picking up a bottle of Moscato. Reasons why Moscato is perfect for beginners:

Intense sweetness – The sugary taste is instantly likable and approachable.
Fruity aromas – Abundant flavors like peach, citrus, and honey entice the nose.
Low alcohol – Typically under 7% ABV, allowing you to enjoy a few glasses.
Affordable – With big brands like Barefoot, quality Moscato is readily accessible.

With its easily enjoyable sweetness, Moscato removes any intimidation factor for new wine consumers. It’s sure to delight.

Best Sweet White for Cooking

Spicy stir fries, fruity desserts, herb-crusted fish – sweet whites enhance many dishes. For cooking, I suggest Riesling as an ideal sweet white wine. Reasons why:

Versatile sweetness – Riesling ranges from dry to very sweet, letting you adjust sugariness to the recipe.
Food-friendly acidity – Its crisp acidity cuts through richness and amplifies other ingredients.
Aromatic – Notes of peach, lime and jasmine perfume dishes.
Wide availability – As a popular wine, Riesling is easy to find at any wine merchant.

With its balance of sweetness, acidity, and aromas, a good Riesling can enhance anything from vinaigrettes to poached pears. Keep a bottle in your cook’s arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet White Wine

What are some popular sweet white wine types?

Some top sweet white wines include Moscato, Riesling, Sauternes, Gewürztraminer, and Chenin Blanc.

How does Chardonnay compare to Pinot Grigio in sweetness?

Chardonnay is typically fermented dry with no residual sugar, giving it a crisp, non-sweet taste. Pinot Grigio can range from dry to off-dry with a hint of sweetness around 5 g/L RS.

How sweet is Moscato wine?

Moscato is a very sweet white wine, usually with over 100 g/L of residual sugar. The intense sweetness balances Moscato’s lower alcohol around 5-7% ABV.

How do I choose a sweet white wine based on ABV and RS numbers?

Look for wines with higher g/L of residual sugar (over 45 g/L) and lower alcohol content (under 13% ABV). The numbers indicate a sweeter, smoother drinking experience.

What’s the best way to serve sweet white wine for beginners?

Chill the bottle well and use stemmed glasses. The ideal serving temperature is 45-50°F to emphasize the fresh fruitiness. Avoid oversized wine glasses that concentrate the sweetness.

How does Chardonnay compare to Sauvignon Blanc in sweetness?

Chardonnay ferments dry, while Sauvignon Blanc ranges from bone dry to lightly sweet styles around 5 g/L RS. Oaked Chardonnay tastes richer despite being non-sweet.

Conclusion

From subtly sweet Pinot Grigio to decadent Sauternes, sweet white wines span a wide spectrum. With so many styles and winemaking methods, the options can seem endless. Focus on the amount of residual sugar and acidity to find the right balance for your palate. Keep acidity in mind, as it balances out sweetness and amplifies fruit. Moscato’s easy drinkability makes it perfect for beginners. For cooking, Riesling’s versatility and bright acidity enhance everything from fish to desserts. With this guidance, you can confidently select a sublime sweet white wine to delight your tastebuds.