What Are the Types of Dessert Wines?
Dessert wines have high alcohol and sugar concentrations, explaining their overt sweetness when compared to other wine classifications. Knowing the different types will assist you in choosing the right pairing for any meal or dessert.
Late Harvest Wines
A late harvest Riesling is the most recognized dessert wine. Distinguishable due to a rich, fruity and sweet flavor, these wines pair well with cheese, a sweet dessert or by themselves.
Ports
Ports are late harvest wines fortified with brandy. Serve these wines at room temperature, depending on the type of port, and pair them with cheddar cheese or chocolate.
Sauternes
Considered by wine enthusiasts as the best French dessert wine to pair with seafood, sauternes have an extreme sweetness and nutty, honey-like aromas.
Ice Wines
Created from grapes that freeze on the vine, ice wines are recognized by their nectar-like consistencies, deep golden hues and fruity aromas. Do not pair ice wines with a dessert; instead, pair them as a complement to cheese.
Madeira Wines
Madeira wines have a sweet hazelnut flavor and floral aroma. Light-brown Madeira wines pair nicely with a pre-dinner cheese. A dark-brown hue indicates heavy sugar concentration, so enjoy this wine as dessert.
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