As a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered this question numerous times. The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. Adding sugar to wine can indeed alter its flavor profile, but whether it makes it taste better or not is subjective and depends on personal preferences.
When sugar is added to wine, it creates a fruity impression. The more sugar you add, the fruitier the wine tastes. This can be a desirable quality for some individuals who enjoy sweeter wines. However, it is important to note that different sugars have different levels of sweetness. For example, fructose is sweeter than glucose, so using fructose as a sweetener could result in a sweeter wine.
Additionally, when you add sugar to wine, you may also increase the alcohol content. This is because yeast converts sugar into alcohol during the fermentation process. So, if you add more sugar to your wine, the yeast will continue to ferment it, leading to a higher alcohol content. This can be advantageous if you prefer a stronger wine, but it can also throw off the balance of flavors in the wine.
It is essential to consider the original characteristics of the wine before deciding to add sugar. Some wines are naturally sweet, such as dessert wines, and adding more sugar might not be necessary or desirable. On the other hand, dry wines with high acidity could benefit from a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where adding sugar to wine has enhanced its taste. For example, I once had a particularly acidic white wine that was a bit challenging to enjoy. By adding a small amount of sugar, the acidity was mellowed, and the wine became more pleasant to drink. However, I have also had instances where adding sugar masked the true essence of the wine and made it overly sweet and unbalanced.
Ultimately, whether adding sugar to wine makes it taste better is a matter of personal preference. Some individuals enjoy the sweetness and fruity notes it brings, while others prefer the natural flavors of the wine. It is important to experiment and find the balance that suits your palate. However, it is worth noting that adding sugar to wine is not a common practice among wine enthusiasts and professionals, as it can alter the intended characteristics of the wine and diminish its quality.
Adding sugar to wine can indeed change its flavor profile, making it taste fruitier and potentially increasing the alcohol content. Whether this makes the wine taste better or not is subjective and depends on personal preferences. It is important to consider the original characteristics of the wine and experiment cautiously to find the right balance. However, it is worth mentioning that adding sugar to wine is not a widely accepted practice among wine connoisseurs, as it can mask the true essence of the wine and affect its overall quality.