Is Late Harvest a sweet wine?

Answered by Vince Keith

Late harvest is indeed typically a sweet wine. It is made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to fully ripen and develop higher levels of sugar. This extended hang time on the vine allows the grapes to accumulate more sugar, resulting in a sweeter wine.

Late harvest wines are often associated with dessert wines because of their natural sweetness. The high sugar content in these wines provides a rich and luscious mouthfeel, making them perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoying on their own as a sweet treat. The sweetness of late harvest wines can range from off-dry to fully sweet, depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques employed.

One popular grape variety used for late harvest wines is Riesling. Late harvest Riesling is known for its vibrant acidity and complex flavors that balance out the sweetness. It can exhibit notes of honey, apricot, peach, and citrus, making it a perfect match for fruit-based desserts or creamy cheeses.

I have had the pleasure of experiencing late harvest Riesling on several occasions, and each time it has been a delightful sensory journey. One particular memory that stands out is enjoying a late harvest Riesling with a homemade apple pie. The wine's sweetness complemented the natural sweetness of the pie, creating a harmonious pairing that brought out the flavors of both the wine and the dessert.

Late harvest wines can also be made from other grape varieties such as Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, and Semillon. These wines often exhibit unique flavor profiles, showcasing the characteristics of the grape variety along with the sweetness imparted by the late harvest.

It is important to note that not all late harvest wines are sweet. In some cases, winemakers may choose to produce late harvest wines with lower levels of residual sugar, resulting in a drier style of wine. These wines can still have a rich and concentrated flavor profile, but without the intense sweetness typically associated with late harvest wines.

Late harvest wine is generally a sweet wine. The extended hang time on the vine allows the grapes to accumulate more sugar, resulting in a higher level of sweetness in the finished wine. Late harvest wines are often enjoyed as dessert wines due to their natural sweetness, and they can be paired with a variety of desserts or enjoyed on their own as a sweet indulgence.