There is a type of wine made from raisins. These wines, often referred to as raisin wines or dessert wines, are made from either white or red grapes that have been dried to form raisins. The process of drying the grapes concentrates their sugars, resulting in a wine that is sweet and luscious.
Raisin wines are typically enjoyed as meditation or dessert wines due to their rich and sweet flavors. They can also be paired with certain types of cheeses, such as mature or blue cheeses, as the sweetness of the wine complements the savory and salty flavors of the cheese.
Italy is known for producing some of the most illustrious examples of raisin wines. One renowned example is Amarone della Valpolicella, which is made from dried grapes in the Valpolicella region of Italy. This wine is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice.
Another notable Italian raisin wine is Sforzato di Valtellina, made in the Valtellina region. Similar to Amarone, the grapes used to make Sforzato are dried before fermentation, resulting in a wine with intense flavors of cherry, blackberry, and tobacco.
Passito di Pantelleria is another Italian raisin wine, made on the island of Pantelleria. This wine is produced from Zibibbo grapes, which are dried on mats in the sun to concentrate their sugars. Passito di Pantelleria is known for its aromatic profile, with notes of apricot, honey, and citrus.
In the region of Montefalco, Sagrantino grapes are used to produce a raisin wine called Sagrantino Montefalco. The grapes are dried for several months before fermentation, resulting in a wine with powerful tannins and flavors of black cherry, plum, and spice.
Moscato di Scanzo is a raisin wine from the Lombardy region of Italy. Made from the Moscato di Scanzo grape, this wine is known for its intense sweetness and aromas of ripe berries and floral notes.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of tasting a few raisin wines and they have been truly remarkable. The concentration of flavors and sweetness in these wines is truly unique and makes for a decadent and indulgent experience. I particularly enjoyed pairing a glass of Amarone della Valpolicella with a rich and creamy blue cheese, as the contrasting flavors created a harmonious balance on the palate.
Raisin wines offer a different and delightful experience for wine enthusiasts. Their sweetness and complexity make them perfect for special occasions or as a treat to savor on their own. Whether it's an Amarone della Valpolicella or a Passito di Pantelleria, these wines showcase the artistry and skill of winemakers who have mastered the art of crafting wines from dried grapes.