Luscious wine is a term used to describe wines that possess a certain indulgent and luxurious quality. These wines are often characterized by their soft, velvety texture, and their ability to coat the palate with a rich, viscous mouthfeel. They are full-bodied and have a certain weightiness to them, creating a sensation of opulence and decadence.
One of the key characteristics of luscious wines is their sweetness. These wines are often made from grapes that have a higher sugar content, which results in a higher residual sugar in the finished wine. This sweetness contributes to their lusciousness, as it adds a smooth and silky texture to the wine. The sweetness can range from subtle to pronounced, depending on the style of the wine.
Luscious wines are more commonly associated with sweet white wines, such as late harvest wines, noble rot wines, and ice wines. These wines are made from grapes that have been allowed to ripen fully, often to the point of shriveling, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes. The resulting wines are rich and honeyed, with flavors of ripe fruits, tropical fruits, and sometimes even hints of botrytis or dried fruits.
One example of a luscious wine is a late harvest Riesling. Late harvest Rieslings are made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to develop higher levels of sugar and flavors. These wines are known for their lusciousness, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. They often exhibit flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and honey, with a soft and velvety texture that lingers on the palate.
Another example of a luscious wine is a Sauternes from Bordeaux, France. Sauternes are made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot, a beneficial fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel and concentrate their sugars. The resulting wines are incredibly luscious, with flavors of honey, dried apricots, and caramel. They have a thick and syrupy texture that coats the palate, creating a truly indulgent experience.
While luscious wines are more commonly associated with sweet white wines, there are also some red wines that can exhibit luscious qualities. For example, certain styles of fortified wines, such as Port or Madeira, can be considered luscious. These wines are made by adding a neutral grape spirit to the partially fermented grape juice, which stops the fermentation and leaves behind residual sugar. The resulting wines are rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices. They have a smooth and velvety texture that is incredibly luscious.
Luscious wines are characterized by their soft, viscous, fleshy, and round qualities. They are often associated with sweet white wines, but can also be found in certain styles of red wines. These wines are indulgent and opulent, offering a luxurious and decadent experience for the senses.