When it comes to white wines, there is a wide range of sweetness levels to choose from. The sweetness of a white wine is determined by the amount of residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. The more residual sugar, the sweeter the wine.
One of the sweetest white wines you can find is Sauternes. Sauternes is a French dessert wine made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have been affected by noble rot. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in a lusciously sweet and rich wine. Sauternes is often paired with desserts or enjoyed on its own as a decadent treat.
Late harvest Riesling is another example of a sweet white wine. As the name suggests, these Riesling grapes are harvested later in the season when they have had more time to develop higher sugar levels. This results in a wine that is sweet and aromatic, with flavors of ripe fruits and honey. Late harvest Rieslings can be a wonderful accompaniment to spicy foods or enjoyed as a dessert wine.
Vouvray is a white wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes in the Loire Valley of France. While Vouvray can range from dry to sweet, there are many off-dry and semi-sweet examples available. These wines have a touch of sweetness that balances out the naturally high acidity of Chenin Blanc, resulting in a refreshing and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
White Zinfandel is a popular sweet white wine made from the Zinfandel grape in California. It is known for its blush pink color and fruity, sweet flavors. While it may not be as complex or nuanced as some other white wines, White Zinfandel is often enjoyed for its easy-drinking and approachable nature. It can be a great choice for those who prefer sweeter wines or are new to wine tasting.
Eiswein, also known as ice wine, is a unique and luxurious sweet wine made from grapes that have been left on the vine to freeze. The frozen grapes are then harvested and pressed, resulting in a concentrated juice with high sugar levels. This juice is fermented into a sweet wine with intense flavors of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. Eiswein is a labor-intensive and rare wine, making it highly prized and often reserved for special occasions.
The sweetness of white wines can vary greatly. Sauternes and late harvest Riesling are among the sweetest options, while Vouvray, White Zinfandel, and Eiswein offer a range of sweetness levels to suit different preferences.