2 weeks Ago By Jeremy Repanich
We all like to go out with family and friends and have a few glasses of wine with our meals, but when it comes to dessert many people opt for a cup of coffee instead. As the weather gets a bit cooler and the nights get a bit longer why not explore the wines on the last page of the wine list and order a sweet wine to go with your dessert, or if you’re counting your calories order a sweet wine instead of dessert. It’s the adult version of birthday cake and ice cream without all the guilt.
Sweet wines are made around the world using various styles to dry the grapes, concentrate the sugars, or stop fermentation leaving the wine with a higher level of sugar. Both Tokaji and Sauternes allow the grapes to undergo botrytis , Port and Madeira use the addition of a neutral brandy to stop fermentation, while ice wines count on freezing temperatures to concentrate sugar content. And don’t just think of these as dessert wines; while foie gras and blue cheese are always a good idea alongside wine with high residual sugar, savory dishes made with apples, pears, or winter squash also work well.
Here are the dessert wines we’re pouring for friends and family this holiday season..
