My hubby and I enjoy wine occassionally. However, my hubby prefers a sweet wine. We have the hardest time being able to discern which wine is sweet, instead of dry. I prefer a semi-sweet. How can you tell the difference.
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
It is a bit easier to identify the wines which are very sweet based on the type or appellation. If you see "dessert wine" on the label, you can be confident that the wine will contain a high level of sweetness; however, sugar concentration certainly varies even within this category. There are as well numerous fortified sweet wines, including the Muscat family from France, Italy and Greece along with red Ports (Late Bottled Vintage, Vintage, etc.), Cream Sherry and many others. As for semi-sweet, probably the largest choice will be found in Germany with Riesling and other grapes. Any white wine that is not a "Trocken" is likely to have a touch of sweetness, or even more as you move up to "Spatlese." You may also enjoy a Moscato d'Asti from Italy. In the final analysis, how sweet you perceive a wine to be will depend in particular upon the ratio of sugar to acidity, as well as the alcohol content, not to mention your own sensitivities. Based on contact I have had with consumers, the concept of dry vs. sweet poses challenges to many palates even though it is fundamental to wine.
