Everything You Need To Know About Sweet White Wine

Some of history's most expensive wines weren't red – they were sweet whites. In 1811, a bottle of Château d'Yquem sweet white wine sold for $117,000, thanks to its unique harvesting of grapes affected by "noble rot," a process that concentrates the sugars and creates extraordinarily complex flavors.

At OBC (Ojai Beverage Company) in Ojai, California, we're passionate about helping our customers discover the fascinating world of sweet white wines. Visit us at 655 East Ojai Avenue to explore our selection, from affordable everyday options to special-occasion bottles that showcase why these wines have captivated enthusiasts for centuries.

What Makes a White Wine Sweet?

The sweetness in white wine comes from residual sugar - the natural grape sugars left after fermentation. During winemaking, yeast converts sugar to alcohol. If this process stops before all sugar is converted, the wine will be sweeter.

Factors affecting a white wine's sweetness include:

Grape variety: Some grapes naturally have more sugar.
Harvest timing: Later harvests often produce riper, sweeter grapes.
Fermentation control: Winemakers can stop fermentation to keep desired sugar levels.
Chaptalization: In some regions, adding sugar before fermentation is allowed to increase potential alcohol.
Back-sweetening: Some winemakers add unfermented grape juice or sweeteners after fermentation.

Natural sweetness differs from added sweetness. Naturally sweet wines get all their sugar from grapes, while others might have sweetness added during production. The method used affects the wine's flavor and quality.

Sweet White Wines Types

From lightly sweet Moscato to the intense richness of Ice Wine, sweet white wines types brings its own twist on sweetness and balance.

1. Riesling

Riesling originates from Germany's Rhine region. It can range from very dry to very sweet. Sweet Rieslings often taste of ripe peach, apricot, and honey. They have high acidity, which balances the sweetness and keeps the wine refreshing. German Spätlese and Auslese Rieslings are good examples of sweeter styles.

4. Ice Wine

Ice wine, or Eiswein in German, is made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. The grapes are harvested and pressed while still frozen, resulting in very concentrated juice. Ice wines are very sweet with high acidity. They often taste of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. Canada and Germany are known for producing ice wine.

2. Moscato

Moscato is made from the Muscat grape. It's known for its strong aromas and sweet flavor. It often has notes of peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Italian Moscato d'Asti, a lightly sparkling wine, is a popular type. Moscato usually has lower alcohol content and a light, fruity character.

5. Late Harvest Wines

Late harvest wines are made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual. This extra time allows the grapes to dry out and concentrate their sugars. This method can be used with many grape varieties. Late harvest Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley and late harvest Sauvignon Blanc from Sauternes are good examples. These wines often have complex flavors of honey, dried fruit, and flowers.

3. Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is most famous in France's Alsace region, despite its German name. This grape produces wines with distinct lychee, rose petal, and spice flavors. Sweet Gewürztraminers can range from slightly sweet to very sweet. They often have a rich, almost oily texture. Late harvest Gewürztraminer can be particularly intense and complex.

Our Top Picks for Sweet White Wines

1. Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti

Tasting Notes: Light and refreshing with flavors of peach, apricot, and sage. It has a gentle effervescence and a sweet, but not cloying, taste.

Best For: Fruit-based desserts, aperitifs, summer gatherings or brunches

2. Ojai Icewine Riesling

Tasting Notes: Intensely sweet with concentrated flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and honey. High acidity balances the sweetness.

Best For: Pairing with strong cheeses, foie gras, or as a dessert on its own

3. Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Gewürztraminer

Tasting Notes: Aromatic with notes of lychee, rose petal, and exotic spices. Off-dry to medium-sweet with a rich, luscious texture.

Best For: Spicy Asian cuisine, strong cheeses, or as an accompaniment to fruit-based desserts

4. Dr Konstantin Frank Gewurztraminer

Tasting Notes: Delicate sweetness with flavors of ripe peach, green apple, and a hint of slate minerality. Light-bodied with refreshing acidity.

Best For: Pairing with spicy foods, light appetizers, or enjoying on its own as a refreshing sipper

White Wine Sweetness Chart

Bone Dry

Sugar Content: 0-1 g/L
Perception: No perceptible sweetness
Examples: Chablis, some Albariños

Dry

Sugar Content: 1-10 g/L
Perception: Slight sweetness, often not noticeable
Examples: Most Sauvignon Blancs, dry Rieslings

Off-Dry

Sugar Content: 10-35 g/L
Perception: Noticeable sweetness, but not overpowering
Examples: Many Chenin Blancs, some Rieslings

Medium Sweet

Sugar Content: 35-120 g/L
Perception: Distinctly sweet
Examples: Demi-sec Vouvray, some Gewürztraminers

Sweet

Sugar Content: 120+ g/L
Perception: Very sweet
Examples: Sauternes, Ice Wines

Note that acidity can affect perceived sweetness. A wine with high acidity might taste less sweet than its sugar content suggests.

Semi-Sweet White Wines: Exploring the Middle Ground

Semi-sweet white wines fall between dry and sweet on the sweetness scale. They typically contain 10-50 g/L of residual sugar. These wines offer a balance between fruitiness and acidity, making them versatile for pairing with food.

Popular semi-sweet white wine varieties include:

Off-dry Riesling: Often from Germany or Alsace, with apple and peach flavors.
Chenin Blanc: From Loire Valley, with honey and quince notes.
Müller-Thurgau: A German variety with grape and peach flavors.
Vinho Verde: From Portugal, light and slightly fizzy with citrus notes.

Semi-sweet wines often have lower alcohol content than dry wines. They pair well with spicy foods, light desserts, and soft cheeses.

Production Techniques: How Sweet White Wines Are Made

Winemakers use several methods to produce sweet white wines:

1. Stopping Fermentation: Fermentation is halted before all sugar is converted to alcohol. This can be done by:

Chilling the wine
Adding sulfur dioxide
Filtering out the yeast

2. Adding Sweeteners: In some regions, winemakers can add:

Unfermented grape juice (called Süssreserve in German)
Concentrated grape must

3. Late Harvesting: Grapes are left on the vine longer, allowing sugar levels to increase.

4. Noble Rot: A fungus called Botrytis cinerea infects grapes, concentrating sugars and adding unique flavors. This method is used for wines like Sauternes.

5. Ice Wine Production: Grapes freeze on the vine and are pressed while frozen, producing very concentrated juice.

6. Fortification: Adding alcohol to stop fermentation, leaving residual sugar. This method is used for some dessert wines.

The choice of method affects the wine's final flavor, alcohol content, and aging potential.

Pairing Sweet White Wines with Food

Sweet white wines can complement or contrast with various foods:

Spicy foods: The sweetness balances heat. Try with Thai or Indian cuisine.
Salty foods: Sweet wines pair well with salty cheeses or cured meats.
Desserts: Match the wine's sweetness to the dessert. Fruit-based desserts often work well.
Foie gras: A classic pairing with sweet wines like Sauternes.
Seafood: Some sweeter whites pair well with rich seafood like lobster or crab.

White Wine Specific Pairings

Riesling: Pairs with spicy Asian dishes, pork, duck
Moscato: Good with fruit desserts, light cheeses
Gewürztraminer: Pairs well with strong cheeses, spicy foods
Ice Wine: Excellent with blue cheeses or as a dessert itself

White Wine Serving and Storage

1. Serving Temperature

Light, refreshing sweet wines (like Moscato): Serve at 43-46°F (6-8°C)
Fuller-bodied sweet wines (like late harvest wines): Serve at 50-54°F (10-12°C)

Glassware: Use smaller glasses for sweet wines. This concentrates aromas and allows for smaller pours.

2. Storage Tips

Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist.
Keep at a consistent temperature, ideally around 55°F (13°C).
Avoid direct sunlight and vibration.
Most sweet white wines are best consumed within 1-3 years of purchase.
Some high-quality sweet wines (like Sauternes) can age for decades.

Pick Up A Bottle of Sweet White Wine at OBC Today

Sweet white wines offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from light and refreshing to rich and complex. Understanding the different types, production methods, and sweetness levels can help you choose the right wine for your palate and occasion. Whether you're pairing with food or enjoying a glass on its own, there's a sweet white wine to suit every taste.

For those in Ojai, California looking to explore sweet white wines, OBC (Ojai Beverage Company) at 655 East Ojai Avenue is an excellent resource. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through our selection and help you find the perfect sweet white wine. Contact us at (805) 646-1700 or OBConline@yahoo.com for more information or to inquire about our current stock.