Dessert wines

Dessert wines, also known as sweet wines or fortified wines, are a type of wine that are typically served with dessert or after a meal. They are characterized by their sweet flavor and high alcohol content.

History

The history of dessert wines dates back to the Roman Empire, where wines were often sweetened with honey. In the Middle Ages, sweet wines were highly prized and often used for ceremonial purposes.

Types of Dessert Wines

There are several types of dessert wines, including:

• Port: A fortified wine from Portugal that is typically rich and sweet.
• Sherry: A fortified wine from Spain that can range from dry to sweet.
• Madeira: A fortified wine from the Madeira Islands that is often served with dessert or cheese.
• Ice wine: A type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.

Production

The production of dessert wines involves a process known as fermentation, where yeast converts the sugars in the grapes into alcohol. To create a sweet wine, the fermentation process is stopped before all the sugar is converted, resulting in a higher sugar content.

Serving Dessert Wines

Dessert wines are typically served in small glasses and are often paired with sweet foods. The sweetness of the wine can complement the sweetness of the dessert, creating a balanced flavor profile.

See Also

• Wine tasting
• Wine and food pairing
• List of grape varieties