What Are Dessert Wines?

Dessert wines are sweet wines made from grapes with higher residual sugar levels, often achieved through specialised winemaking techniques. These wines are typically served with or as dessert, highlighting their rich and concentrated flavours.

Common Dessert Wine Styles

• Fortified Wines: Wines like Port and Sherry have added spirits to increase alcohol content and sweetness.
• Noble Rot Wines: Sauternes and Tokaji are made from grapes affected by "Botrytis cinerea," a fungus that concentrates sugar.
• Late Harvest Wines: Grapes are left on the vine longer to achieve higher sugar levels, resulting in intensely sweet wines like German Spätlese.
• Ice Wine: Grapes are frozen on the vine, concentrating sugars and acidity for a vibrant, sweet profile.

For a detailed breakdown of dessert wine styles, visit Wine Folly’s guide to dessert wines.

Proper Handling and Storage of Dessert Wines

Dessert wines are crafted to last, but proper storage ensures they maintain their richness and balance.

Storage Conditions for Dessert Wines

• Temperature: Store dessert wines at 10°C–15°C to preserve their sweetness and complexity.
• Humidity: Maintain 60%–70% humidity to protect cork integrity.
• Lighting: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays, as these can degrade the wine’s flavours.

Bottle Position for Storing Dessert Wines

Store dessert wines horizontally if sealed with a cork to keep it moist. For screw-capped bottles, upright storage is acceptable.

For additional storage tips, see Decanter’s guide on storing sweet wines.

Ageing Potential and Best Practices

Many dessert wines are ideal for ageing, with some varieties improving for decades under the right conditions.

Ageing Potential for Dessert Wines

• Port: Vintage Port can age for 20–50 years, developing nuanced flavours of dried fruits, nuts, and spice.
• Sauternes: Ages beautifully for 10–30 years, gaining complexity with notes of caramel, honey, and dried apricots.
• Ice Wine: Best consumed within 5–10 years, maintaining its vibrant acidity and fresh sweetness.

Best Practices for Ageing Dessert Wines

• Ensure a stable temperature to prevent spoilage.
• Use a wine cellar or specialised wine fridge for consistent conditions.
• Protect from vibrations and odours that could affect the wine’s integrity.

For scientific insights on wine ageing, visit Science Direct’s page on wine ageing.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Dessert wines are robust but still vulnerable to environmental factors.

Key Risks to Dessert Wines

• Oxidation: Improper sealing or frequent temperature changes can diminish sweetness and aromas.
• Light Damage: Exposure to UV light can alter colour and flavour. Read our article on The Effect of Light on Wine to learn about "lightstrike".
• Heat Damage: High temperatures can spoil the wine and disrupt its balance.

Mitigation Tips

• Store in a cool, dark space or a wine fridge with UV protection.
• Avoid storing near heat sources, such as ovens or radiators.
• Use vacuum stoppers for opened bottles to extend freshness.

How to Enjoy Dessert Wines

Serving dessert wine properly enhances its luxurious character and pairs it beautifully with food.

Serving Temperatures for Dessert Wines

• Light dessert wines like Moscato are best served chilled at 8°C–10°C.
• Rich, fortified wines like Port should be slightly warmer, around 12°C–15°C.

Best Glassware for Dessert Wines

• Use small, tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate the aromas and prevent rapid warming.
• For fortified wines, consider Port glasses for a more traditional experience.

Best Food Pairings for Dessert Wines

• Pair Sauternes with blue cheese, foie gras, or crème brûlée for a balance of sweet and savoury.
• Enjoy Port with dark chocolate, nuts, strong cheeses like Stilton or a mince pie at Christmas.
• Ice wine complements fruit tarts, sorbets, and lighter desserts.

Highlighting a Famous Dessert Wine: Château d’Yquem (Sauternes, France)

Château d’Yquem is the gold standard of Sauternes, known for its opulence and remarkable ageing potential.

Key Features

• Grapes: Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, affected by noble rot.
• Flavour Profile: Rich notes of honey, apricot, and vanilla, with balanced acidity.
• Ageing Potential: Can age for 50+ years, developing unparalleled depth and complexity.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store at 12°C–14°C for optimal preservation.
• Serve slightly chilled, around 10°C, to highlight its aromatic intensity.

Looking for luxury wine cellar ideas? Check out our 10 Luxury Wine Room Ideas for Every Home