Ultimate Guide to Sweet Wine: Discover Top Varieties & Brands

Dive right into the world of sweet wines, for a complete know-how of these incredible wines. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer this guide will uncover everything that you’re looking for. Let this article take you through a journey waiting to be opened, so let’s get right into it without any further delay. Let the adventure begin!

 

What is a Sweet Wine?

Sweet wine is a wine type that is characterised by a high level of sweetness present in the wine's body. The sweetness in these wines is attributed to different factors like using overripe grapes for production, adding sugar, and preventing fermentation to preserve the natural grape. These wines come in various options ranging from mildly sweet to intensely sweet. Sweet wines cater to a broad range of preferences, ensuring there's a perfect match for every palate.

Sweet vs Dry Wine

Sweet Wine vs Dry Wine: Understanding the Differences

Now let’s take a look at the key differences between sweet and dry for a clear picture of what to expect. Understand the contrasts between sweet and dry wines to better appreciate their unique qualities. Read on:

  1. Sugar Content - Sweet wine contains high residual sugar levels, adding sweetness to its texture. On the other hand, Dry wine contains a very moderate level of sugar, leading to a neutral bitter taste when sipped. 

  2. Flavour Profile - Honey, fruit and caramel are the common sweet wine flavour profiles available in the market. Dry wine emphasises flavours of crisp fruit, spices, and earthy notes.

  3. Food Pairing - Sweet wine pairs perfectly with sweet and savoury dishes, followed by dessert. Conversely, dry wine goes well with savoury foods and main course dishes. 

  4. Production Technique - Late harvesting is a cooking technique used to produce sweet wine. Noble rot is also used to concentrate sugar in sweet wine. When fermented to complete dryness, the sugar present in dry wine is converted into alcohol.

Understanding the differences between sweet and dry wines helps you make the best choice for every occasion.

Sweet Wine Styles: Find Your Perfect Match

Now it’s time to find your perfect sweet wine match and enjoy the experience. Let’s take you right into the styles out there: 

  1. Moscato - Known for its light fruity flavours and low alcohol content, Moscato is a sweet and aromatic wine. With flavourful notes of peach, orange blossom and honey you don’t want to miss out on this one!

  2. Riesling - A versatile wine which has a dry-to-off-dry finish and has an intense sweetness to it. Apricot honey and floral notes captivate the palate with Riesling wine.

  3. Port - Rich in flavour and with origins in Portugal, Port has a flavour profile that is rich and captivating. Try our ports with a flavour profile of dark berries and chocolates to experience the best!

  4. Lambrusco - This comes in subtly sweet to indulgent sweet options. Lambrusco wine’s bubbly fruity flavour and refreshing sparkle is a dream for any wine connoisseur out there. 

  5. Muscat - With a fragrance of orange blossom and ripe fruit aroma, Muscat is a wonderful sweet wine worth experiencing. You’ll experience a nice bright, crisp finish with every sip you take.

With a range of sweet wine styles to choose from, there’s a perfect option for every palate and occasion.

Sweet vs Dry Wine

Top 10 Sweet Wine Labels You Must Try

Savour the finest sweet wines that are perfect for any occasion. From classic favourites to crowd pullers, these wines offer a taste of pure indulgence. With these top 10 sweet wine labels, you will surely find your next favourite. Cheers to discovering delightful flavours that promise to be a satisfying sipping experience. Here’s the list:

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Gossips - Sweet Lips Dolcetto & Syrah

This sweet wine is an immensely popular choice for red wine lovers. With a profile of rich, fruity flavours and a touch of sweetness, you can expect nothing short of class and perfection in every sip.
$5.79 each

Brown Brothers - Multi-Regional Blend Dolcetto & Syrah

This sweet red wine is infused with an aroma of ripe fruit and red berries. On the palate it offers flavours of strawberries and a touch of musk, culminating to a fine smooth taste. 
$14.95 each

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Banrock Station - Crimson Cabernet

A wine that delivers a rich plummy flavour and a smooth extended finish. Perfect for folks who love the finer things in life, you want to get your hands on this one at the earliest.
$8.99 each

Hollick - The Nectar

An example of a luscious sweet wine followed by a crisp acidic taste, The Nectar is a must-have for your collection. Perfect to complement with a variety of dessert, it will be an ideal match enhancing your sipping experience after a delicious meal.
$27.99 each

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De Bortoli - Deen Botrytis Semillon

The perfect pairing for cheese and dry fruits with a rich flavour profile, it’s all that you want in your wine! With a balanced honey sweetness and vibrant acidity, the Deen Botrytis Semillon is apt wine for any occasion whatsoever.
$14.99 each

Toi Toi - Late Harvest Dessert Wine

Featuring delicate floral aromas with hints of raisins and syrup this is a wine that is a testament to finesse. On the palate, it presents a rich sweetness complemented by subtle notes of citrus and stone fruit, creating a well-rounded and satisfying profile.
$12.99 each

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La Esencia - Sangria

Sangria is the perfect summer refreshment, and La Esencia delivers vibrant fruit flavours and a light, refreshing palate that's sure to please any crowd. Serve it with fresh fruit such as oranges, apples, limes, and pineapple, or mix in a splash of lemonade and ginger ale for an added zest.
$8.99 each

Sevenhill - Sweet Altar Red Wine

Perfectly suited for communion, this wine combines a soft, velvety texture with a delicate sweetness. Its approachable nature makes it a harmonious choice for moments of reflection and celebration.
$18.99 each

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Fresita - Strawberry Sparkling

A pioneering sparkling wine infused with 100% natural strawberry pulp, offering a pure sweetness without extra sugar or additives. Blended with premium Chilean sparkling wine and handpicked strawberries, it's perfect as an aperitif, dessert, or a delightful treat to sip with friends and family.
Member Offer
$15 per bottle Non-Member: $16.99 each

Passion Pop - Original

This fun and light-hearted Passion Pop is low in alcohol and bursting with a soft, approachable passion fruit sweetness. Passion Pop combines a playful personality with an easy-drinking profile. It's a delightful crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Member Offer
$6.90 per bottle Non-Member: $7.49 each

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Where to Buy the Finest Sweet Wine? 

For the finest selection of sweet wines, Dan Murphy’s is your top choice. With over 270+ liquor stores across Australia, we offer the widest range of the sweetest wines in the market. You can conveniently shop online via Dan’s website or our alcohol delivery app, with options for home delivery to ensure you get your favourite wines delivered straight to your door. Enjoy the convenience of finding the finest sweet wines at Dan Murphy’s, with extensive store locations and easy online shopping for home delivery. Cheers to the good times!

Frequently Asked Questions
    • Sweet wines typically have an ABV ranging between 7-15%. The exact ABV can vary depending on the production technique and the type of sweet wine. Some Sweet wines like port have a higher ABV ranging between 15-20% due to a high level of sugar content present.
    • Sweet wines are usually best enjoyed chilled. When sipped chilled you will experience the complete balance of sweetness of these wines. However, very rich and heavy sweet wines are best sipped not too chillied to allow the flavour to fully develop with each sip that you take. Always make sure to store your opened bottle of sweet wine in the refrigerator when not in use.
    • Sweet wine ages well and does improve over time. The high levels of sugar content and acidity in sweet wine help preserve these wines for a long while. Keep in mind that some sweet wines evolve and gain depth over decades. Ageing potential is influenced by the wine's composition, making it essential to consider the wine style to know when is the best time to sip it.