5 Types of Sweet Wine

Summary

In this video, Chad from Beverage Professor explains sweet wines, ideal for beginners or those new to wine. He shares common experiences where new wine drinkers are turned off by dry wines like Cabernet. He introduces five accessible sweet wines: White Zinfandel, Moscato, Riesling, Red Moscato, and Brachetto. Chad highlights the differences in styles, regions, and characteristics, offering tips for identifying sweeter varieties. The goal is to help viewers make better wine choices, whether for personal enjoyment or for servers looking to increase tips by recommending the right wines.

Takeaways

• 🍷 The video is focused on introducing sweet wines for beginners and those who are unfamiliar with wine.
• 🤔 Many new wine drinkers struggle with dry wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, and prefer sweeter wines.
• 🍓 White Zinfandel, a pink wine, is commonly found and is made from red Zinfandel grapes with minimal skin contact to give it its blush color.
• 🍇 Moscato or Moscato d'Asti is a sweet wine that is slightly effervescent and is a great step up from White Zinfandel.
• 🇩🇪 German Riesling is a sweet wine that can be a good introduction, though it has many complexities that can be confusing for beginners.
• 🏷️ Riesling bottles often include a sweetness scale on the label, making it easier for buyers to determine sweetness levels.
• 🍫 Sweet red wines like Quady's Red Electra (Black Muscat) offer rich, chilled options for those who prefer sweeter, still wines.
• 🍷 Brachetto, typically found in Italy, is another sweet red wine that may be labeled 'Rosso Dolce' or 'semi-sweet' with light effervescence.
• 🍾 Sparkling wine varieties like Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante are made from the same Moscato grape but in a sparkling style.
• 💡 The video aims to educate viewers on selecting sweet wines and provide recommendations for beginners to avoid frustration while shopping for wine.

Q & A

What are some common misconceptions about sweet wines?

A common misconception is that all pink wines are sweet. While white zinfandel is a sweet pink wine, not all pink wines like rosé are sweet. Another misconception is that all wines labeled 'zinfandel' are sweet, but red zinfandels are dry.

Why might a beginner not enjoy a dry red wine like Cabernet?

Beginners might find dry red wines like Cabernet unappealing because they can be too strong and dry for someone not accustomed to wine. It's often recommended to start with sweeter wines before trying dry styles.

How is white zinfandel made?

White zinfandel is made from the red zinfandel grape. The juice from the grape is clear, and the wine gets its pink color by allowing the skins to be in contact with the juice for a short period.

What is Moscato di Asti, and why is it popular?

Moscato di Asti is a sweet Italian wine made from the muscat grape, known for its slight effervescence and rich, refreshing taste. It is popular because of its approachable sweetness and light, fizzy texture.

What should beginners look for when choosing a Riesling?

Beginners should start with a Riesling that simply says 'Riesling' on the label, ideally from Germany, as they tend to be sweeter. Avoid labels that say 'Trocken,' which indicates the wine is dry.

What characteristic smell might some Rieslings have that could confuse new wine drinkers?

Some Rieslings may have a 'petrol' or gasoline-like smell, which can confuse new drinkers. However, this is a normal characteristic of certain Rieslings and does not affect the taste.

What is the difference between white Moscato and red Moscato?

White Moscato is made from the white muscat grape and is often slightly effervescent. Red Moscato, like Quady’s Red Electra, is made from black muscat grapes and is a still (non-sparkling) wine, offering a rich and sweet flavor.

Can sweet red wines be served chilled?

Yes, sweet red wines can be served chilled, unlike most dry red wines that are traditionally served at room temperature. Chilling enhances the refreshing quality of the sweeter red varieties.

What is Brachetto, and how can you recognize it on a label?

Brachetto is a sweet red wine from Italy, often slightly sparkling. It might be labeled as 'Brachetto d’Acqui' or simply 'Rosso Dolce' or 'semi-sweet,' indicating its sweetness level.

How can you quickly tell the sweetness level of a Riesling from the label?

Some Riesling bottles include a sweetness scale on the back label, showing the wine's position from dry to sweet. This helps buyers choose according to their preference.