dessert wines to try before you die
Introduction
Dessert wines are a great way to end a delicious meal, and there are so many different varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer a sweet and fruity Moscato or a rich and complex port, there's a dessert wine out there for everyone. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the best dessert wines to try before you die.
Ice Wine
Ice wine is made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vine. The frozen grapes are then pressed while they're still frozen, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grape. The result is a sweet and flavorful wine that pairs perfectly with desserts like fruit tarts and cheesecake.
One of the best ice wines to try is the Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine from the Niagara Peninsula in Canada. This wine has a rich and complex flavor profile that includes notes of honey, peach, and apricot. It's also won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Port
Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that's typically served as a dessert wine. It's made by adding brandy to the wine during the fermentation process, which stops the fermentation and leaves behind residual sugars. This gives port its sweet and rich flavor.
One of the best ports to try is the Taylor Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny Port. This port is aged for 40 years in oak barrels, which gives it a deep and complex flavor profile. It has notes of caramel, dried fruit, and nuts, and pairs well with strong cheeses like blue cheese and aged cheddar.
Moscato d'Asti
Moscato d'Asti is a sweet and sparkling wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It's made from Moscato grapes and has a low alcohol content, making it the perfect wine to pair with light desserts like fruit salads or sorbets.
One of the best moscato d'Astis to try is the Vietti Moscato d'Asti. This wine has a delicate and effervescent flavor profile that includes notes of white peach and honeysuckle. It's also a great value, with bottles typically selling for under $20.
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine from the Andalusia region of Spain that's typically served as a dessert wine. It's made by adding brandy to the wine during the fermentation process, which gives it a rich and complex flavor profile.
One of the best sherries to try is the Lustau East India Solera. This sherry is aged for 12 years in oak barrels, which gives it a deep and nutty flavor profile. It pairs well with desserts like chocolate cake and bread pudding.
Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet wine from the Bordeaux region of France that's made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. The grapes are affected by a fungus called botrytis, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grape.
One of the best Sauternes to try is the Château d'Yquem. This wine is considered one of the best dessert wines in the world and has a rich and complex flavor profile that includes notes of honey, apricot, and cinnamon. It pairs well with strong cheeses like Roquefort and Stilton.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dessert wines are a great way to end a delicious meal, and there are so many different varieties to choose from. Whether you prefer a sweet and fruity Moscato or a rich and complex port, there's a dessert wine out there for everyone. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, try one of these amazing wines and treat yourself to a truly indulgent dessert experience.