Best Dessert Wine Types in the World
Vinsanto is a dessert wine hailing from Santorini. It is made with sun-dried Assyrtiko and Aidani grapes. Despite a surprisingly similar name, this Greek wine does not have much in common with the more famous Vin Santo from Tuscany. The grapes are sun-dried for approximately fourteen days and are then fermented and aged.
This wine has to be oak-aged for a minimum of two years, but most producers opt for longer maturation. The result is a sweet and dense wine packed with flavor and rich in aromas. Although both grape varieties are white-skinned, Vinsanto will attain a luscious golden color that tends to turn into darker amber hues as the wine ages.
Malagousia is an ancient, white-skinned Greek grape that was saved from extinction by Vangelis Gerovassiliou, who brought it back from obscurity in the 1970s. The grape produces aromatic dry wines, which are usually of excellent quality.
It is also used to make dense and perfumed dessert styles. On the nose, the wines display intense aromas often reminiscent of peaches, pears, and tropical fruit, usually with citrusy, herbal, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, they are full-bodied, rich, and round, and the best examples manage to remain lively and fresh.
This amber-colored dessert wine hails from the eponymous Cypriot region. The wine is exclusively produced from sun-dried Xynisteri (white) and Mavro (red) grape varieties, both of which are indigenous to Cyprus. The wine is matured for a minimum of two years and is often fortified with the addition of pure grape spirit. Commandaria wines typically display incredibly fragrant aromatic profile with complex notes of honey, raisins, carob, and spices.
They are a perfect match to nuts, dried fruit, or mature cheese, while some styles may pair well with dark chocolate. Commandaria is often dubbed as one of the oldest wines in the world, believed to have first been mentioned in 800 BC.
This late-harvest dessert wine of Bordeaux is predominantly made with Sémillon, the region's rare golden-skinned white grapes affected by noble rot, though the blends often include Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The appellations may include Sauternes, Barsac, Cérons, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Cadillac, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.
In general, Sauternes wines exhibit pronounced notes of fruit, butterscotch, caramel, and spices, along with floral notes coming from the Muscadelle grapes. Noted for their full body and freshness, Sauternes wines pair nicely with soft cheeses, blue cheeses, washed rind cheeses, terrines, foie gras, and various fruit-based desserts.
THE BEST Sauternes Wine Appellations
Tokaji Aszú (vyber) is a full-bodied dessert wine produced in the Tokaj wine region, which is shared by Hungary and Slovakia. It is produced from six grape varieties including Furmint as the predominant grape, but also Hárslevelü, Kabar, Kövérszölö, Zéta, and Sárgamuskotály (Muscat Blanc).
The wine is made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot and are then mixed into a fermenting must or a new wine. The noble rot concentrates the sugars and gives aszú its complex and fragrant aromas of honey, fruit, and spices, which are usually complemented by rich minerality.
THE BEST Tokaji Aszú Wine Appellations
Moscatel de Setúbal is a fortified dessert wine produced on the Portuguese Setúbal peninsula. Primarily made from Moscatel de Setúbal, internationally known as Muscat of Alexandria, the wines are fortified with grape brandy and are then aged for a minimum of eighteen months.
The color of these sweet wines ranges from golden to amber, and their main aromas include a complex combination of honey, caramel, orange blossom, spices, and acacia notes. These luscious wines are great enjoyed on their own, but they also naturally pair with caramel-based or dry desserts and soft-centered cheese.
Samos Vin Doux is the most popular wine from Samos. It is produced from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is locally known as Moschato Aspro. Apart from this style, the appellation also includes dry wines and the renowned Samos Nectar made from dried grapes.
As it is evident from the name, this wine is produced as a vin doux style. This technique involves adding grape spirit before fermentation is completed. The result is a wine that retains its natural sweetness and typically has higher alcohol content.
Prošek is a subtly sweet Croatian dessert wine which is traditionally produced in the south of the country, predominantly Dalmatia. The wine is made with a passito method—in which the grapes are first dried before they are pressed.
The most common grape varieties used in its production are native Croatian grapes Bogdanuša, Vugava, and Maraština, while the prime examples usually also blend the flagship Croatian grape—Plavac Mali. These dessert wines are typically well-balanced with aromas of ripe apricots, raisins, figs, and orange zest.
Spätlese Riesling is one of the categories for late-harvest German Riesling wines. It falls under a broader category of Prädikatswein—which is a classification based on the ripeness level at which the grapes are harvested.
Apart from Spätlese, this category also includes Kabinett (the least amount of sugar), Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswein. Spätlese is made from fully ripe grapes, and it is the lightest variety of late harvest wines.
The grapes are typically picked one week after regular harvest. However, as the term only refers to the degree of ripeness, these wines can vary in character—from dry to medium-sweet.
THE BEST Spätlese Riesling White Wines
Nectar is a wine style that hails from Samos. The wine is produced from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is locally known as Moschato Aspro. The style is made with late-harvested and sun-dried grapes, and the wines have to be oak-aged for at least three years.
Nectar has an appealing light amber color. It is a complex and rich wine with an aroma reminiscent of honey, raisins, dried fruits, and nuts. On the palate, they display a good balance of acidity and sweetness, with typical dried fruit, toffee, spicy, and herbal notes.
Best Dessert Wine Producers in the World
Inniskillin Winery, located in the heart of Canada’s wine region in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is renowned for producing world-class wines that have won international awards and recognition. Founded in 1975, Inniskillin is a pioneer in Canadian winemaking, especially known for its exceptional ice wines.
Their dedicated approach to viticulture, combined with rich vineyards on the shores of Lake Ontario, allows them to produce wines that reflect the uniqueness of Canada’s nature and terroir. The winery prides itself on using only the highest quality grapes, often handpicked, ensuring the excellence of every vineyard.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2016
Vivino - 4.5
BEST Inniskillin Winery Wines
Big Head Wines is a winery located in the heart of the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region in Ontario, Canada. It is known for producing high-quality wines, with a special emphasis on innovative production techniques and unique flavors. Big Head Wines is dedicated to crafting wines with character, using methods such as wild fermentation, the appassimento method, and various aging vessels to enhance the depth and flavor of their wines.
The winery focuses on small-batch wines, allowing for greater control over quality and experimentation with different styles. The winery is open to visitors and offers various wine tasting options
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017
Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm is a family-owned winery located in the picturesque region of Saar Valley, Germany. The winery has a long history, dating back several generations, and is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.
The estate specializes in Riesling, which is the flagship grape variety of the region, though they also produce a range of other white and red wines.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
BEST Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm Wines
The Hans Wirsching wine estate is one of the most traditional and renowned estates in Franconia. Our family has been growing grapes for several centuries. Currently, Andrea Wirsching manages the estate. On 90 hectares in and around Iphofen, we produce mainly dry white wines – that is our specialty.
The most important grape varieties are Silvaner, Riesling, Scheurebe, and white Pinot varieties (Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris).
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016
The Kracher Winery lies in the Seewinkel area of Austria´s Burgenland. Here, through the evaporative periods of Lake Neusiedl, the evening fog and the warm Pannonian climate, continuous warm-humid weather patterns are dominant and, therefore, allow for Botrytis cinerea to be generated.
This is what provides the basis for the fantastic sweet wines such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
Falstaff - 100
BEST Weinlaubenhof Kracher Wines
De Bortoli Wines is an Australian winery founded in 1928 by the De Bortoli family, immigrants from Italy. Located in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria, the winery is renowned for its diverse range of wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon.
The winery is committed to sustainable vineyard practices and eco-friendly production, focusing on quality, tradition, and innovation. De Bortoli's wines reflect the unique character and terroir of the Yarra Valley. Notably, their Noble One dessert wine, made from botrytis-affected grapes, has received numerous accolades.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023, 2020, 2017, 2016
BEST De Bortoli Wines Wines
Château d'Yquem is one of the most renowned wineries in the world, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. It is famous for producing some of the finest sweet wines, particularly those made from the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.
The estate's wines are primarily known for their exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential.
Weingut Robert Weil, located in Kiedrich, Germany, is one of the most renowned wineries in the Rheingau region, celebrated for its exceptional Riesling wines. Founded in 1875, the estate has built a reputation for quality and tradition, producing wines that express the unique terroir of the region.
The vineyards, primarily planted with Riesling, benefit from the mineral-rich soils and a mild climate, ideal for cultivating grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavors.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2020, 2018, 2017
BEST Reis - feine Weine! Wines
Best Dessert Wines in the World
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2022 is an exceptional Canadian dessert wine that reflects Inniskillin’s commitment to creating world-class ice wines. Made from 100% Vidal Blanc grapes from vineyards in the Niagara region, this wine offers a wealth of aromas and flavors that captivate wine lovers.
The wine has a deep golden color with hints of orange, indicating its maturity. The aromas are rich and varied, with prominent notes of roasted pineapple peel, candied papaya, creamy peach, apple pie spice, and fragrant nectar. On the palate, this ice wine is full and rich, with vibrant acidity and bubbles that cut through its dense texture.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Réserve Mouton Cadet Sauternes is a premium dessert wine that reflects the rich tradition and expertise of this prestigious winery. Produced in the renowned Sauternes appellation in France, this wine is the result of a meticulous selection of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.
In the glass, this wine displays a bright golden-yellow color. On the nose, it reveals complex aromas of acacia, peach, green apple, caramel, and vanilla. On the palate, Mouton Cadet Réserve Sauternes offers a luxurious and velvety taste with a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, culminating in a long, warm, and satisfying finish.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
2018 Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine is an exceptional Canadian dessert wine that boasts richness of flavor and complexity. This specialty comes from the renowned Inniskillin winery, known for producing top-quality ice wines. The wine is made from the Vidal grape variety, which is ideal for creating icewine due to its ability to maintain high acidity while offering rich aromas. 2018 Gold Label Oak Aged Vidal Icewine features a golden-yellow color and a mature, complex aroma.
The nose is filled with rich notes of honey, ripe fruits like peach and pineapple, along with subtle woody hints from aging in oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is incredibly balanced, with the sweetness derived from the concentrated sugars of the ice-harvested grapes, yet it maintains enough freshness from its natural acidity.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
Vivino - 4.3
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sweet Wine 2023 - Alois Kracher Trophy
2023
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
Falstaff - 100
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022, 2019
Morrisons The Best Botrytis Semillon is a luxurious dessert wine crafted by De Bortoli Wines in Australia’s Riverina region, known for producing exceptional botrytised wines. This wine is created from Semillon grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea (or "noble rot"), a natural process that intensifies the grape’s sweetness and flavors.
The result is a golden, lusciously sweet wine with flavors of apricot, honey, marmalade, and hints of citrus.
AWARDS
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2021
2021
Marks & Spencer Hermits Hill Botrytis Semillon is a rich dessert wine produced by De Bortoli Wines in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. This wine is known for its lush, honeyed sweetness, which comes from the "noble rot" process, scientifically called botrytis.
The botrytis fungus naturally concentrates the grapes’ sugars and flavors, giving the wine complex notes of apricot, honey, and citrus zest with a luscious texture.
AWARDS
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2017
2017
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
The 2022 Riesling Kiedricher Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese was harvested in late October and early November. It has the merest touch of dark fir honey, only a notion of darker fruit. The palate is lovely and barely shows botrytis at this exuberant stage of its life.
The sweetness is immense and speaks of candied peach, crystallized Mirabelle and intense citrus, think candied tangerine and orange peel. It's incisive, highly aromatic, lasting and oh-so pure. This is concentration, purity and excellence. Incredible and eternal.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken 2021 »Goldkapsel« Saarburg Rausch Riesling Auslese Versteigerung AP 1-22
Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach 2015 Steinberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel
Weingut Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch – Erben Müller-Burggraef 1921 Bernkastel Doctor Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
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