Strong Sweet Wine

Strong Sweet Wine

Sweet wines have a distinct charm that has captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries. They offer a delightful indulgence with rich flavors and aromatic profiles. One category that stands out is strong sweet wine. These wines combine higher alcohol content with significant residual sugar.

Origins and Historical Significance

Strong sweet wines trace back to ancient times. The Greeks and Romans prized them for their taste and longevity. They often added honey to boost sweetness. Fortified wines like Port, Sherry, and Madeira emerged later. The addition of spirits like brandy preserved these wines and enhanced their strength.

Popular Varieties

Port

Originating from Portugal, Port wine is fortified with brandy. It comes in various styles:

• Ruby Port: The youngest and fruitiest, aged in stainless steel or concrete tanks.
• Tawny Port: Aged in wooden barrels, it develops nutty flavors and a golden-brown color.
• Vintage Port: Produced from grapes of a single exceptional year and aged in bottles.

Sherry

From Andalusia, Spain, Sherry can be sweet or dry. The sweet varieties include:

• PX (Pedro Ximénez): Made from sun-dried grapes, this Sherry is rich with flavors of figs, dates, and molasses.
• Oloroso Dulce: A blend of Oloroso Sherry and sweet Pedro Ximénez.

Madeira

Hailing from the Madeira Islands, this wine undergoes heating, giving it a unique character. The sweet varieties are:

• Malmsey: The richest and sweetest, often exhibiting caramel, toffee, and raisin notes.
• Bual: Intermediate sweetness with flavors of dried fruits and spices.

Production Techniques

Strong sweet wines are typically made using two methods: fortification or late harvest. Fortification involves adding a grape spirit to stop fermentation, trapping natural sugars. This method also boosts alcohol content. In late harvest wines, grapes are left longer on the vine to allow more sugar accumulation. The natural fermentation process ceases before all the sugar turns into alcohol.

Fortified Wines

For Port, fortification occurs midway through fermentation. This technique leaves unfermented sugars. Sherry production varies, with sweet types often blended post-fermentation. Madeira undergoes estufagem, a heating process that stabilizes the wine and enhances sweetness.

Late Harvest Wines

Late harvest wines rely on natural sugars. Botrytis cinerea, known as noble rot, can concentrate sugars and flavors in some wines. Examples include Sauternes from France and Trockenbeerenauslese from Germany. These wines achieve a balance of sweetness and acidity.

Pairing and Serving

Strong sweet wines pair well with various dishes. They complement rich desserts, blue cheeses, and even savory dishes.

With Desserts

Sipping a glass of Port with chocolate cake enhances the experience. Tawny Port pairs beautifully with caramel or pecan pie. Madeira’s complexity shines with rich cakes or puddings.

With Cheese

Blue cheeses and sweet wines create a delightful contrast. The sharpness of Roquefort or Stilton balances with the sweetness of Sauternes or Pedro Ximénez Sherry.

With Savory Dishes

Strong sweet wines might surprise with savory foods. Pairing Oloroso Sherry with roasted nuts or dry-cured ham can be exquisite. A Bual Madeira with a rich paté is another delightful option.

Aging and Storage

Sweet wines are capable of aging gracefully due to their sugar content and, in some cases, fortification. Proper storage is essential for preserving their quality over time.

Ideal Conditions

• Store wines in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature.
• Humidity should be about 70% to maintain cork integrity.
• Keep bottles horizontal to keep the cork moist.

Aging Potential

Vintage Ports can age for decades, improving in complexity. Tawny Ports, once bottled, don’t age further. Sherry, specifically Amontillado and Oloroso, can age well. Madeira is known for its longevity, with some bottles lasting centuries.

Notable Producers

Numerous wineries excel in crafting exceptional strong sweet wines across the globe.

Port Producers

Taylor’s: Esteemed for its Vintage Ports and aged Tawnies.

Graham’s: Known for rich, full-bodied Ports with a signature sweetness.

Quinta do Noval: Celebrated for its elegant and balanced Ports.

Sherry Producers

González Byass: Produces iconic Tio Pepe and exquisite sweet Sherries.

Lustau: Renowned for its wide range, including superb Pedro Ximénez.

Bodegas Hidalgo: Makers of exceptional Manzanilla and sweet Sherries.

Madeira Producers

Blandy’s: A historic producer offering a variety of styles.

Henriques & Henriques: Known for its well-aged and balanced Madeiras.

D’Oliveiras: Offers rich, complex wines with impressive aging potential.

Health Considerations

Moderate consumption of sweet wines can be part of a balanced diet. They contain antioxidants, which have health benefits.

Potential Benefits

• Antioxidants like resveratrol may reduce heart disease risk.
• Moderation can contribute to relaxation and stress relief.

Moderation is Key

Overindulgence in alcohol carries risks. It’s essential to enjoy these wines responsibly. One to two small glasses per day can be a pleasurable part of a healthy lifestyle.

Buying Tips

Purchasing strong sweet wine can be enjoyable with a few guidelines.

Know Your Preferences

Determine what flavor profile you prefer. Do you enjoy rich, fruit-forward wines or complex, nutty ones? This knowledge aids in selecting the right bottle.

Check Vintage Information

For Vintage Ports, check the quality of the declared vintage year. Older Tawnies and Madeiras can offer deeper complexity. For Sherries, age statements like VOS (Very Old Sherry) or VORS (Very Old Rare Sherry) indicate high quality.

Seek Recommendations

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from wine shop staff or friends. They can guide you based on your tastes. Trying samples at wine tastings can also help discover new favorites.

Exploring Sweet Wines Beyond Fortified Types

Fortified wines are just one type of strong sweet wines. Other notable varieties exist.

Ice Wine (Eiswein)

Produced from grapes naturally frozen on the vine. The freezing process concentrates sugars and flavors. Canada and Germany are famous for Ice Wine production.

Passito Wines

Made from dried grapes, these wines offer intense sweetness and complexity. Italy excels with Passito wines like Vin Santo from Tuscany.

Late Harvest Wines

Beyond Sauternes, other regions produce excellent late harvest wines. California’s Napa Valley offers notable examples.