In most instances dessert and fortified wines are created when the fermentation process is halted before all the sugars inside are converted to alcohol. Sometimes it is stopped naturally or by the addition of sulfur dioxide. Where Sherry and Port are concerned winemakers introduce alcohol to stop the fermentation process. Outstanding Dessert Wines are made from grapes that have a super high concentration of sugar within. This is how they retain their intense nose, voluptuous flavor and velvety texture. The process to make these wines is so expensive and labor intensive that the price for such wine is often high, but well worth the splurge. They also have an enormous ability to age, some an upwards of 50 years. When enjoying, you must remember that these wines are meant to be consumed in small quantities and must be served as cold as possible to get the full intended expression of the wine.
Vin Santo is a silky textured, round dessert wine with flavors of vanilla, honey and a slightly oxidized almonds. Made in Italy, this wine is a perfect match for biscotti which is often dipped in the wine.
Sauterne is the sweet spot of Bordeaux that exudes complex aromas and flavors of honey, fig and marmalade. Like m&m’s this sweet wine melts in your mouth especially when paired with the classic foie gras or Royersford cheese.
Port is a fortified wine that comes from Oporto, Portugal. It comes in a variety of styles (dry, semidry, and sweet). Tawny ports are the most popular due to its nutty characteristics and smoothness. Vintage port is only made in certain years when the harvest is exceptional. Port is always a good companion for dark chocolate and a good cigar if you are so inclined.
Madeira comes from the Madeira Islands off the coast of Portugal. Like port it is produced in dryer and sweeter styles. All Madiera has a smoky, lightly burnt caramel taste. It is luscious and austere with a hint of acidity that stays ever-present even with aging. Caramel, coffee and chocolate desserts pair best, especially when done in cream style.
Sherry is a fortified wine that comes from Jerez, Spain. It comes in a variety of styles with varying levels of sweetness; Amaroso, Jerez Dulce and Cream Sherry are the sweetest. These wines develop with rich nutty flavor is intensified with hints of caramel and citrus fruits. Best served at room temperature with raisin nut cake or poured over vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate wine is produced in two distinct styles; Dark red Port like wines and softer, cream styled wines such as CocoVine. Both styles often exhibit undertones of cinnamon, vanilla and caramel. Although they are rich enough to be served on their own try drizzling crème style chocolate wine over ice cream for a mouthful of flavor or sipping Port like chocolate wine along side crème brulee to enhance the flavors.
Ice Wines is made from grapes that are left un picked till the winter months, when they are finally harvested frozen off the vine. These wines are complex in their flavoring often times showing nuances of honey, apricot, caramelized citrus fruits and spice. Due to their syrupy texture they are best enjoyed at very low temperatures, serve alongside blue cheese, almond cookies or tarts to optimize the flavors.
Moscato comes in two styles sparkling and non sparkling, however the non sparkling version still dances on the pallet somewhat. Both styles resonate with aromas and flavors of white peach, melon and apricot. These wines are clean, bright and refreshing. Baked fruit pies and peach mousse pair wonderfully with both styles.
Plum Wines originate in Asia and is made from the “Drunus Mume”, a species of Asian plum. Aside from the obvious flavor of the plum you can also detect subtle nuances of cherry, citrus and lavender. These wines come in semi sweet and sweet styles. The semi sweet is a good match for grilled chicken salad and the sweet is the perfect accompaniment for a plain cheese cake.
Tokay / Tokaji are rich sweet wines that have been the crown jewel of hungry and Slovakia for over 4000 years. These wines have intense aromatics and flavors of honey, walnut and sweet spice. Pair them with foie gras or creamy blue cheese for a meal onto itself.
Marsala is a fortified wine from Marsala, Italy. Marsala comes in two styles dry and sweet. Sweet Marsala is full bodied and warm, with hints of dates and apricots. It has a balanced finish of minerals and dried fruits which make it a perfect partner for chocolate based desserts as well as Stravecchio and Roquefort cheeses.