Determining Whether a Wine Is ‘Dry’ or ‘Sweet’

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For enthusiasts of wine, the notion of “sweetness” can often generate confusion. A wine that tastes sweet may not necessarily be overly sugary, while a dry wine may possess a hint of sweetness that isn’t immediately perceptible.

Sweetness in wine is primarily assessed through residual sugar (RS), which refers to the natural sugars from grapes that remain after fermentation. However, the perception of sweetness is influenced by various elements beyond just sugar. Factors such as acidity, alcohol content, and, particularly for red wines, tannins contribute significantly to how we perceive a wine’s taste.

Jamie Goode, a British author and wine scientist, outlines in The Science of Wine From Vine to Glass that a wine’s sweetness encompasses three main aspects: the sugar experienced on the palate, the aromatic qualities and taste of ripe fruit, and the inherent sweetness derived from alcohol.

Exceptional sweet wines achieve an ideal equilibrium between sugar and acidity. While sugar contributes richness, acidity ensures vibrancy, preventing the wine from becoming overly heavy or syrupy. Goode emphasizes that “the great sweet wines of the world have very high sugar levels as well as high acidity.”

Many grape varieties can produce both decadently sweet and delightfully dry wines, showcasing the remarkable versatility of these grapes and offering a rich tasting experience across different styles.

Taste Test: Five Versatile Grapes for Sweet and Dry Wines

Engaging in a tasting experience can be enlightening when pairing the dry and sweet iterations of each grape with corresponding dishes. This exercise reveals how sugar and acidity interact with flavors, showcasing the ways winemakers manipulate these elements to create distinct styles that harmonize with various foods and occasions.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc, a grape variety flourishing in the Loire Valley of France, is renowned for its adaptability. Here, it ranges from the dry, mineral-driven wines of Savennières to the richly sweet late-harvest selections found in Vouvray and Coteaux du Layon. South Africa has also embraced Chenin, producing vibrant dry styles with a rich golden hue.

Dry Chenin Blanc Example

In the Western Cape of South Africa, Chenin Blanc frequently showcases crisp citrus and mineral characteristics.

Try: 2021 Beaumont Family Wines Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc, $50

Sweet Chenin Blanc Example

Chenin Blanc in the Moelleux style from Vouvray or Coteaux du Layon boasts lush sweetness with notes of honey and stone fruits.

Try: 2018 Domaine Huet Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, Vouvray, $45

Riesling

Riesling, a cherished grape primarily associated with Germany, is celebrated for its pronounced acidity and lively aromas, making it suitable for both dry and sweet styles. The Mosel Valley is famed for both expressions, while the Alsace region in France produces Rieslings with a richer profile due to warmer growing conditions and the protective influence of the Vosges Mountains.

Dry Riesling Example

Typically bone-dry, Alsace Rieslings exhibit a richer character compared to their German counterparts. The 2021 Trimbach Riesling exemplifies this with bold citrus and stone fruit notes complemented by minerality.

Try: 2021 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, $24

Sweet Riesling Example

In the Mosel region, Rieslings such as Beerenauslese or Eiswein are celebrated for their intense sweetness, often featuring bright acidity along with flavors like apricot and honey.

Try: 2018 Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel, $60

Furmint

Originating from Hungary’s Tokaj region, Furmint is renowned for its versatility, producing both sweet and dry styles that reflect the area’s unique terroir. Zoltán Kovács, head winemaker at Royal Tokaji, praises Furmint’s ability to express the soil’s character while retaining acidity and mineral qualities.

The botrytized grapes affected by the noble rot (botrytis cinerea) lead to intensely sweet, layered wines. In Tokaji, sweetness levels are measured by “puttonyos,” which refer to the number of baskets of affected grapes added to the wine, resulting in varying levels of richness.

Dry Furmint Example

Dry Furmint wines from Tokaj present fresh, aromatic qualities with notes of green apple and pear, emphasizing the grape’s acidity and minerality for a crisp palate experience.

Try: 2021 Royal Tokaji Úrágya Furmint, $45

Sweet Furmint Example

Tokaji Aszú, crafted from Furmint grapes, is highly regarded for its rich flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and nuts, expertly balanced by vibrant acidity, resulting in a complex yet refreshing wine.

Try: 2017 Royal Tokaji Gold Label Aszú 6 puttonyos, $100

Muscat (Moscato)

Muscat, characterized by its distinct floral and fruity aroma, is crafted in both sweet and dry variations globally. Its appeal ranges from the lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti to drier styles produced in Alsace.

Dry Muscat Example

In Alsace, the dry Muscat consistently exhibits floral and grape notes, making it an excellent accompaniment to lighter fare.

Try: 2019 Albert Boxler Dry Muscat, $53

Sweet Muscat Example

Italian Moscato d’Asti is known for its sweetness, slight fizz, and aromatic profile featuring flavors of peach and apricot.

Try: 2023 Ceretto Moscato D’Asti, $20

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its vibrant aromas of flowers, ginger, and spice, has a long history in Alsace, France, and Alto Adige, Italy. Karoline Walch from Elena Walch winery notes the extensive experience her family has with this grape, particularly from their prestigious vineyard, Vigna Kastelaz.

The grape thrives in a variety of styles, with its natural sugar content and thick skins allowing for sweet, dry, and even botrytized wines. Walch highlights the importance of finding a balance between aromatics and freshness in Gewürztraminer.

Dry Gewürztraminer Example

Dry Gewürztraminer from Alto Adige typically presents intense tropical fruit aromas balanced with fresh acidity, making it fitting for spicy dishes.

Try: 2022 Elena Walch Vigna Kastelaz Gewurztraminer, Alto Adige, $50

Sweet Gewürztraminer Example

This slightly off-dry Gewürztraminer displays floral notes intertwined with white blossoms, honey, and chamomile tea, along with ripe plum and lychee. This wine manages to maintain a light and fresh character despite its richness.

Try: 2020 Weinbach Gewürztraminer, Les Treilles Du Loup, Alsace, $34

Source
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