Except for port and some sherries, sweet tasting wines are predominantly white. Sweetness in a wine is determined by what is called residual sugar, which is the amount of sugar remaining in the wine after fermentation is complete. The higher the residual sugar, the sweeter the wine.
White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel is a sweet, pink wine. It is made from the Zinfandel grape, which is red. The color of the wine is not determined by the grape juice, which is colorless, but the length of time the juice spends in contact with the grape skins. The juice and the grapes remain together long enough to give White Zinfandel its pink color before they are separated.
Riesling And Gewurztraminer
Both wines originated in the Alsatian region of France, but have a German influence. They are now produced all over the world, particularly in California. They are very fruity white wines with a spicy sweetness that can go with a variety of foods. They are two of the few wines that can accompany Indian or Chinese cuisine. Riesling also pairs well with cheeses such as Edam and Gouda, while Gewurztraminer goes well with Boursin and Meunster.
Muscat
Muscat, called Moscato in Italy and Moscatel in Spain, is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. It produces such wines as Moscato d' Asti, a white sweet wine that can have some effervescence.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a sweet white wine made from the chenin blanc grape. In France, the wine is called Vouvray. Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine with flavors of honey and melon. It pairs well with fish, chicken and seafood dishes. Some Chenin Blanc can be dry.
Port And Sherry
Port is a sweet, viscous red wine that is usually served as a dessert wine. It goes well with fruit and a strong cheeses such as Roquefort. Vintage port, the most expensive type, comes from Portugal. Sherry, from Spain, can be dry, but cream sherry is sweet.
Sauternes
Sauternes, like port and sherry, is a dessert wine, but white. Similar to port and sherry, it can be enjoyed with fruit and cheese or cheesecake. Sauternes from France can be very expensive. Chateau d'Yquem is considered the most expensive white wine in the world and can cost hundreds of dollars a bottle depending on the vintage.
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