The huge number of types and varieties of wines is very difficult to understand. More and more new bottles are constantly appearing on store shelves, alluring with their names and shapes. For example, sweet and semi-sweet wines. I wonder what is the difference between them.
What semi-sweet and sweet wines are made from
For the production of both varieties of wines, grapes of various varieties are used. The main requirement for grapes is a high level of sugar content. To completely saturate the grapes with sugar, they can be removed a little overripe.
Sweet and semi-sweet wine is somewhat similar in taste and aroma. It's all about botrytis cinerea - a special fungus that develops in grapes. It is he who gives such an amazing and pleasant aroma to wine. This fungus is specially introduced into the wine material, since it increases sugar content, destroys the skins of grape berries, removes water from the berries, leaving only juice in it, and also promotes the absorption of the aromas of the skins into the juice. In addition, the fungus absorbs tannins and acids from the grapes.
The difference between semi-sweet wine and sweet
Semi-sweet wines are very laborious to prepare. Their strength is no more than 15%, and the sugar content is from 3 to 11%. After reaching a certain amount of sugar and strength, it is necessary to stop fermentation. To do this, lower the temperature of the wine mass. The finished product is pasteurized and stored in glass bottles. These wines have a limited shelf life.
Semi-sweet, like sweet wines, can be white or red. The taste of semi-sweet wine is considered the lightest. That is why this type of wine is the most popular. It is neither sour nor sweet, making it ideal for almost any meal.
Almost everyone knows what sweet wine is. This group of wines has the largest amount of sugar in its composition. But few know that the familiar Cahors, Tokai, Muscat and Malaga are introduced to this group. Dessert wines have a special quality - they improve their taste characteristics during long-term storage. These wines contain alcohol, therefore, they belong to the fortified group. They are served with dessert, but it is better to serve semisweet wine with the main course.
What should be served with sweet and semi-sweet wine
The difference between semi-sweet wine and sweet wine leaves its mark on the food served with it. In many ways, the choice of food should depend on the degree of sweetness of the wine. However, the flavor bouquet of the wine can also play a role. For example, the famous sweet French wine Sauternes is served with white bread toasts, kiwi and foie gras.
Muscat wine goes well with homemade savory snacks and any other simple meal.
If you like sweet white wine, serve fish with it. Sweet red port wine is served with cheese, chocolate, sweet dessert.
