Sweet wines from Diego Mathier

Buy sweet wine – a delight for special moments

Sweet wine is a classic among wines, characterised by its high residual sugar content and intense aromas. It is not only an ideal complement to desserts, but also a versatile companion for various dishes or a pleasure on its own. The Swiss range includes sweet wines that meet the highest standards and are a real treat for wine lovers.

What is sweet wine?

Sweet wine is characterised by its high residual sugar content, which remains during fermentation. According to EU regulations, a sweet wine must contain at least 45 grams of sugar per litre, although some wines, such as Tokaji Aszú, have significantly higher sugar contents. Whether as a dessert wine, sweet wine or fortified wine, sweet wine offers an unparalleled range of flavours. It is made from both white and red grapes, which ensures a great deal of variety.

How does sweetness occur in wine?

The sweetness in wine comes from the natural sugars in the grapes, which are influenced by either the winemaking or the ripening process. There are several methods used to create sweet wines:

Stopping fermentation early: the winemaker stops the fermentation early to preserve the sugars in the wine.
Drying the grapes: the grapes are left to dry on the vine or after harvesting to concentrate the sweetness.
Noble rot (Botrytis cinerea): this natural form of grape drying results in particularly intense flavours and a pronounced sweetness.
Addition of alcohol: for liqueur wines such as Vin Doux Naturel, high-percentage alcohol is added to stop the fermentation and preserve the sweetness.

Types of sweet wines

Sweet wines can be divided into different categories, each with its own characteristics:

Dessert wines: perfect for rounding off a meal, often intensely fruity and sweet.
Sweet wines: wines with a high residual sugar content that can be enjoyed not only with dessert but also as an aperitif or to accompany spicy dishes.
Liqueur wines: wines that develop a particularly concentrated sweetness through the addition of alcohol.

The role of sweet wine in the wine world

Sweet wines have a special place in the wine world. They are considered the epitome of pleasure and sophistication and are a popular companion for special occasions. Whether as an aperitif, with cheese or as a dessert highlight – sweet wines offer unparalleled versatility. They encompass everything from a wide range of flavours to a variety of uses, making them suitable for all occasions.

Sweet wine and food

Sweet wines are a versatile food companion and ideal for combining with a variety of dishes. The harmonious combination of sweetness and acidity makes it ideal for numerous dishes:

With cheese: blue cheese or aged Gruyère, in particular, harmonise perfectly with sweet white wine.
With desserts: a dessert wine is the perfect accompaniment to fruity tarts, crème brûlée or chocolate cake.
With spicy dishes: Asian cuisine, with its sweet and sour or spicy elements, is wonderfully complemented by dessert wine.

Special characteristics of dessert wine

Intense aroma

Sweet wines impress with their complex aromas, ranging from tropical fruits to honey and candied berries. The variety of flavours is a hallmark of this wine category.

Diverse grape varieties

Sweet wines are made from a variety of grape varieties, including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and rarer grapes that are specially grown for this wine category.

Longevity

Thanks to their high sugar and acidity levels, sweet wines are particularly suitable for ageing and develop exciting flavours over the years.

Sweet wine production

Sweet wine production is an art that requires a great deal of skill. The winemaker decides when to stop fermentation, which grapes to use and how to store the wine. The methods used range from the traditional drying of the grapes and the selective harvesting of berries affected by noble rot to controlled fermentation in the cellar.

The variety of sweet wines

The variety of sweet wines ranges from light, fruity white wines to intense, syrupy liqueur wines. Choosing the right wine depends on the occasion and personal preference.

Sweet white wine

Sweet white wine is a classic among sweet wines. It impresses with its bright colour, delicate sweetness and complex aromas of ripe fruit, honey and blossoms. Perfect as an aperitif or with desserts.

Sweet red wine

Sweet red wine is rarer, but no less fascinating. The aromas of dark berries and chocolate make it an ideal companion for strong cheeses or chocolate desserts.

How do you serve sweet wine?

Sweet wines develop their aromas best at the right serving temperature:

White wine: 8-10 °C
Red wine: 14-16 °C
Dessert wine: between 8-12 °C depending on the type

Choose a glass with a narrow opening to concentrate the aromas.

Storing sweet wine

Thanks to their high sugar and acidity levels, sweet wines are particularly long-lasting. They can be stored for years without losing any of their quality. It is important that they are stored in a dark, cool place.

FAQ about sweet wine

What is the difference between sweet wine and dry wine?

Sweet wine contains more residual sugar, whereas in dry wine, the sugar is completely converted into alcohol during fermentation. This makes sweet wines more intense and fruity in flavour.

Which sweet wine goes well with cheese?

A sweet white wine, such as a late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc, goes particularly well with blue-veined or aged hard cheeses.

Can sweet wine be stored?

Yes, sweet wines are very storable thanks to their high sugar and acidity levels. They often develop even more complex flavours over time.

How much sugar is in sweet wine?

Sweet wine contains more than 45 grams of residual sugar per litre, which gives it its characteristic taste.

Is sweet wine always a dessert wine?

Not necessarily. Sweet wines can also be drunk as an aperitif, with cheese or as a standalone drink.