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Sweet wines have long been the misunderstood stepchildren of the wine world—often dismissed as cloying. This is far from the truth, as the best examples exhibit complexity that is hard to get in a dry wine, simply because of the ripeness of the grapes at harvest.
The tide is finally turning, though, and these wines are starting to receive the attention they deserve for their complexity, craftsmanship and versatility.
Now, sweet wines are captivating the palates of both novice drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Their balanced sweetness, paired with vibrant acidity, creates a delightful tension that’s both voluptuous and harmonious. This unique interplay means they can effortlessly pair with everything from rich cheeses to decadent desserts, and sometimes even steak. And let’s not forget their ability to enhance spicy dishes, adding a new dimension to them.
Moreover, many sweet wines age beautifully because both the sugar and acidity act as natural preservatives. A well-chosen bottle can be enjoyed immediately or savored years down the line, offering a delightful surprise on special occasions. With an array of options—from light and fruity Moscato to opulent Trockenbeerenauslese—there’s a sweet wine to suit every palate and occasion.
As their popularity rises, sweet wines have emerged as excellent gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. They embody celebration and joy, making them perfect for toasting those special moments. Whether you’re introducing someone to the world of wine or impressing a seasoned enthusiast, these bottles are a thoughtful and delightful choice. The following selection encompasses a variety of options to suit every budget and palate.
Best Sweet Wines to Give to Beginners
A German Riesling Kabinett drew me deeper into the wine world, and here I am 15 years later. It’s an ideal starting point for newcomers to sweet wines. Approachable and easy to enjoy, a classic Kabinett balances gentle sweetness with bright acidity, creating a refreshing experience that won’t overwhelm the senses, or the dishes you pair it with.
Nik Weis 2022 St. Urbans-Hof Goldtröpfchen Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)
Vanilla bean and candied lemon aromas and flavors, with a touch of honey, mark this racy yet fully expressive white. There is a tangy acidity, but the flavors coat it well, leading to a mouthwatering aftertaste. 90 points. — Aleks Zecevic
$19.99 Wine.comBest Sweet & Fruity Wine to Give
Sweet and fruity wines hit the spot for many drinkers. Bursting with vibrant aromas and flavors, they remain delightfully fresh. They pair brilliantly with spicy dishes—think Mexican or Asian cuisine—adding a refreshing contrast. While German Riesling is the frontrunner, Oregon and the Finger Lakes have their own worthy horses in the race, too. And let’s not forget Alsatian Vendanges Tardives (that’s French for late harvest), offering quality for the price.
Jean-Baptiste Adam 2018 Vendanges Tardives Pinot Gris (Alsace)
This mouth-watering vendanges tardives displays intense, finely mixed flavors of passion fruit butter, persimmon, cantaloupe and savory mineral. Velvety and elegant overall, with a delicate, lingering finish of orange blossom honey. 92 points. — A.Z.
$30 Jean Baptise AdamBest Sweet Moscato to Give
Moscato is a beloved crowd-pleaser, known for its light, aromatic and sweet profile. With fragrant floral notes and fresh fruitiness, its low alcohol content makes it easy to drink. That’s why Piedmont’s Moscato d’Asti is a perfect choice for celebrations and gifts, pairing wonderfully with lighter desserts like fruit tarts or even just a bowl of fresh berries.
Braida di Giacomo Bologna 2023 Vigna Senza Nome Moscato (Moscato d’Asti)
A near flawless combination of fresh and vivid aromas of white peach and green apples, this Moscato d’Asti shines with backing notes of mint and lemongrass. The palate is bright and refreshing with candied lemon zest, lemon verbena and jasmine, all the while being in such great balance that the sweetness is an afterthought. Pure joy in a glass. 94 points. Editor’s Choice. — Jeff Porter
$27.99 Wine.comBest Expensive Sweet Wine to Give
If you’re looking to splurge on an extraordinary sweet wine, few rival the prestige of a Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA). Considered the pinnacle of dessert wines, TBA is crafted from hand-picked, botrytis-affected grapes that create concentrated layers of honey, apricot and spice. Its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity makes it rich, yet never cloying.
For a more affordable option, look to Austria’s Ruster Ausbruch, which celebrates its 500-year anniversary this year—offering a historic, elegant gift at a fraction of the price.
Robert Weil 2022 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese Riesling (Rheingau)
The thick and syrupy texture makes you want to pour this over your crêpes—and you probably wouldn’t regret it. However, this is pure excellence in the glass, with an earth and mineral component that is contributing to the already complex palate. Honey, apricot, lime and spice notes converge, all supported by a brilliant acidity. Starts out creamy, yet its freshness makes it easy to enjoy. A perfect way to end a meal. 98 points. Cellar Selection.— A.Z.
$741.33 VivinoHeidi Schröck 2021 Auf den Flügeln der Morgenröte White (Ruster Ausbruch)
Intense, with luscious, concentrated flavors of white chocolate, flambéed peach, apricot jam and lavender honey. It is clean and precise, and although very rich and ultra sweet, there is balance to its density, thanks to the powerful acidity that connects it all. Guava jelly and truffle flavors emerge on the finish where they linger endlessly. Drink through 2045. 94 points. Cellar Selection. — A.Z.
$90.98 Zachy'sBest Ice Wine to Give
Icewine is a luxurious treat, made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine and harvested in freezing temperatures. This labor-intensive process results in a wine with intensely concentrated sweetness and vibrant acidity, offering flavors of ripe peach, tropical fruits and honey. Its unique production and rarity make ice wine a standout gift—perfect for someone who appreciates indulgence and enjoys sipping something truly special.
Reif Estate 2021 Grand Reserve Icewine Vidal (Niagara River)
The sweet aroma of a Champagne® mango greets you with open arms, accompanied by traces of strawberry and ginger. While ripe mango, peach and raw honeycomb flavors coat the palate, there is a surprising amount of acidity demanding attention. All you need now is a plate of Castelvetrano olives stuffed with blue cheese. 95 points. Editor’s Choice. — Michael Alberty
$70 Inside the CellarKiona 2022 Estate Bottled Ice Wine Chenin Blanc (Red Mountain)
This ice wine made my knees weak, and it wasn’t all because of the 152.4 g/L of residual sugar. Butterscotch and spearmint flavors explode from the glass, followed by puffs of mango and honeycomb. Yes, this is a sweet, rich nectar, with passion fruit and lemon gelato flavors. The key is the wine’s blazing acidity, which takes it to another level. Enjoy now until 2038. 95 points. Cellar Selection. — M.A.
$65 Vino ShipperBest Sweet Red to Give
Sweet red wine is the often-overlooked gem of the wine world, offering a delightful blend of richness and fruitiness. With bold flavors of dark fruit, these wines shine alongside chocolate desserts and berry tarts and can even tame spicy barbecue. The Austrian marvel packs flavor in a small bottle and gives a unique drinking experience. It’s not just a wine; it’s a conversation starter.
Kracher 2020 Beerenauslese Zweigelt (Burgenland)
Delicious and inviting mix of rose-flavored Turkish delight, marzipan and strawberry shortcake. It features a silky texture that adds charm to the already impressive flavor profile. Keeps coming at you in waves. with persistence and complexity. 92 points. — A.Z.
$44.99 Wine.comMore Sweet Wine Coverage
- Can sweet wine’s image in the U.S. be rehabilitated?
- Read our guide to buying dessert wines.
- Vin Santo, the sweet wine of saints, is poised for a revival.
- Midwestern sweet wines are big business—and majorly misunderstood.
- Take a crash course on sweet red wines.
- 10 Moscatos for every palate.
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Published: October 23, 2024