Dessert wines often get overlooked, but they’re a fantastic way to end a meal. While white dessert wines like Sauternes and Moscato d’Asti tend to get all the attention, red dessert wines offer a richer, more complex experience. These wines can range from fruity and jammy to intensely chocolatey and spicy, pairing beautifully with everything from dark chocolate cake to strong cheeses. Finding the right one can be a delightful adventure, so I’ve put together a list of some of the best red dessert wines you can try.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port: A nutty, caramel-flavored classic with a smooth finish.
- Inniskillin Vidal Icewine: Intense apricot and honey notes, surprisingly refreshing.
- Blandy’s 10 Year Malmsey Madeira: Rich toffee and dried fruit flavors with balanced acidity.
- Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti: Lightly sweet, fizzy, and aromatic with peach and floral notes.
- Quady Elysium Black Muscat: Intensely fruity with rose and berry aromas, a sweet and decadent treat.
Top 5 Best Red Dessert Wine
1. Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port
Taylor Fladgate is a well-respected name in the Port world, and their 20 Year Tawny is a fantastic example of their expertise. This Port is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinctive nutty and caramel flavor. It’s a smooth and sophisticated dessert wine, perfect for sipping after dinner.
Pros:
- ✅ Complex flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruit.
- ✅ Smooth and velvety texture.
- ✅ Well-balanced sweetness.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey.
- ❌ Some might find it too nutty.
- ❌ Higher alcohol content than some other dessert wines.
Verdict: This is a classic choice for Port lovers, especially those who appreciate the nutty and caramel notes of a well-aged Tawny.
2. Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
While technically not a red wine, Inniskillin Vidal Icewine deserves a spot on this list because it’s a fantastic dessert wine that even red wine drinkers will enjoy. Made from grapes that are naturally frozen on the vine, this Icewine has concentrated flavors and a luscious sweetness. It’s a Canadian specialty, and Inniskillin is one of the most recognized producers.
Pros:
- ✅ Intense flavors of apricot, honey, and tropical fruit.
- ✅ Refreshing acidity balances the sweetness.
- ✅ Unique and memorable taste.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be very expensive due to the labor-intensive production process.
- ❌ Very sweet, which might not appeal to everyone.
- ❌ Availability can be limited depending on your location.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a truly special and decadent dessert wine, Inniskillin Vidal Icewine is worth the splurge. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
3. Blandy’s 10 Year Malmsey Madeira
Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira, and Blandy’s is one of the most respected producers. Their 10 Year Malmsey is a rich and complex dessert wine with notes of toffee, dried fruit, and spice. What sets Madeira apart is its unique production process, which involves heating the wine, giving it a distinctive caramelized flavor and exceptional aging potential.
Pros:
- ✅ Rich and complex flavors of toffee, dried fruit, and spice.
- ✅ High acidity balances the sweetness and prevents it from being cloying.
- ✅ Excellent aging potential.
Cons:
- ❌ The “cooked” flavor might not appeal to everyone.
- ❌ Can be a bit challenging to find in some markets.
- ❌ Higher alcohol content.
Verdict: Blandy’s 10 Year Malmsey Madeira is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy rich, complex dessert wines with a distinctive character. It pairs beautifully with cheese, nuts, and desserts.
4. Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti
For a lighter and more refreshing red dessert wine option, consider Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti. While technically a white wine, its delightful sweetness and bubbly character make it a great alternative to heavier red dessert wines. This Italian wine is lightly sweet, fizzy, and aromatic, with notes of peach, apricot, and flowers. It’s a perfect choice for those who prefer something less intense.
Pros:
- ✅ Lightly sweet and refreshing.
- ✅ Fizzy and aromatic.
- ✅ Relatively low alcohol content.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as complex as some other dessert wines.
- ❌ The fizziness might not appeal to everyone.
- ❌ Best enjoyed young and fresh.
Verdict: Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asti is a great choice for those who want a light, sweet, and refreshing dessert wine. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or pairing with fruit-based desserts.
5. Quady Elysium Black Muscat
Quady Elysium Black Muscat is a standout dessert wine from California. Made from the Black Muscat grape, this wine is intensely fruity and aromatic, with notes of rose, lychee, and berries. It’s a sweet and decadent treat that’s perfect for those who love fruity and floral flavors. I tried this at a wine tasting once and was blown away by its unique flavor profile.
Pros:
- ✅ Intensely fruity and aromatic.
- ✅ Unique flavor profile.
- ✅ Pairs well with chocolate and fruit desserts.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be very sweet.
- ❌ Some might find the floral aromas overpowering.
- ❌ Not as widely available as some other dessert wines.
Verdict: Quady Elysium Black Muscat is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy intensely fruity and floral dessert wines. It’s a sweet and decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right red dessert wine can be a bit overwhelming, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Sweetness Level: Dessert wines range from lightly sweet to intensely sweet. Consider your personal preference and the type of dessert you plan to pair it with.
- Flavor Profile: Red dessert wines can have a wide range of flavors, from fruity and floral to nutty and spicy. Think about what flavors you enjoy and look for wines that match those profiles.
- Body: Some dessert wines are light-bodied and refreshing, while others are full-bodied and rich. Consider the weight of the wine and how it will complement your dessert.
- Price: Dessert wines can range in price from affordable to very expensive. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.
- Pairing: Consider what you will be pairing the wine with. Lighter wines go well with fruit, while richer wines stand up to chocolate and cheese.
FAQs
What is the difference between Port and Madeira?
Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that is typically sweet and rich. Madeira is also a fortified wine from Portugal, but it undergoes a unique heating process that gives it a distinctive caramelized flavor and exceptional aging potential.
What are some good food pairings for red dessert wines?
Red dessert wines pair well with a variety of foods, including chocolate, fruit, cheese, and nuts. Lighter-bodied wines are best with fruit-based desserts, while richer-bodied wines can stand up to chocolate and cheese.
How should I store red dessert wine?
Red dessert wines should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, they can typically be stored in the refrigerator for several days or even weeks, depending on the style.
What does “fortified” mean?
Fortified wine means that a distilled spirit, usually brandy, has been added to increase the alcohol content. This also helps preserve the wine.
Conclusion
Red dessert wines offer a delightful way to elevate your after-dinner experience. From the rich and nutty flavors of Tawny Port to the intensely fruity aromas of Black Muscat, there’s a red dessert wine out there for every palate. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good starting point to explore the world of red dessert wines and find your new favorite.
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