Dessert Wine
Making dessert-style wines is actually quite difficult. It's not just about using the right grape varietals, but winemakers also need the skills to know the exact harvest timing and winemaking conditions. All the way up until the 1800s and 1900s, where the most highly prized and revered wines in the world were the exotic and enchanting wines of Hungarian Tokaji and the delicious delicacy and purity of Mosel Rieslings to the rich, unctuous wines of Sauternes. Read up more here!
Late-harvest Wines
Late-harvest wines are made from grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to develop intense sweetness and concentrated flavours. These dessert wines are often rich and luscious, with notes of honey, apricot, and tropical fruit.
Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are a unique category of dessert wines that have had a distilled spirit, usually brandy, added to them. This increases their alcohol content and creates a more robust, complex flavour profile. Popular examples include Port, Sherry, and Madeira.
Noble Rot Wines
Noble rot wines, also known as "botrytized" wines, are made from grapes that have been affected by a beneficial fungus called Botrytis Cinerea. This fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, resulting in incredibly sweet and complex wines with notes of honey, apricot, and spice.
Sparkling Dessert Wines
Sparkling dessert wines offer a celebratory touch to any occasion. From the delicate sweetness of Moscato d'Asti to the rich and complex flavours of aged Champagne, there's a sparkling dessert wine to suit every palate.
Vin Doux Naturel
Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) wines are a speciality of southern France. These dessert wines are made by adding grape spirit to partially fermented grape juice, halting the fermentation process and leaving residual sugar. The result is a sweet, fortified wine with intense fruit flavours and a long finish.
Passito Wines
Passito wines are made from grapes that have been dried on mats or racks, concentrating their sugars and flavours. These wines are typically rich and luscious, with notes of dried fruit, honey, and spice.
Island-Wide Delivery
Can't wait to get your hands on that bottle of dessert wine?
With a minimum order of $160 and above, you get free delivery! A $15 order fee applies for orders below the minimum spend. While we do our best to provide next-day delivery for orders before 12pm, your wine will usually be delivered within 3 working days, depending on the volume of your order.
Should you require same-day delivery of your order, reach out to us at contact@boundbywine.com. For more information about our delivery services, please refer to our Shipping Policy.
In-Store Pick Up
Prefer to browse our selection in person? Pop by our Joo Chiat storefront and handpick your sweet dessert wines from our shelves. Please check our store opening times before your visit.
What is considered a dessert wine?
Any sweet wine that's typically enjoyed after a meal can be considered a dessert wine. These wines often have higher sugar levels and intense flavours that pair beautifully with desserts or can even be enjoyed on their own as a decadent treat.
What is the most popular dessert wine?
The crown for the most popular dessert wine is often contested, but some strong contenders include Port, Sauternes, and Icewine. Each offers a unique flavour profile, from rich and nutty to honeyed and sweet, making them beloved choices for sweet wine enthusiasts around the globe.
Is dessert wine stronger than wine?
It depends on the type of dessert wine. Fortified dessert wines generally have a higher alcohol content due to the addition of sprits. However, non-fortified varieties, like late harvest or botrytized wines, can have similar or even lower alcohol levels due as there is less sugar converted to alcohol during the fermentation process.
Is dessert wine high in sugar?
Absolutely! Dessert wines are known for being high in sugar, which comes from the residual sugar left after fermentation. The sugar levels can vary, but they are generally significantly higher than in dry wines.
What is a good dessert wine for beginners?
If you're new to the world of dessert wines, Moscato d'Asti is a great place to start. It's a light, bubbly, and approachable sweet wine with notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. Other dessert wine options for beginners include Riesling, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, and Lambrusco.
Is dessert wine high in alcohol?
Yes, Dessert wines have varying alcohol levels. Fortified ones, like Port, are notably stronger (17-20% ABV) due to added spirits. Non-fortified types, like late harvest wines, can range from similar to table wines to slightly higher in alcohol, depending on the grapes and winemaking. However, it's best to enjoy all varieties in moderation.