Definition & Meaning of "dessert wine"

What is "dessert wine"?

Dessert wine is a sweet wine that is typically served with dessert or as a dessert on its own. Dessert wines can be made from a variety of grapes and production methods, including late harvest, botrytized (wines affected by the "noble rot" fungus), fortified, and ice wine. These different methods and grape varieties result in a wide range of flavors and aromas, from honey and dried fruits to caramel and chocolate. Dessert wines are typically served in smaller amounts than regular wine and are often paired with desserts that are less sweet than the wine itself, allowing the wine to shine. Some of the most popular types of dessert wines include Sauternes, Port, Sherry, and Moscato d'Asti. Dessert wines can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet and indulgent treat, or paired with desserts such as fruit tarts, cheesecake, or chocolate.