Understanding the different wine styles can help you determine what type of wines you enjoy. In this section we will explore the 4th wine style for both white and red wines. This journey will take you though different grapes.
Wine Styles Part 4: Medium Dry (Semi-Sweet) & Dessert Wines
White Wines
White wines in this section present a number of extraordinary flavors. The common and most obvious characteristic that makes these wines different is their mild to rich sweetness. Some dry wine affictionado’s would say that med-sweet wines are not real wines; my position is this, one’s palate should be open to all the flavors of the rainbow. Wines in the semi-sweet should be balanced in it’s components (acidity, sugar, alcohol & tannins). The wine should have a ripeness as if you were actually eating the fruit it mimics. Dessert wines offer a rich intense, concentrated mirad of flavors. We explore two types: fortified dessert wines which another type of alcohol has been added and non-fortified no alcohol added. These wines for some are like it or leave it, but with explanation there’s a lot to discover. Three of the most recognizable wine types are Eiswein, Sauterns & White Ports. I will tell you these dessert syle wines are not just for sweets (even though you could end the meal with these delicious wines being dessert.) We at The Wine House like to think outside the box and utilize these wonderful wines with savory foods as well. Some grapes to explore in this style will be: Chenin Blanc, Eiswein, Gewurztraminer, Late Harvest, Muller-Thurgau, Muscat, Riesling, Sauterns, Sylvaner, and Viognier.
These wines can be enjoyed for any occasion. If you are looking for something to excite your palate and your meal, pair these wines with savory, fried or spicy foods. I enjoy wines in this style to be served slightly chilled about 48 to 55 degrees.
Red Wines
I know you are probably wondering if a red wine actually comes in this style? The answer is Yes it does. Red wines in this category are similar to the light & fruity styles with a twist. They will have a red fruit character with a touch of sweetness. Just like the white wines balance is the key factor here. Remember the components (acidity, sugar, alcohol & tannins). You would look for a wine that has varietal character for example: cabernet, syrah, etc. but satisfying to your palate. Some wines in this style would be like drinking grape juice with alcohol, which at times I do enjoy for a change of pace. These wines are made for summer drinking or Sangria mixing. Dessert style wines would include Ports or Port style wines. When I say Port style I mean a port taste and quality. Some grapes I have tasted made in the port style would be Zinfandel & Syrah (Frontanac in Wisconsin). These wines can be fortified or not. Definately worth exploring as with the whites mentioned above. I like to move outside the box and explore the endless possibilities of wines they make in this style. Some grapes to explore in this category: Blaufrankish, Dornfelder, & Pinot Noir.
Red wines in this style pair well with simple dishes or rich dishes with a little spice. Ports and Port Styles with stews or chili in the cold winter. These reds are great with a slight chill about 48 to 55 degrees.
As we take the final journey towards understanding wine styles, I hope that it is now easier for you to select a wine that will work best for you. I know its not easy to taste all those delicious wines! I hope that you continue to explore the many styles and share you journey with us. “Let Your Palate Be The Guide”

When you think about “Wines with Chocolate”, you probably think that all wines go with chocolate. That isn’t necessarily true. Not all wines go with all chocolates. 