This article provides an overview of dessert wine, what it tastes like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make dessert wine substitutes.
What is Dessert Wine?
Dessert wine is a group of sweet wines typically served with dessert or after a meal.
The term can be defined differently depending on the location, for example, in the United Kingdom and sweet wine consumed with a meal is a dessert wine, whereas, in the United States, a dessert wine is legally defined as any wine over 14% ABV.
What does Dessert Wine taste like?
Dessert wine is typically a sweet wine with a pronounced and complex flavor. It usually has a high alcohol content and therefore should always be sweeter than the dessert they are served with, so the wine does not taste bitter.
Is Dessert Wine readily available in Supermarkets?
Dessert wines should be readily available in supermarkets that sell alcohol, as well as local convenience and liquor stores. It will often be found with other wines or fortified wines. Some countries do not sell alcohol in Supermarkets however typically have an adjacent store that exclusively sells liquor.
What are some alternative names for Dessert Wine?
Dessert wine is often called pudding wine in the United Kingdom. Dessert wine may also be referred to as fortified wines drank after a meal, such as sherry.
What is a good substitute for Dessert Wine in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for dessert wine. These include gluten-free alternatives such as:
- The best substitute for dessert wine would be other fortified wines such as Port, Sherry, Madeira, Moscatel, and Marsala
- For a non-alcoholic alternative, coffee or tea is often chosen to be served with dessert