Semi-sweet red wine is like the Goldilocks of wine – not too sweet, not too dry, but just right. It’s a type of red wine that has a perfect balance of fruitiness and sweetness, while also retaining a refreshing acidity.
It typically has a sugar content of around 3% – 5%, which is less sweet than dessert wines but sweeter than dry wines.
When it comes to the grapes used to make semi-sweet red wine, there are quite a few options. One popular variety is the Zinfandel grape, which is known for its bold, jammy flavor and high sugar content.
This makes it a perfect candidate for semi-sweet wine, as the sugar levels are balanced out by the grape’s natural acidity.
Another grape variety used to make semi-sweet red wine is the Lambrusco grape, which is grown primarily in Italy. This grape has a lovely deep purple color and is known for its bright, juicy flavor profile.
When made into wine, it can produce a semi-sweet red that’s bursting with flavors of red berries and cherries.
Then, there’s the Grenache grape, which is grown all over the world but particularly in Spain and France. This grape has a thin skin and is naturally low in tannins, which makes it ideal for semi-sweet wines that prioritize fruity flavors over harsh tannins.
All in all semi-sweet red wine is often enjoyed as a versatile, food-friendly option that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
In this delicious wine journey, we will learn about different types of semi-sweet red wine, the best bottle to buy of semi-sweet wine, and more. So keep on reading!
Different Types of Red Wine.
Red wine can be made from a variety of grapes and come in many different styles. Here are some of the most popular red wines:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon.
This full-bodied red wine is made from one of the world’s most popular grapes, with a complex flavor profile that often includes black cherry, black currant, and cedar.
2. Merlot.
A soft and approachable red wine, Merlot is often characterized by flavors of plum, blackberry, and chocolate.
3. Pinot Noir.
A light-bodied red wine with a delicate flavor profile that includes cherry, raspberry, and sometimes a hint of spice.
4. Syrah/Shiraz.
This full-bodied red wine is known for its bold flavor profile, which often includes blackberry, black pepper, and tobacco.
5. Zinfandel.
A medium-bodied red wine with a fruity flavor profile that often includes raspberry, blackberry, and sometimes even chocolate.
6. Sangiovese.
A dry red wine with a medium body and high acidity, Sangiovese is known for its flavors of cherry, strawberry, and earthy undertones.
7. Tempranillo.
A medium-bodied red wine with a smooth, velvety texture and a flavor profile that often includes plum, cherry, and tobacco.
8. Malbec.
A full-bodied red wine with a dark color and a flavor profile that often includes black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
9. Grenache.
A medium-bodied red wine with a fruit-forward flavor profile that often includes raspberry, strawberry, and sometimes even white pepper.
10. Petite Sirah.
A full-bodied red wine with a deep color and bold flavor profile that often includes blackberry, blueberry, and even espresso.
10 Different Types of Semi-Sweet Wines.
Here are 10 different types of semi-sweet wines for you to explore.
1. Lambrusco.
An Italian sparkling wine that is slightly sweet with flavors of red berries and a hint of bitterness. Lambrusco is a great option for pairing with charcuterie, pizza, and spicy foods.
2. Moscato.
This semi-sweet white wine has a fruity and floral taste, with notes of apricot and peach which is perfect for pairing with desserts.
3. Riesling.
A classic German grape that produces a range of styles from bone dry to sweet. Riesling is known for its bright acidity and aromas of peach, apricot, and citrus. It pairs well with Asian cuisine and spicy foods.
4. Gewurztraminer.
Another German grape that produces a semi-sweet wine with flavors of lychee, rose petal, and spice. It pairs superbly with spicy dishes and robust cheeses.
5. Chenin Blanc.
With flavors of honey, apple, and peach, Chenin Blanc is a sweet and fruity white wine. Seafood and salads go great along with it.
6. White Zinfandel.
This sweet Rosé wine features hints of strawberry and raspberry in addition to a sweet flavor and can be best enjoyed with grilled meats and spicy meals.
7. Port.
This fortified red wine has a sweet and rich taste with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits, perfect for pairing with desserts and cheese.
8. Sherry.
Sherry is a fortified wine with flavors of caramel, dried fruits, and nuts. It is sweet and nutty in taste. It pairs well with strong cheeses and sweets.
9. Brachetto.
This Italian red wine has a sweet and fruity taste with notes of raspberry and rose petals. It’s perfect for pairing with desserts and fruits.
10. Banyuls.
With overtones of cherry and berry, this French red wine is sweet and delicious. It pairs well with desserts and chocolate.
Whether you prefer white, pink, or red, there is a semi-sweet wine for everyone. So, grab a bottle of your favorite semi-sweet wine and savor the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
7 Best Bottles Of Semi-Sweet Red Wines.
Choose your pick from these best semi-sweet red wines
1. 2017 Powell & Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz.
The 2017 Powell & Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz is a delicious and premium red wine that comes from the renowned Barossa Valley wine region in Australia.
This wine is made entirely from Shiraz grapes grown in the Marananga sub-region, which is famous for producing some of the best Shiraz wines in the world.
The grapes for this wine come from the Kraehe vineyard, which is situated at an altitude of 235 meters on Marananga’s ironstone ridge.
The Kraehe Marananga Shiraz is a complex wine with blueberry and plum fruit flavors, along with oak and meaty undertones. It has a rich taste of blackberry compote, woodsmoke, cured meats, and olive with fine tannins and a long finish.
2. 2020 Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel.
The Jackass Hill Zinfandel 2020 boasts concentrated and rich aromas of blackberries, Santa Rosa plum, and vanilla.
The wine offers a smooth and consistent taste from start to finish, with notes of boysenberries, fresh strawberries, and nectarines. It finishes with a touch of cinnamon, making for a delightful lingering aftertaste.
3. 2006 Lini 910 In Correggio Rosso Metodo Classico Millesimato.
The 2006 Lini 910 In Correggio Rosso Metodo Classico Millesimato is a vintage sparkling red wine produced in the Emilia-Romagna wine region of Italy.
The wine is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, known as metodo classico, which is typically reserved for the production of high-quality sparkling wines.
This 14-year-aged red sparkling wine is made entirely with Lambrusco Salamino. Its complex and vibrant palate offers flavors of blackberry jam, carob, and baking spice with a refined perlage. The perfect companion for any cuisine, it’s also the ultimate BBQ wine.
4. 2018 Marani Kindzmarauli.
The grapes – Saperavi 100% used for this wine are handpicked at the peak of their maturity and undergo soft de-stemming and crushing before being fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature using cultural yeast strains.
The skin and cap management is performed by the délestage and remontage technique. After 5-7 days of maceration, fermentation is stopped by cooling to retain the natural sweetness and freshness of the wine. The wine is then kept cold before bottling.
It has a purple-red color with an inky hue and aroma of blackberry jam and wild raspberry. The palate offers sweet and ripe blackberry and raspberry comfiture, with a lingering finish and lively acidity.
5. Alfasi Mistico Cabernet Sauvignon.
Alfasi Mistico Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine from Chile. It has an intense ruby color and aromas of ripe black fruit, spices, and a hint of mint.
The palate is full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and plum. It has a smooth and velvety texture with well-structured tannins and a long finish. This wine is perfect to pair with red meat, hearty stews, and spicy dishes.
6. Della Robbia Rosso.
Della Robbia Rosso is an Italian red wine produced specifically in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, which is known for its distinctive blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine has a ruby red color with purple reflections and an intense aroma of ripe red fruits and spices, with notes of vanilla and licorice.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with a good tannic structure and a long, persistent finish. It is often paired with hearty dishes such as roasted meats and game, as well as aged cheeses.
7. Riunite Lambrusco.
A semi-sweet Italian sparkling red wine made from the Lambrusco grape, with flavors of blackberry and raspberry. It has a low alcohol content and tastes better when served chilled.
Conclusion — Semi sweet wine.
Nowthat you’ve learned about the different semi-sweet red wines, it’s time to go out and try a few for yourself. Whether you opt for a bottle made from Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, or another variety altogether, you can be sure that you’ll be sipping on a wine that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious red wine that’s not too dry and not too sweet, reach for a bottle of semi-sweet red wine and let your taste buds be delighted! Cheers!
