Are you tired of the same old Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc? It’s time to switch things up with a semi-sweet white wine!
These wines offer a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, making them incredibly versatile for food pairings or sipping on their own.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of semi-sweet whites and discover some new favorites that will have your taste buds singing.
What is Semi Sweet White Wine?
Semi-sweet white wine is a type of wine that has a sweetness level between dry and sweet wines. It typically contains residual sugar, which is the natural grape sugar that remains after fermentation.
Semi-sweet white wines are usually made from grapes such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, and Muscat. These grapes have a higher natural sugar content, which contributes to the sweetness of the wine.
The term “semi-sweet” is used to describe the wine’s sweetness level, which falls in the middle of the spectrum between dry and sweet wines. These wines can have a slightly sweet taste with hints of fruit flavors, but they also have a crisp acidity that balances the sweetness.
Overall, these white wines can be a great choice for those who prefer a wine that is not too dry or too sweet, but somewhere in between. They are often enjoyed as a refreshing drink on their own or paired with lighter dishes such as seafood, salads, and fruits.
12 Best Bottles of Semi Sweet White Wine.
Riesling.
Riesling is a white grape variety that is grown in Germany and other parts of the world. These wines can range from dry to sweet, with semi-sweet being a popular style. Riesling typically has high acidity and flavors of apple, citrus, and honey.
Region : Germany.
Alcohol : 8-12% ABV
Gewürztraminer.
Gewürztraminer is a white grape variety that is grown in the Alsace region of France and other parts of the world. These wines are often semi-sweet and have flavors of lychee, rose petals, and spices.
Region : Alsace, France
Alcohol : 11-14% ABV
Moscato.
Moscato is a sweet white wine made from the Muscat grape. They’re known for their sweet, fruity flavors of peaches, apricots, and honey.
Region : Italy.
Alcohol : 5-7% ABV
Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety that is grown in South Africa and other parts of the world. These wines can range from dry to sweet, with semi-sweet being a popular style. Chenin Blanc typically has high acidity and flavors of apple, pear, and honey.
Region : South Africa.
Alcohol : 11-14% ABV
Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Grigio is a white grape variety that is grown in Italy and other parts of the world. These wines are typically dry, but some producers make a semi-sweet style. Pinot Grigio typically has flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear.
Region : Italy
Alcohol : 12-13% ABV
Viognier.
Viognier is a white grape variety that is grown in the Rhône region of France and other parts of the world. These wines can range from dry to sweet, with semi-sweet being a popular style. It typically has flavors of apricot, peach, and honey.
Region : France
Alcohol : 13-15% ABV
Torrontés.
Torrontés is a white grape variety that is grown in Argentina. These wines are often semi-sweet and have flavors of white flowers, peach, and citrus.
Region : Argentina
Alcohol : 13-14% ABV
Muscadelle.
Muscadelle is a white grape variety that is grown in the Bordeaux region of France and other parts of the world. These wines can range from dry to sweet, with semi-sweet being a popular style. Muscadelle typically has flavors of grapefruit, honey, and spices.
Region : France
Alcohol : 11-12% ABV
Vidal Blanc.
Vidal Blanc is a white grape variety that is grown in Canada and other parts of the world. These wines are often semi-sweet and have flavors of pineapple, citrus, and honey.
Region : Canada
Alcohol : 12-13% ABV
Traminette.
Traminette is a white grape variety that is grown in the United States. These wines are often semi-sweet and have flavors of tropical fruit, spices, and floral notes.
Region : United States
Alcohol : 10-12% ABV
Crisp Semi Sweet White Wine.
Crisp semi-sweet wine is a type of wine that has a balance of sweetness and acidity. The sweetness level of a crisp semi-sweet wine falls between dry and sweet, with a slightly sweet taste that is refreshing on the palate.
The acidity in these wines gives them a crisp and lively character that makes them ideal for pairing with a wide range of foods.
Here are some of the best bottles of crisp semi-sweet wine with detailed information:
Gavi di Gavi.
Gavi di Gavi is a crisp and refreshing white wine in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from the Cortese grape variety and has a delicate floral and citrus aroma.
The wine has a bright acidity and a crisp finish, making it perfect for pairing with seafood, pasta, and other light dishes.
Alcohol content 11-13% ABV
Vouvray.
Vouvray is a semi-sweet white wine from the Loire Valley region of France. It is made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety and has flavors of ripe apples, honey, and apricots.
The wine has a lively acidity that balances its sweetness and makes it perfect for pairing with spicy Asian cuisine.
Alcohol Content : 10-14% ABV
Riesling.
Riesling is a popular grape variety that produces a range of wines from dry to semi-sweet. The semi-sweet style has a crisp acidity and flavors of citrus, peach, and honey. German Rieslings are particularly renowned for their balance and complexity.
Alcohol content : 8-12% ABV
Moscato d’Asti.
Moscato d’Asti is a semi-sweet sparkling wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from the Moscato grape variety and has a sweet and fruity flavor of peaches, apricots, and honey.
The wine has a low alcohol content and is best enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with fresh fruit and light desserts.
Alcohol content : 5-7% ABV
Hogue Late Harvest Riesling.
The Hogue Cellars Late Harvest Riesling is a semi-sweet white wine made from the Riesling grape variety. It has a crisp, refreshing acidity and a sweet, fruity flavor profile with notes of peach, apricot, and honey.
This wine is produced by the Hogue Cellars winery, which is located in the Columbia Valley region of Washington State.
Alcohol content : 11.5% ABV
How to Find the Perfect Bottles of Semi Sweet White Wine?
Consider your taste preferences.
Semi-sweet white wines can vary in their sweetness level and flavor profile, so it’s important to consider your personal taste preferences. Do you prefer a wine that is more sweet or more acidic?
Do you prefer wines with fruity or floral notes? Understanding your taste preferences can help you find a wine that you will truly enjoy.
Research the wine’s region and grape variety.
Different grape varieties and regions can produce wines with distinct flavor profiles. For example, Riesling wines from the Mosel region in Germany are often known for their bright acidity and fruity notes, while Gewurztraminer wines from Alsace, France, are known for their spicy, floral flavors.
Doing some research on the grape variety and region can give you an idea of what to expect from the wine.
Read reviews and ratings.
Online reviews and ratings can be a helpful tool for finding a great bottle of semi-sweet white wine.
Look for reviews from trusted sources, such as wine critics or sommeliers, and pay attention to comments about the wine’s flavor profile, sweetness level, and overall quality.
Visit a wine shop or attend a wine tasting.
If you’re unsure about what type of semi-sweet white wine to try, consider visiting a wine shop or attending a wine tasting.
Wine shop staff and sommeliers can offer recommendations based on your taste preferences and budget, and wine tastings provide an opportunity to try a variety of wines and learn more about their flavor profiles.
Where to Find Them?
There are many places where you can find the best semi-sweet white wines. Here are some options to consider:
Wine Shops.
Wine shops often have a wide selection of wines from various regions. The staff at wine shops are typically knowledgeable about the wines they sell and can offer recommendations based on your preferences.
Liquor Stores.
Many liquor stores carry a variety of semi-sweet white wines, including those from well-known wine regions such as Alsace, France, and the Mosel region of Germany.
Online Wine Retailers.
Online wine retailers such as Wine.com, Total Wine, and Wine Library offer a vast selection of wines from around the world, including semi-sweet whites.
These retailers often have detailed descriptions of each wine, including information about the region, grape variety, and flavor profile.
Wine Clubs.
Wine clubs offer a convenient way to try new wines, including semi-sweet whites, on a regular basis. Many wine clubs allow you to customize your wine selections based on your preferences, and some even offer discounts on future purchases.
Wine Tastings.
Wine tastings are a great way to sample a variety of wines, including semi-sweet whites, in a social setting.
Many wine shops, wine bars, and wineries offer tastings, which can provide an opportunity to learn more about the wines and the regions they come from.
Ultimately, the best place to find the perfect semi-sweet white wine will depend on your personal preferences and where you live. It may be helpful to explore different options and try a variety of wines to discover which ones you like best.
Food Pairings.
Semi-sweet white wines can be very versatile and pair well with a variety of foods. Here are some popular food pairings for semi-sweet white wines:
Spicy Foods.
Semi-sweet white wines, such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling, can pair well with spicy dishes, such as Thai curries or Indian vindaloo.
Cheese.
Semi-sweet white wines can be a great pairing with a variety of cheeses. Creamy cheeses, such as brie or camembert, can be paired with semi-sweet whites like a Chenin Blanc or a Moscato.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar or Gouda, can be paired with Rieslings or Gewürztraminers.
Seafood.
Semi-sweet white wines can pair well with a variety of seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp, lobster, or scallops. A white wine with bright acidity like a Sauvignon Blanc can be a good match with seafood.
Asian Cuisine.
Semi-sweet whites can be an excellent pairing with Asian dishes, such as sushi or Chinese stir-fry. A white wine with a hint of sweetness, such as a Chenin Blanc, can balance out the savory flavors of the dish.
Fruits and Desserts.
Semi-sweet white wines can be a great pairing with fruit-based desserts, such as a peach cobbler or apple pie. They can also be enjoyed with light, sweet desserts, such as a fruit sorbet or a pavlova.
When it comes to pairing semi-sweet white wines with food, it’s important to consider the sweetness level of the wine and the flavors in the dish.
A good rule of thumb is to pair wines and dishes with similar levels of sweetness, and to balance out flavors with acidity. Experimenting with different pairings can help you discover new and exciting flavor combinations.
Semi Sweet White Wine Under $20, $50 & $100.
Under $20.
Sutter Home Sweet Riesling.
This California Riesling has a pleasant sweetness level with flavors of apricot and honey. It is a refreshing and easy-drinking wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with spicy Asian cuisine.
Bartenura Moscato.
This Italian Moscato has a sweet, floral aroma with flavors of peach and honey. It has a light body and a crisp finish that makes it a great pairing with light desserts or fresh fruit.
2020 H3 Sauvignon Blanc.
This Washington State Sauvignon Blanc has a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of sweetness. It has a refreshing acidity that makes it a great pairing with seafood or salads.
Under $50.
Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett.
This German Riesling has a semi-sweet flavor profile with notes of peach, apricot, and lemon. It has a vibrant acidity that balances out the sweetness and makes it a great pairing with spicy or rich foods.
2021 Eroica Riesling.
This Washington State Riesling has a floral aroma with flavors of peach and honey. It has a crisp, refreshing finish that makes it a great pairing with seafood or spicy Asian cuisine.
Riesling Cuvee Theo.
This French Riesling has a semi-sweet flavor profile with notes of apricot, honey, and lime. It has a rich, complex flavor that can be paired with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats or spicy Asian cuisine.
Under $100.
Josmeyer Les Pierrets Riesling.
This French Riesling has a semi-sweet flavor profile with notes of apricot, honey, and citrus. It has a rich, full-bodied texture that makes it a great pairing with rich dishes like foie gras or roasted meats.
Trimbach Gewürztraminer Alsace.
This French Gewürztraminer has a sweet, floral aroma with flavors of lychee and honey. It has a full-bodied texture and a rich, complex flavor that can be paired with spicy Asian cuisine or bold, flavorful cheeses.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris.
This French Pinot Gris has a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of apricot and honey. It has a rich, full-bodied texture and a complex flavor that can be paired with roasted meats or spicy Asian cuisine.
All of these wines are widely available in the US and can be found at many wine shops, liquor stores, and online retailers. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your location.
Conclusion.
Semi sweet white wines are a great choice for those who love the flavor of white wine but don’t want it too dry. These wines have a beautiful balance between sweetness and acidity, making them perfect for pairing with food or simply sipping on their own.
We hope that this article has helped you to better understand semi sweet white wine and the different styles available so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next bottle. Cheers!
