Our Guide to Sweet Wines for Christmas
This is our collection of bottles to finish a festive meal with. Sweet wines are highly underrated in this day and age but we think this might change soon. Whether you want to pair with cheese or dessert, pick one to be part of your celebrations this year with our guide;
THE ULTIMATE CHOICE
This is without a doubt, our number one sweet bottle pick. From the remote Mediterranean island of Pantelleria, this wine made from Zibibbo grapes (the local name for Muscat) is one of the most unique we have ever tried. Fermented on the skins and then left outside in glass vessels for part of the year, it displays an amazing complexity of both sweet and savoury flavours along with a wild, smokey finish. This style is the original and most traditional of the island and although it demands a high price point, it definitely won't disappoint. Works for both cheese and sweet desserts. Only 500 bottles produced.
BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
Chateau Barouillet - Monbazar 2021
At the other end of the price spectrum, offering great value for money in a full 75cl bottle is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Muscadelle, Semillon and Ondenc from Vincent Alexis in Bergerac. He calls this cuvée Monbazar as it offers a unique alternative to the famous Monbazillac dessert wine made nearby. Great with desserts that aren't too sweet and even very rich, savoury dishes.
NEXT LEVEL SWEETNESS
Andalusia in southern Spain is famous for its sweet Pedro Ximenez but these are usually mass produced and lacking in character. This expression from Verdevique in the Alpujarras is quite the opposite. Rich and complex wine that suits the sweetest desserts and is especially good poured over vanilla ice cream.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Podere Pradarolo - Frinire di Cicale 2019
Finally, a unique bottle from Parma in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. We are a huge fan of the natural wines from Podere Pradarolo, especially this expression of the Malvasia di Candia Aromatico grape variety. Perfumed with notes of dried Apricot, this makes a great partner to a fruit-based dessert that isn't too sweet.
Happy Drinking!
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