Exploring the Allure of Sweet Red Wines: A Comprehensive Guide

This summer, a remarkable variety of sweet red wines with elevated residual sugar levels has caught the attention of wine enthusiasts. Nearly half of the reds showcased by Aldi at its recent tasting event contained at least 5 grams per liter (5g/l RS), including a notably sweet South African Appassimento Pinotage priced at £6.99, with an RS well exceeding 10g/l. Similar trends were observed at Majestic, where California’s 2022 Toast & Honey Pinot Noir, selling for £14, boasted an impressive 6.6g/l RS. Even Waitrose, a retailer recognized for its quality offerings, featured Portugal’s intensely sweet 2022 Silk & Spice Red Blend at £12, which contained a staggering 15g/l RS. Given that classic red wines typically have under 1g of RS, this surge in sweetness invites scrutiny.

A wine expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that the popularity of sweet red wines has persisted since Gallo introduced California’s notorious Apothic Red in 2010, which contains 16.4g/l RS. This trend extends beyond the UK, with wine drinkers in the US and Scandinavia showing an increasing appetite for overly sweet options.

I personally enjoy well-crafted sweet red wines. They often serve as an introduction for novice wine drinkers. However, it is crucial that sweetness is not a cover for poor winemaking practices, which can lead to overly sugary concoctions that lack character and authenticity.

Historically, sweet red wines have been cherished, with recioto della valpolicella standing out as a classic example from Italy, dating back to Roman times. Originating from Veneto in northeastern Italy, producers enhance its flavor by harvesting grapes late and drying them through the appassimento process, resulting in a luxurious and concentrated wine. Notable choices include the 100 g/l RS Tesauro, ideal for those who love cheese and desserts, or the drier Aldi Amarone with a much lower RS of 6.7 g/l. In Puglia, old vine primitivo also offers high-quality alternatives, such as the 2021 Primitivo Riserva from Produttori di Manduria, featuring 9.1 g/l RS and showcasing deep, earthy flavors.

Beyond Italy, French wines are also notable, including the 2024 Marsolay Pinot Noir from the Midi region, available at Waitrose for £8, which presents an abundance of ripe, spiced plum flavors at approximately 5g/l RS. The New World offers a wealth of options, such as the sweet and aromatic 2022 Kooliburra Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia, priced at £6.99 and delivering about 5g/l RS.

Highlighted Sweet Red Wines

2021 Specially Selected Amarone della Valpolicella, Italy, 14.5% at £14.99: A luxurious garnet-red wine with floral and robust flavors, produced from partially dried grapes.

2023 Bodacious Red, Tejo, Portugal, 13.5% at £6.74: A bright and creative blend with red fruit notes, complemented by smoky undertones.

2021 Tesauro Recioto della Valpolicella, Italy, 13% (50cl) priced at £26: A beautifully spiced dessert wine featuring black cherry and mocha flavors, perfect with hard cheeses.

2023 Exceptional Lodi Zinfandel, California, 14.5% at £6.98: An unoaked Zinfandel bursting with vibrant floral and berry notes, and an attractive price point.

Noteworthy Picks

2017 Château La Garde, Pessac-Léognan, France, 13% priced at £19.99: A refined Graves claret with an appealing oak influence.

2024 Martin Codax Albariño, Spain, 12.5% available at £16: A zesty wine, filled with green apple and stone fruit flavors from a well-respected cooperative.

2024 Andrew Peace Masterpeace Pinot Grigio, Victoria, 12% at £6: A refreshing vegan-friendly option with lemon and passionfruit characteristics, harvested at night.

2023 Domaine Huchet Muscadet Chemin des Prières, France, 12% priced at £12.50: A superb choice for those seeking a granite soil muscadet, offering a crisp and refreshing experience.