Who doesn’t love sweet red wine? It’s made from red grapes with a high residual sugar content, hence its sweetness.
Moreover, it’s usually produced by leaving the grapes on the vine longer to increase the sugar content or adding sugar during the winemaking process.
The most common ingredients in sweet red wine include red grapes, yeast, and sugar. Sweet red wines can have a variety of flavors, such as cherry, raspberry, and plum.
Sometimes, you can encounter sweet red wine with a spicy or floral aroma.
Well-known red wines include Port, Zinfandel, and Lambrusco. Below, I will share a list of the best sweet red wines, so let’s dive in.
Also check: 11 Best Sweet White Wine
15 Best Sweet Red Wine on the Market
Here’s a list of the 15 best sweet red wines you can try alone or with your loved ones at a party, family gathering, etc.
1. Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port
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Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port is a type of port wine produced by Taylor Fladgate, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
The main ingredients in Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port include red grapes, yeast, and brandy.
The wine is fortified with brandy during the winemaking process, which increases its alcohol content and gives it a distinct flavor profile. The alcohol by volume of Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port is typically around 20%.
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port has a sweet, rich flavor profile with dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and black cherry, chocolate, and toffee.
Moreover, it’s aged in oak barrels for several years, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port is typically used as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink. It’s often served chilled and can be paired with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese.
However, you can also enjoy this drink as a sipping wine.
2. Risata Red Moscato
Risata Red Moscato is a sweet, fruity red wine made in Italy. It’s a blend of three grape varieties, including 85% Moscato, 10% Brachetto, and 5% Malvasia Rosso.
These grape varieties bring different flavor and aroma profiles to the final wine, with Moscato contributing sweetness and fruity notes, Brachetto adding red fruit flavors, and Malvasia Rosso contributing a bit of acidity and complexity.
The specific proportions and ingredients of the blend may vary depending on the brand and producer. Common flavor notes in Risata Red Moscato include raspberry, cherry, and red fruit.
The wine typically has an alcohol by volume of around 5.5%.
Moreover, Risata Red Moscato makes a great dessert wine. You can serve this wine with fruit-based desserts or spicy dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet, refreshing drink.
3. Warre’s Vintage Port
Warre’s Vintage Port is a type of port wine produced by Warre’s, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
Warre’s Vintage Port ingredients include red grapes, yeast, and brandy. It’s fortified with brandy during the winemaking process, which increases its alcohol content and gives it a distinct flavor profile.
The alcohol by volume of Warre’s Vintage Port is typically around 20%.
Warre’s Vintage Port has a sweet, rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, and a hint of spice. The wine is aged in oak barrels for several years, which contributes to its complex flavor profile.
Warre’s Vintage Port is typically used as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink. It’s often served chilled and pairs well with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese. The wine is also enjoyed on its own as a sipping wine.
4. Fonseca Bin 27 Port
Fonseca Bin 27 Port is a type of port wine produced by Fonseca, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
The main ingredients in Fonseca Bin 27 Port include red grapes, yeast, and brandy. The wine is fortified with brandy during the winemaking process, which increases its alcohol content and gives it a distinct flavor profile.
The alcohol by volume of Fonseca Bin 27 Port is typically around 20%.
Fonseca Bin 27 Port has a sweet, rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, and a hint of spice.
The wine is aged in oak barrels for several years, which contributes to its complex flavor profile. Fonseca Bin 27 Port is typically used as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink.
5. Churchill’s Vintage Port
Churchill’s Vintage Port is a type of port wine produced by Churchill’s, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Churchill’s Vintage Port contains red grapes, yeast, and brandy.
The wine is fortified with brandy during the winemaking process, increasing its alcohol content and giving it a distinct flavor profile.
The alcohol by volume of Churchill’s Vintage Port is typically around 20%.
Churchill’s Vintage Port has a sweet, rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, and a hint of spice. It’s aged in oak barrels for a few years, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
6. Graham’s Six Grapes Port
Graham’s Six Grapes Port is a type of port wine made by Graham’s, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
Graham’s Six Grapes Port contains red grapes, yeast, and brandy. The wine is fortified with brandy during the winemaking process, increasing its alcohol content.
The alcohol by volume of Graham’s Six Grapes Port is typically around 20%.
Graham’s Six Grapes Port has a sweet, rich flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, and a hint of spice. The wine is aged in oak barrels for several years, which contributes to its complex flavor profile.
Graham’s Six Grapes Port is typically used as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink. It’s often served chilled and pairs well with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese. Lastly, it’s perfect for sipping.
7. Dow’s Vintage Port
Dow’s Vintage Port is a type of port wine produced by Dow’s, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
It’s made using red grapes, yeast, and brandy, with the wine being fortified with brandy during the winemaking process.
This results in higher alcohol content and a unique flavor profile. The average ABV for Dow’s Vintage Port is around 20%.
Dow’s Vintage Port boasts a sweet and full-bodied taste, with prominent notes of dark fruit such as blackberries and black cherries, as well as hints of spice.
The wine is aged in oak barrels for several years, lending to its complex and well-rounded flavor.
Dow’s Vintage Port is typically enjoyed as a dessert wine or an after-dinner drink. It can be paired with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese and can also be sipped on its own.
8. Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
Sandeman Founders Reserve Port is a type of port wine made by Sandeman, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
The wine is made from red grapes, yeast, and brandy, with brandy being added during the winemaking process to increase the alcohol content and create a unique flavor.
The average alcohol by volume for Sandeman Founders Reserve Port is around 20%.
Sandeman Founders Reserve Port has a sweet and smooth taste, with prominent dark fruit notes like blackberries and cherries. It also has hints of spice.
The wine is aged in oak barrels for a few years, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
Sandeman Founders Reserve Port makes a perfect dessert wine, after-dinner drink, or sipping wine. You can pair this wine with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese.
9. Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port
Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port is a type of port wine made by Cockburn’s, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
The wine is made from red grapes, yeast, and brandy, with brandy being added during the winemaking process to increase the alcohol content and create a distinct flavor. The average alcohol by volume for Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port is around 20%.
Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port has a sweet and rich taste, with prominent dark fruit notes and hints of spice.
Moreover, it’s aged in oak barrels for several years and has a complex flavor.
Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port makes a lovely dessert wine, after-dinner drink, or sipping wine. You can consume this wine with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese.
10. Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella is a sweet red wine made in the Valpolicella region of the Veneto province in northeastern Italy. It’s made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes and has an alcohol by volume of around 13%.
The wine is made using the appassimento method, where the grapes are partially dried before being fermented to create a concentrated, sweet wine.
Flavors in Recioto della Valpolicella can vary depending on the vineyard and process. It’s generally described as having dark fruit notes, such as black cherries, blackberries, and plums, with hints of chocolate and spices.
It’s a rich, sweet wine that is best served with desserts or on its own as a dessert wine.
11. Quinta do Noval Vintage Port
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is a type of port wine produced by Quinta do Noval, a winery located in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
Vintage Port is a special type of port wine that is made only in exceptional years and is known for its high quality and aging potential.
The wine is made from red grapes, yeast, and brandy, with brandy being added during the winemaking process to increase the alcohol content and create a unique flavor. The average alcohol by volume for Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is around 20%.
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port has a rich and intense taste, with prominent notes of dark fruit such as blackberries and cherries and hints of spice and dark chocolate.
Like most sweet red wines, this one is aged in oak barrels for several years. So, you will get a drink with a complex and unique flavor.
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port is typically used as a dessert wine, sipping wine, or after-dinner drink. It can be paired with chocolate, fruit desserts, and cheese.
12. Brachetto d’Acqui
Brachetto d’Acqui is a sweet red wine produced in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It’s made from the Brachetto grape variety and has a light, fruity flavor profile with notes of cherry and raspberry.
The wine is often described as having a slight sparkle or frizzante quality and is typically served as a dessert wine.
Brachetto d’Acqui is a low-alcohol wine, usually around 5-6% ABV, and is often paired with sweet desserts such as chocolate, fruit-based dishes, and ice cream.
The wine is also known for its sweet, slightly effervescent nature, making it popular for special occasions and celebrations.
Brachetto d’Acqui is made in limited quantities and is considered a specialty product. It’s widely available in wine shops and online retailers.
Lastly, it’s a sought-after item by wine lovers and collectors.
13. Beringer Bros. Sweet Red
Beringer Bros. Sweet Red is a wine produced by Beringer Vineyards, one of the oldest and most established wineries in California’s Napa Valley.
Beringer Bros. Sweet Red is a blend of different red grape varieties and is known for its sweet, fruit-forward flavor profile.
The wine is made using a process that allows the grapes to retain more of their natural sugar, resulting in a sweeter and fruitier wine than traditional red wines.
The specific grape varieties used in the blend can vary from vintage to vintage, but they typically include a mix of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and Petite Sirah.
Beringer Bros. Sweet Red is aged 60 days in American Oak Bourbon barrels, which impart rich vanilla and caramel notes to the wine and enhance the existing black and red fruit character.
It has a moderate alcohol content, typically around 14.5% ABV. It’s often served chilled as a dessert wine or after-dinner sipper.
The wine is known for its smooth and easy-drinking character. It pairs well with sweet desserts, fruit-based dishes, or chocolate.
Beringer Bros. Sweet Red is widely available in liquor stores and online retailers. It’s a popular choice among wine lovers looking for sweet and fruity red wine.
14. Ménage à Trois Red Blend
Ménage à Trois Red Blend is a wine produced by the Folie à Deux Winery in California. It’s a blend of different red grape varieties and is known for its sweet, fruit-forward flavor profile.
The grape varieties in the blend can vary but typically include Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine is made using a process that emphasizes the sweet and fruity characteristics of the grapes, resulting in a wine that is sweeter and fruitier than traditional red wines.
Ménage à Trois Red Blend has a moderate alcohol content, typically around 13.5% ABV, and is often served chilled as a dessert wine or after-dinner sipper.
The wine is known for its bright fruit flavors and smooth, velvety texture. It’s popular for those who enjoy fruity red blends.
It’s often served with various foods, including grilled meats, pasta, and spicy dishes. It also pairs well with sweet desserts, fruit-based dishes, or chocolate.
Ménage à Trois Red Blend is widely available in liquor stores and online retailers, and it’s considered popular among wine lovers looking for a sweet and fruity red wine.
15. Apothic Red Blend
Apothic Red Blend is a wine produced by E.&J. Gallo Winery in California. It’s a blend of different red grape varieties and is known for its rich and bold flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
The grape varieties used in the blend can vary but often include Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine is made using a process that boosts the rich and bold flavors of the grapes, resulting in a more full-bodied and intense wine than traditional red wines.
Apothic Red Blend is known for its intense fruit flavors, including dark berries, hints of dark chocolate, and a smooth finish.
It has a moderate alcohol content, typically around 13.5% ABV.
It’s often served slightly chilled as an after-dinner sipper or with bold and flavorful dishes such as grilled meats, hearty stews, or rich pasta sauces.
You can find the Apothic Red Blend in liquor stores and online retailers. It’s considered a popular choice among wine lovers looking for bold and flavorful red wine with a hint of sweetness.
Related Questions
Which Type of Red Wine is the Sweetest?
The sweetest type of red wine is often referred to as a “dessert wine” and can include varieties such as Port, Lambrusco, and Brachetto.
Which Red Wine is Sweet and Healthy?
Pinot Noir is often considered one of the healthiest red wines due to its relatively high levels of resveratrol, an antioxidant believed to have various health benefits.
Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and is present in higher concentrations in red wines, particularly those made from thin-skinned grapes like Pinot Noir.
Resveratrol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, improved cognitive function, and other potential health benefits.
However, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect health, so it’s important to drink in moderation.
Is There a Red Wine That is Sweet?
Sweet red wines include Brachetto, Lambrusco, Zinfandel, Port, and Barbera d’Asti.
Remember that sweetness can vary greatly depending on the producer and winemaking techniques.
Is Sweet Red Wine Good to Drink?
Sweet red wine is good to drink because it has a sweet, fruity flavor and pair well with a variety of sweet or spicy foods, making them a versatile option for a meal or snack.
Sweet red wine also contains antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which can help protect cells from damage and reduce heart disease and stroke risk, but only in moderation.
What’s Your Pick?
Sweet red wines can be a fun and enjoyable option for those who prefer sweeter and fruitier flavors.
Your personal taste preference will ultimately determine if sweet red wine is enjoyable, so it’s recommended to try a few different types and find the one that suits you best.
