What is the difference between semi-dry wine and semi-sweet wine? How is dry wine different from semi-dry wine?

White semi-dry wine is a popular alcoholic drink that contains from nine to thirteen percent alcohol and from five to thirty grams of sugar. This alcoholic product belongs to the category of table wines and has a rich color range that varies from straw yellow to dark golden (see photo).

Thanks to its neutral taste, semi-dry wine harmonizes with almost all dishes, highlighting them favorably taste qualities. Unlike dry wine, this wine drink leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Also its features are a refined aroma and medium acidity.An interesting fact is that when diluted with water, this alcoholic product quenches thirst well.

This wine is obtained as a result of partial fermentation of sugar found in natural juice grapes Fermentation is stopped only when sugar reaches a certain level. After this, the fermented grape liquid is cooled to a temperature of five degrees and left in sealed barrels for a month for final ripening. The aging process does not affect the degree of sweetness and strength of the wine drink.

White semi-dry wine is produced in all wine-producing countries. However, most of it is produced in Germany and Austria. German wines, as a rule, are consumed unripe, after diluting with water.

Many people are mistaken when they claim that only white grape varieties are used to prepare a white wine drink. In fact, substances that can color the liquid are found only in grape skins. Therefore, white wine can be made from the juice of white grape varieties, as well as red and pink ones.

The following types of white semi-dry wine are considered the most famous and popular::

“Anakopia” is an Abkhazian wine product with a strength of 9 to 11 percent, obtained from the Riesling and Rkatsiteli grape varieties, has a refined taste and fresh aroma;
Steakwine Torrontes is an Argentine wine made from Torrontes grapes and contains 12.5 percent alcohol;
“Inkerman” is a Crimean wine product with an alcohol content of 11 percent, has a fresh fruity taste and elegant aroma, and is made from European grape varieties;
“Pirosmani” is a Georgian wine with a soft straw color, has fruity and floral notes, and is made from Rkatsiteli grapes;
"Pinot Grigio" is an alcoholic Italian drink made from grapes that grow in Montorso Vicentino, containing 12 percent alcohol;
Hardy's Legacy is an Australian wine with an alcohol content of 12.5 percent, made from Chardonnay and Colombard grapes, and has a pleasant fruity taste with a hint of vanilla;
Mateus is a Portuguese wine made from Arinto and Malvasia grapes, has a pale golden color, a fresh taste, and also contains 10 percent alcohol;
Sauvignon Blanc is a Spanish wine drink with an alcohol content of 11 percent, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes;
"J. P. Chenet" is a sparkling French wine made from selected French grape varieties and contains 13.5 percent alcohol.

In addition, such a French wine drink as Chardonnay is also famous - classic white semi-dry wine, aged in oak barrels. The taste of this exquisite alcoholic product contains floral and fruity notes, as well as a light oak flavor.

How to select and store?

You can choose a high-quality semi-dry white wine by looking at the label: it should contain no more than three different colors. The label on the back of the bottle must contain all the information from the product manufacturer. The year of the grape harvest can be found on a sticker wrapped around the neck of the bottle.

In no case should sediment be present in high-quality wine, as it is formed only during improper storage. It is also worth paying attention to appearance

wine containers. It must be clean, without any stains or chips.

The alcoholic grape drink also needs to be stored correctly. In a sealed bottle it can be stored for twelve months in a dark place. After opening, it is recommended to store wine for no more than three days. To extend the shelf life, the alcoholic product can be placed in the refrigerator, first tightly sealed with a stopper. It is also recommended to pour the drink into a small container to prevent oxidation.

How to drink semi-dry white wine? White semi-dry wine should be drunk chilled. Its temperature should not be lower than twelve degrees. Such refined alcohol fits perfectly with oily fish

(except for herring), as well as with poultry and game cooked with sweet and sour sauce. This wine is also drunk with fruits and some vegetables.

It is not recommended to consume this drink with savory snacks, as well as with salads seasoned with table vinegar. Nuts also do not harmonize with white semi-dry wine, as they have astringent properties. Tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, sorrel - these vegetables also do not go well with this product.

Dried fruits go well with white semi-dry wine. They can be dried apricots, raisins, dried pineapple and much more.

If a grape drink is served for dessert, then it is advisable to drink it with cakes, ice cream, chocolates and other similar delicacies.

Benefits and harms

The benefits of white semi-dry wine are undeniable. However, this is only if you drink the grape drink in moderation (no more than one glass per day).

This product has the following properties:

prevents blood clots;
increases immune protection;
improves the process of blood formation;
stimulates exchange minerals in organism;
helps fight viral diseases;
improves memory;
increases appetite.

An interesting fact is that if you add a few drops of such wine to ordinary water, then after sixty minutes it will acquire disinfecting properties, including antiseptic and disinfectant.

Keep in mind that with unlimited consumption, grape drink can cause significant harm to the body. First of all, this will have a bad effect on the nervous system, as well as on the liver and kidneys. During pregnancy and breastfeeding It is better to give up alcohol. People with pancreatitis and coronary heart disease are also not recommended to drink wine.

White semi-dry wine is an exquisite alcoholic drink with a harmonious taste and aftertaste, delicate color and rich fruity aroma. Unlike other types of alcohol, you can not just drink this grape product, but enjoy every sip!

There are no comrades in taste and color. The issue of choosing wine was no exception to this proverb. Except general rules selection of wines for certain dishes, there are also taste buds, which are individual for everyone. Some people like dry, sour wines. Some people prefer fortified ones. We will consider this type of wine as semi-sweet. Let's figure out which drink is considered semi-sweet, learn the technology of its preparation and what is best to serve semi-sweet wines with.

What is special about semi-sweet

There are many varieties of wines. They differ most often:

year of production;
grape variety;
country of origin and other indicators.

Semi-sweet brands occupy a special place among lovers of good wine. They are distinguished by their soft taste, harmonious combination of different grape varieties and richness of color. This drink is characterized by a sugar content of 3 to 8%, and the strength does not exceed 14%. The sugar content of grapes for production must be at least 20%. The most suitable varieties are “merlot” and “muscat”, which ripen in October.

The price of a good quality semi-sweet wine is not necessarily exorbitant. On the market, the average cost of a bottle of semi-sweet wine ranges from 4 to 10 euros.

Semi-sweet wine preparation technology

The procedure for preparing semi-sweet wine is quite complex and painstaking. In order to obtain the required sugar and alcohol levels, it is necessary to carefully monitor the fermentation process of the berries and stop it in time. To do this, you need to lower the temperature to 0° or, conversely, increase it to 70°. After this, sulfur dioxide is added to the semi-finished wine product. This is done in order to separate the yeast components from the total mass of the wort. The wine can now be filtered and left to clarify naturally.

What does the neck of a bottle say?

The finished wine needs to be pasteurized and then it can be bottled in glass bottles, in which it reaches the final buyer. It is no coincidence that glass bottles were chosen as containers for wine.

Shape, volume and color indicate the quality of the drink. For example, the French, looking at the length of the neck and the entire bottle, determine the eliteness of a wine. The longer the neck, the longer the history of the wine cellar. In addition, pay attention to the cork that seals the drink. Good wine is sealed with a cork stopper. The longer it is, the higher the price. The cork contains information about the manufacturer and the year of manufacture.

Which country has better wine?

Wine was first prepared in ancient times, after which it was worshiped for many centuries amazing drink. Grapes were valued and idolized like no other berry or fruit. The Egyptians harvested the grapes by hand and praised them to the skies. In Ancient Greece and Rome, it was customary to dilute wine with water so as not to be considered barbarians.

Wines were classified for the first time in France. Since then, this country has remained the undisputed leader in wine production. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, French semi-sweet wines are considered some of the best in the world. Reviews about them are the most flattering. Other countries are not far behind the leader, in particular Moldova, Georgia, Italy, as well as Crimea and other producers. Today Georgian wines are popular again, such brands as Alazani Valley, Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, etc.

Red semi-sweet

Semi-sweet red wine is one of the most common types throughout the world. Not a single celebration is complete without this universal drink, be it a family holiday or a banquet.

The taste of semi-sweet red wine is much softer and sweeter than dry wine. At the same time, it is easier to perceive than fortified types due to the lower proportion of alcohol - only 9-14%. Sugar in 1 liter of drink contains from 30 to 80 g.

If we talk about the technology for preparing semi-sweet red wine, then there are two ways:

In the first case, crushed grapes are used along with juice. They are subjected to natural fermentation, which is interrupted when the required sugar content is reached.
The second method is blending grape juice and dry wine materials. After the required time has passed, the drink is filtered and stored in cool places.

The most suitable grape varieties for making semi-sweet red wine are: “saperavi”, “muscat”, “kokur”, “isabella”, “chkhaveri”, “mtsvane” and others. To obtain unusual taste and aroma, apply mixing different varieties.

Although semi-sweet red wines are inferior in sophistication to dry wines, in terms of taste and popularity they can be serious competition. Of course, this drink will decorate any feast. It goes perfectly with desserts, poultry, fish, vegetables and mushroom dishes, as well as spicy Asian dishes.

White semi-sweet

White wines, compared to red ones, are lighter in taste and texture, and therefore are especially appreciated by true gourmets. They do not differ from red wines in sugar content, but their alcohol content is no more than 12%.

To prepare white wine and obtain a characteristic light shade, the grapes are first peeled. This entails some difficulties in the further preparation of the drink. The fact is that the skins of grape berries contain enzymes, thanks to which the process of natural fermentation occurs. Cleaning the berries slows down the fermentation of the grape must, so it is stopped by cooling at a certain stage. The juice is then filtered and bottled. At this stage, it is possible to add various blends, which gives white drinks a richness and unique taste.

To prepare white semi-sweet wine, grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Tamyanka, Muscat, Tokay, Riesling, Psou and others are used.

White semi-sweet wine goes best with fish, mushroom or white meat. To experience the taste of this drink most vividly, it should be cooled to a temperature of 15°.

You can experiment with these wines. They are mixed with others alcoholic drinks while preparing cocktails such as punch, punch, mulled wine.

Everyone knows that alcohol in large doses is harmful. But if you drink semi-sweet white wine in reasonable doses, it can help reduce the risk of heart disease. If you dilute the drink mineral water, you will get an excellent cure for anemia, which also helps with atherosclerosis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most popular semi-sweet wines

Of course, if you need to choose a good semi-sweet wine, France comes first with its diversity wine cellars. Georgian wines, which are produced in accordance with ancient traditions, are not inferior in quality. The secret is in the large amount of sugar that grapes are rich in: it simply does not have time to ferment it all. A similar cooking technology is used in Italy. Let's look at some brands of wine in more detail.

Lambrusco

Red semi-sweet wine made in Italy from the grape variety of the same name. The drink contains naturally occurring gas. In Italy, it is customary to drink this wine along with soft drinks, and also use it as an aperitif. It is also perfect for serving with desserts and fruits.

Kindzmarauli

Red Georgian semi-sweet wine has an amazing aroma, velvety taste and rich cherry color. The Saperavi grapes for this wine are harvested in Kakheti, Kindzmarauli microzone (hence the name). The drink was first made in 1942.

The name of the grape variety “saperavi” means “paint”. Traditionally, it is used to make dessert and table semi-sweet wines with an alcohol content of up to 12%. The wine of this brand is in perfect harmony with grilled meat, as well as traditional dishes Georgian cuisine.

Alazani Valley

This brand produces red and white semi-sweet wine. It was first prepared in 1977 in Georgia. To make red wine, three types of grapes are used: Alexandruoli, Saperavi and Mujureuli. A distinctive feature of this drink is a subtle purple tint and dogwood-blackberry notes in the taste. For getting white drink The varieties “Tetra” and “Rkatsiteli” are used. These wines pair perfectly with various types of cheese and desserts.

Chkhaveri

Georgian white semi-sweet wine with a unique straw color. The history of its production begins in 1934. The drink is made from the Chkhaveri grape variety, hence the name. The harvest is harvested in Abkhazia. The wine surprises with its harmonious fresh taste and subtle notes of fruit. Another interesting fact is that “Chkhaveri”, with a well-defined pink tint, is still called white.

The peculiarity of semi-sweet wines is their color, the combination of aromas of flowers and fruits, as well as a unique fresh taste. A good semi-sweet wine will be a real decoration on the holiday table.

Even small connoisseurs of alcohol understand that red wine is definitely not made from white grape varieties. But not everyone knows that such a drink is made not only from red berries. Good alcohol of this type is often made from black wine material, which, by the way, is used completely, right down to the skin.

It is the latter that contains those valuable dyes that provide the final product with a deep and rich color.

Well, “dry” wine is called “dry” for the simple reason that it is not put up for sale until it has fermented to a minimum level of sugar in its composition.

Ideally, its concentration should not exceed 1% percent, while the alcohol content can be 9%-16%.

Nuances of composition and variety

When deciding whether to choose dry red or semi-dry white wine, take into account the fact that red drinks are a hundred times healthier and more nutritious. This has developed not only historically, but also confirmed by special scientific research.

It turns out that sweet or semi-sweet red wine is rich in iodine, vitamins, manganese and other trace elements, and all because the wine material for it grows and ripens in southern and sunny regions.

In fact, making the right decision to purchase such alcohol is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, since there are not so many varieties.

The fact is that the grapes used to produce red and dry wine ripen much longer than those used for white wine. If the drink is “young”, then it retains the aroma of fruit and pleases with a moderately sour and tart taste.

In our country, and in Europe as a whole, the following types of wines are very popular:

Cabernet;
Saperavi;
Merlot;
Malbec;
Sauvignon.

« Immigrants from the southern regions are represented by the following groups of dry wines with a velvety taste and refined aroma:

Navarra - Spain;
Classic Chianti from Italy;
Alushta and Ruby Magarach from Crimea;
Matras and Martuni from Azerbaijan;
Negru de Purcari from Moldova.

Georgian wines are a completely different product, with a unique color reminiscent of thick pomegranate juice. Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, Kvareli... They all attract with their different taste and smell, although they are made from the same grape variety - Saperavi.

Manufacturing technology

Before choosing the right red and dry wine, you should be familiar with its production method, which consists of several stages:

Mass collection of wine materials and their sorting begins closer to autumn;
The grapes are crushed into pulp, it is placed in huge vats and other containers, where primary fermentation occurs;
After a week, all the juice is squeezed out of it. And if the pulp has not completely given up all the coloring pigment, then the fermentation process is slightly prolonged;
The resulting raw materials are poured into branded glass containers and left for 20 days;
Depending on the speed of “ripening”, dry red wine endures two, or even more, pourings.

The quality of wines of all varieties directly depends on compliance with all technological nuances, proper ripening of the drink, storage conditions, etc. Control of all stages of production is also very important, because this is the key to the color, taste and smell of the final product.

Main selection criteria

Before choosing a red semi-sweet or dry wine, study a few standard but effective recommendations:

When wondering which white or red wine to choose, don’t stop at table, red and semi-sweet products. The fact is that they are extremely in demand in Russia and other countries, and therefore low-quality wine materials are used for their production. Also, when solving the problem of which and how to choose white or red semi-sweet wine, remember that such drinks contain maximum amount preservatives;
The best distilleries do not hesitate to announce themselves with large fonts on packaging, loud and sonorous product names, a recognizable brand or advertising;
Before choosing, for example, dry and red Kindzmarauli wine, take the time to read its composition. This excellent drink is made by blending not one, but several grape varieties. The manufacturer is obliged to indicate not only the sugar content, but also a list of all types of wine materials in percentage;
It is better to buy white or red wine in barrels or glass containers. Packaged alcohol is intended for use in cooking, that is, for creating dishes. The brand that is unable to purchase high-quality raw materials saves on packaging;
The last, and most effective rule on how to choose an excellent dry white or red wine is its cost. Everything is clear here: the more expensive, the tastier and more aromatic.

Dry and semi-dry wine differ in that the former contains less sugar, which means it has a more sour and tart taste. The sugar is, as it were, dried out of it, hence the name “dry”.

How and from what grapes are dry and semi-dry wine made? Why do true wine connoisseurs value dry wine more, although there are incomparably more lovers of semi-dry wine? Finally, in what cases and for what dishes should you choose dry wine, and for which semi-dry? This is what our material is about today.

Features of the production and taste of dry and semi-dry wine

Dry wine is made from grape varieties whose sweetness is initially relatively low. The most commonly used are red Merlot, Cabernet and Pinot Franc, white Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Muscat. Dry wine is aged until the sugar in the must is almost completely fermented. The output is a product with a strength of 8.5 to 11, less often up to 15 degrees, with a sugar content of up to 1%.

Semi-dry wines are made from grape varieties Malbec, Pink Muscat, Rkatsiteli, Silvaner and some others. When 1-2.5% of sugar remains in the fermenting wort, fermentation is stopped by cooling the wort to 4-5 °C. The process of wine aging does not end there - it continues to be aged to achieve certain taste and aromatic qualities, but its strength does not increase.

The strength of the finished semi-dry wine is usually, like dry wine, from 8.5 to 11-15 degrees, but the sugar content can range from 0.5 to 2.5%. The given data on the alcohol content and sugar content of dry and semi-dry wines are approximate - there are exceptions, but they are quite rare.

The taste of semi-dry wine is less sour and tart than dry wine, but not sweet, so it is also readily drunk by those who do not like sweets too much.

Not always, but more often than not, dry white wine is more sour than red wine, but dry red wine is more tart. Accordingly, dry white wine should be chosen by lovers of a drink with strong acidity, and red wine should be chosen by connoisseurs of tart taste and pronounced fruity aroma - this is usually what is inherent in dry red wines.

Interesting fact: The driest wine, brut cuvée, contains 0% sugar, that is, there is not even a trace of sugar in it! Extra brut contains 3-6 grams of sugar per liter, and “regular” brut can contain up to 15 grams of sugar per liter of wine. The alcohol content in bruts - dry sparkling wines - is 9-13%.

Why are dry wines more valuable than semi-dry ones?

Because the absence of sweetness allows you to fully experience the aroma of the wine and its delicate, noble taste. Sweetness, even if there is little of it in semi-dry wine, mutes the inherent sourness and astringency of the wine and prevents you from experiencing the most subtle shades of its bouquet. In addition, if the drink is made from not very good grapes, if it is not possible to strictly follow the technology for its production - in a word, if it is assumed that the dry wine will not be of high quality, then make semi-dry - a good option disguise imperfections. Of course, this does not mean that all semi-dry wines are bad. Many wines of this type are very high quality and are produced because their consumers choose them, and not because they are “failed drys”. However, some true wine connoisseurs are sure that only dry wine reveals all the charm of the drink. Whether this is true or not - every wine lover decides for himself.

Dry or semi-dry - which wine to choose for the holiday

We should start with the fact that among “ordinary people” lovers of semi-dry wine predominate. That is, if you want to buy wine for a holiday with colleagues, friends or relatives who are not deep connoisseurs of wine drinking culture, it is better to let most of the drink be semi-dry. Dry wine will most likely be appreciated only by those who are on a diet (it is extremely low in calories), and dry white wine will be readily drunk in hot weather, as it perfectly quenches thirst, especially when mixed with water. In other cases, choose semi-dry, you can’t go wrong.

On the contrary, if you are hosting a gourmet dinner for real wine connoisseurs, then a few bottles of dry white or red will be the ideal choice.

Dry white wine goes perfectly with fatty fish and seafood. It also goes well with poultry dishes, pates, noble mold cheeses, and salads without vinegar dressing. If you want to try dry wine with something sweet, then you should choose fruits (but not citrus fruits), chocolate desserts, baked goods. Serve dry white wine chilled to a temperature of 8-12 °C; noble, refined wines are cooled to a temperature of 14 – 16.5 °C.

Brut is cooled to a temperature of 6-8 degrees and served as an aperitif, with fish, cold and light meat dishes, and desserts. The dry rosé Dargent Pinot Noir Rose will not disappoint.

White semi-dry wine is almost universal: it goes well with most cheeses, fish and cold meat dishes, oriental dishes, vegetable dishes, baked goods, fatty pates. It is served chilled to a temperature of 8-12 °C.

Dry and semi-dry red wines are served chilled to a temperature of 14-18 degrees, and the younger the wine, the more it can be cooled. Dry red wine goes well with most meat dishes, including spicy ones; with pastries and rich cheeses.

Bellingham "Homestead Series", created from Shiraz grapes in South Africa, is unusual and memorable. It is perfect for acquaintance with dry red wines; it is most fully revealed in the company of dishes made from vegetables and meat.

The French semi-dry BIOrebe from Merlot grapes is good for introducing semi-dry red wines. It will be perfectly complemented meat dishes And hard cheeses. More interesting food and wine combinations can be found in “Store Wine”.