Shop Dessert

Not all wines are crafted for the final act, but dessert wine holds that rare honour. Defined by luxurious sweetness and striking complexity, dessert wines are the quiet showstoppers of the wine world. But what is considered a dessert wine? Simply put, it’s any wine where natural or induced sweetness takes centre stage, creating an extraordinary pairing or a standalone indulgence.

The magic of dessert wine lies not just in the glass, but in the extraordinary lengths winemakers go to in creating it. Unlike table wines, dessert wine demands both skill and risk, often relying on nature’s unpredictability.

One remarkable method is botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot,” which selectively shrivels grapes to intensify their sugars and flavours. This process creates legendary wines like Château d’Yquem Sauternes, where Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc combine to deliver layers of honey, apricot, orange peel, and ginger spice, all cut by crystalline acidity that allows the wine to age gracefully for decades.

In cooler climates, the creation of Icewine requires an audacious harvest. Grapes are left on the vine into deep winter, only to be picked in the still of freezing nights at temperatures below –8°C. This extreme technique locks in sugars and acidity, producing wines of intense tropical fruit and pristine purity. Canada and Germany are famed for these rare bottlings, but even Tasmania flirts with this method in experimental vintages.

Italy’s answer comes in the form of Vin Santo, particularly the rich Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico. Here, Trebbiano grapes are harvested and then laid on straw mats to dry for months, concentrating their flavours into a powerful blend of hazelnut, toffee, raisin and warm spices.

Australia has made its mark too. The De Bortoli Noble One from New South Wales’ Riverina region showcases how late-harvest Semillon can weave together lush citrus, honeycomb and crème brûlée notes with an elegance few others match.

These types of dessert wine are not just for the end of a meal. Pair a glass with blue cheese, dried fruits, or rich chocolate. Or simply savour the moment as a luxurious pause.

Whether you’re curious about sweet wines or seeking to add a rare vintage to your cellar, we invite you to explore the artistry and heritage of dessert wine with us.