Sip into Sweetness | Dessert and Fortified Wines
Get ready to elevate your winter nights with the ultimate liquid indulgence—dessert wines! As the cold sets in, it's the perfect time to stock up on these luscious gems that turn every cozy dinner and chilly evening into a decadent affair.
Dessert wines, affectionately known as 'stickies,' are more than just after-dinner drinks—they're an experience. They linger on your palate with a sweetness that surpasses any mousse, cake, or tart. Whether you're pairing them with fruit desserts soft cheeses, or savouring them solo, they add a touch of luxury to every sip.
It's surprising how often these liquid treasures fly under the radar, even for seasoned wine enthusiasts. But let's not miss out on the chance to create unforgettable pairings! While there's no strict definition, dessert wines are universally loved for their sweetness and complexity, spanning a spectrum from bold reds to sparkling whites.
In Australia, dessert wines come in two main styles: those crafted from sun-ripened grapes and those fortified with a splash of spirit during production.
First up, there's the unfortified kind made from Semillon or Rieslinggrapes, producing light golden elixirs that can age gracefully for half a century or more—ever tried a late harvest Semillon? These beauties hang on the vine until perfectly ripe, resulting in wines that are rich with residual sugars or a delightful hint of alcohol—perfect for pairing with foie gras, blue cheese, or a touch of light chocolate decadence.
Then there's the legendary 'Noble Rot' wines—yes, made from grapes with a touch of noble decay! Don't let the name fool you; these wines, like the renowned Sauternes from Bordeaux or Australia's own celebrated De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon, are born from grapes covered in a beneficial fungus, yielding an unmatched sweetness that's pure liquid gold.
And let's not forget fortified wines like Sherry, Port, and Madeira. By adding brandy during fermentation, these wines stop yeast in its tracks, leaving behind a rich sweetness, and after a loving stint in oak barrels, they mature into complex wonders bursting with flavour and colour. Of course, no discussion on dessert wines is incomplete without a nod to the sweet sparkling wines! Proof that bubbles are not just meant for toasts at a special occasion or celebrating the New Year, these effervescent delights may be a great way to start a meal, but have you ever thought to serve them alongside a dessert?
Whether white, red, or rosé, sparkling dessert wines are a versatile match for any sweet treat. Their lively acidity and bubbles not only balance the wine's sweetness but also cleanse the palate, preparing it for each delectable bite. Try sipping a glass alongside warm fruit cobbler, buttery shortbread, or anything chocolate—it's a pairing that turns every bite into a celebration of flavours.
But dessert wines aren't just for dessert—they're versatile stars! They shine as aperitifs, elevate savoury dishes, or stand tall on their own. Pair them with poached fruits, nut tarts, or the classic crème brûlée for a match made in taste bud heaven.
And here's a secret: dessert wines age like fine art. Start a collection of these liquid treasures—they only get better with time! This winter, let dessert wines be your go-to for after-dinner bliss, your perfect pairing for savoury delights, and creating moments that are as sweet as they are unforgettable.
Cheers to indulgence and the art of sipping something extraordinary!
HUNGERFORD HILL
Liquer Muscat
Grand muscat matured in oak barrels, in the cellar for over a decade. Laying in wait developing the smooth rich aromas and flavour that members have loved for decades.
TASTING Fragrant maple and oak on the nose. A dance of honey and raisins slides across the palate, with a lingering and invigorating finish.
FOOD MATCH Sticky date pudding, Viennetta birthday cake, apple crumble, or Castello blue cheese
CELLARING Cellar for 5+ years, but why would you?
PRICE $50
SAVANNAH ESTATE
Limited Release Muscat
This limited Release Muscat is made in the solera style and blended with a brandy spirit. Bottled in imported Italin Vin du Vie glass, it is the perfect centrepiece on your shelf.
TASTING This Muscat is "Christmas pudding in a glass" with lifted hints of orange blossom, caramelised fig, and honey on the nose. It also has balanced flavours of rum, raisin and golden syrup on the palate.
FOOD MATCH Delicious over vanilla bean ice cream, sticky date pudding, on your pancakes in the morning and with a hard cheddar.
CELLARING Up to 12 months once open.
PRICE $25
SOBELS WINES
Sticky Botrytis SSB
One of the Hunters BEST! A blend of 60% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% a blend of other whites, made from botrytised fruit in the traditional style.
TASTING Honeysuckle, marmalade and dried stone-fruits are the key notes of this wine, sitting on a soft and luscious, yet lively palate, with a clean finish.
FOOD MATCH Enjoy with a cheese plate, or a vanilla bean ice-cream, pancake, waffle or a fruit based dessert. Serve chilled.
CELLARING Decades
PRICE $35
PARCHED CROW WINES
Sogni D’oro
‘Sogni D’oro’ translates to sweet dreams in Italian, and rightfully so with this sweet aperitif. A light fortified similar to the European Mistelle style but with a twist, made from Shiraz.
TASTING The ruby pink colour and raspberrycaramel aroma create an enticing contrast to the flavours of honey nectar and marmalade that seep through on the palate. The combination of these elements creates a
surprising sensory experience.
FOOD MATCH Best served at either room temperature in the cooler months or on ice in Summer. Some even like to enjoy this in a spritz with a slice of blood orange.
PRICE $25
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