Liqueur wines, true treasures for lovers of sweetness, are wines that combine delicacy and aromatic richness. Their subtle aromas and natural sweetness make them perfect for accompanying refined dishes or for enjoying on their own during relaxing moments. In Savoie, our region is particularly well-suited to the production of these exceptional wines, thanks in part to climatic conditions favorable to the over-ripening of the grapes. At Domaine Berthollier, we are proud to produce sweet wines that reflect both our family's expertise and the richness of our terroir.
In this article, we invite you to discover the particularities of sweet wines, the production methods, as well as our overripe wine, Princess Leia . A wine that, we are convinced, will delight your taste buds.
What is a sweet wine?
A sweet wine is a wine whose fermentation has been stopped before all the natural sugar in the grapes has been converted into alcohol. This leaves a residual sugar content that provides a smooth and pleasant mouthfeel. Unlike dry wines, sweet wines retain a certain smoothness that makes them perfect for original food pairings or solo tastings.
The production of sweet wines
Producing a sweet wine requires careful attention at every stage. It all begins with a meticulous harvest of overripe grapes. At Domaine Berthollier, we benefit, in some years, from weather conditions conducive to the production of overripe grapes. After scorching summers, like in 2022, the grapes on the vine become more concentrated in sugar and develop more complex aromas, which allows us to create wines of great richness, like our Princess Leia cuvée.
Grape varieties used for sweet wines in Savoie
In Savoie, several grape varieties are ideal for producing sweet wines. We mainly use:
- Altesse : This emblematic grape variety of Savoie, also known as "Roussette", produces elegant and fruity wines, perfect for late harvests.
- Roussanne : Known for its aromatic complexity, it brings notes of ripe fruit and sweet spices to our wines.
Overripe harvests: The secret of sweet wines
The overripe harvest technique is one of the secrets to producing exceptional sweet wines. By leaving the grapes on the vine longer than in a traditional harvest, we allow them to become more concentrated in sugar. This process requires favorable weather conditions, as harvesting too late in a humid climate could harm the quality of the grapes.
At Domaine Berthollier, we've mastered this delicate method to achieve a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. This is how we created Princesse Leia, our overripe wine, which brings out the best in this technique with a unique richness and aromatic complexity.
The aromas developed thanks to overripe harvests
Wines from overripe harvests develop powerful and captivating aromas. Thanks to overripeness, the grapes release notes of candied fruit, honey, dried apricot, and even spices. On the palate, these wines offer a velvety and rounded sensation, with a fine acidity that balances the sweetness.
Why choose a sweet wine from Savoie?
Savoie is a region with a unique terroir, perfectly suited to the production of sweet wines. Our vineyards, perched on sunny hillsides and nourished by limestone-rich soils, allow our grape varieties to develop fresh aromas and a beautiful acidity that counterbalances the sweetness of liqueur wines.
The characteristics of the Savoyard terroir
In Savoie, we benefit from a mountain climate that promotes slow grape ripening, essential for achieving good balance in our sweet wines. Cool nights and sunny days allow the grapes to develop complex aromas while maintaining a beautiful liveliness. This freshness, typical of our Savoie wines, is one of the major assets of the sweet wines we produce.
A perfect balance between softness and freshness
Savoyard sweet wines, thanks to their terroir and specific winemaking methods, are distinguished by their ability to combine sweetness and acidity. What makes our wines so unique is this subtle balance, which allows them to be enjoyed as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to gourmet dishes.
Food and sweet wine pairings: How to enhance your meals?
Sweet wines are extremely versatile and can pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Their natural sweetness brings out certain flavors, creating surprising and delicious food and wine pairings.
Foie gras and sweet wine: The classic pairing
One of the most iconic pairings is undoubtedly that of foie gras with a sweet wine. The rich, creamy texture of foie gras pairs perfectly with the sweetness of a wine like our Princess Leia cuvée. The slight acidity of this wine balances the richness of the foie gras, for a harmonious and refined pairing.
Blue-veined cheeses
Sweet wines also pair wonderfully with strong cheeses, such as Roquefort or other blue-veined cheeses. The sweetness of the wine softens the salty and powerful character of the cheese, creating a delicate contrast on the palate.
Fruity desserts
Fruit-based desserts are natural companions to sweet wines. A pear or apricot tart, for example, pairs perfectly with the fruity and slightly tart notes of our overripe Princess Leia wine. This creates a balance between sweet and tangy, ideal for a delicious end to a meal.
More surprising …
Our Princess Leia also pairs well with Chinese, Thai, or Indian cuisine: sushi, spring rolls, chicken curry. And let yourself be surprised by a sweet wine and oyster pairing. The sweetness of the sweet wine counterbalances the saltiness of the oyster.
Our overripe wine "Princess Leia"
Princess Leia is one of our prides at Domaine Berthollier. This overripe wine with a moderate degree of overripeness (96 g of remaining grape sugar) is the result of meticulous attention paid to every stage of its production, from the overripe harvest to the maturation process. Its balance between sweetness and freshness, as well as its aromatic complexity, make it an exceptional sweet wine.
Features of "Princess Leia"
- Grape variety : Roussanne (called Bergeron in Savoie), an emblematic grape variety of Savoie which gives Princess Leia its fresh and floral aromas, and a light touch of Jacquère for freshness.
- Aromas : This overripe wine reveals captivating aromas of candied citrus, honey, and dried fruit. On the palate, it is both rich and balanced, with a beautiful length.
- Food Pairings : Princess Leia is perfect with foie gras, fruity desserts, or blue cheeses, but also, unexpectedly, lightly spiced Chinese or Indian dishes, or sweet and savory dishes, such as scallops with mango or honey-glazed turkey leg. Its aromatic complexity allows it to enhance a variety of dishes and offer a unique tasting experience.
Why choose "Princess Leia"?
If we had to sum up the essence of our Princess Leia cuvée, we would say that it is a wine that is at once sweet, refined, and intense. Made from overripe grapes, carefully harvested late, it embodies all the expertise of our estate and the richness of our terroir. Whether to accompany a festive meal or for a special tasting moment, Princess Leia is a wine that will captivate your senses and enrich your gourmet moments.
10 other popular sweet wines
Sauternes (Bordeaux)
- One of the most famous appellations for sweet wines, Sauternes wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, particularly the Sémillon grape variety, often paired with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
Barsac (Bordeaux)
- Often likened to Sauternes, this appellation produces sweet wines with similar characteristics, but with a lighter and more elegant touch.
Monbazillac (Southwest)
- Known for its sweet wines made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, Monbazillac offers wines with aromas of honey, candied fruit and spices.
Layon hillsides (Loire)
- One of the Loire Valley's most prestigious appellations for sweet wines, often made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. The wines are characterized by aromas of dried fruit, honey, and candied citrus.
Quarters of Thatch (Loire)
- This small appellation produces exceptional wines, often considered among the best sweet wines in France, with strong aging potential.
Bonnezeaux (Loire)
- Another appellation of the Loire Valley, renowned for its rich and smooth wines, also made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety.
Aubance hillsides (Loire)
- Less well-known than Côteaux du Layon, this appellation produces sweet wines from Chenin Blanc, often with notes of exotic fruits and honey.
Jurançon (Southwest)
- Known for its sweet and liqueur wines, Jurançon produces wines from the Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng grape varieties, which offer aromas of exotic fruits and spices.
Loupiac (Bordeaux)
- Located on the right bank of the Garonne, this appellation produces sweet wines similar to Sauternes, with excellent value for money.
Cadillac (Bordeaux)
- Producing sweet and liqueur wines, this appellation is located near Sauternes, with wines often more affordable.
How to store a sweet wine?
Sweet wines, especially those from late harvests like Princess Leia, are wines for aging. They can improve over time and develop even more complex aromas if you store them properly.
Ideal temperature and storage conditions
To preserve the quality of your sweet wines, it's essential to store them in suitable conditions. We recommend storing them at a stable temperature, around 12°C, in a dark place. Humidity must also be controlled, with an ideal level of around 70%, to preserve the corks and prevent the wine from oxidizing.
Tasting of sweet wines
To fully appreciate the aromas of our sweet wines, it is recommended to serve them at a slightly cool temperature, between 10 and 12°C. This will reveal all their complexity without masking their sweetness. Our wines can be enjoyed today, but can also be aged for a few years to develop deeper and more evolved aromas.
Conclusion
Sweet wines, particularly those produced in Savoie, offer a unique taste experience where sweetness and freshness blend perfectly. We at Domaine Berthollier are proud to offer Princesse Leia, an over-ripe wine that embodies all the expertise and excellence of our estate. Whether paired with foie gras, a fruity dessert, or simply to enjoy a relaxing moment, our over-ripe wine will enhance your gourmet moments.
Discover Princess Leia now on our online store www.chignin.com and let yourself be seduced by the magic of overripe grapes.
FAQ
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What is a sweet wine?
A sweet wine is a wine that retains a quantity of residual sugar after fermentation, which gives it a characteristic sweetness in the mouth. -
What is the difference between a sweet wine and a liqueur wine?
A sweet wine is moderately sweet, with a sugar content of 10 to 45 grams per liter. While a liqueur wine is much more concentrated in sugar (over 45 grams), offering a more syrupy texture, like our Princess Leia . -
How to store a sweet wine?
Sweet wines must be stored at a stable temperature, around 12°C, in an environment with controlled humidity to preserve the quality of the wine. -
What can you serve with a sweet wine?
Sweet wines pair perfectly with foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, or even fruity desserts. -
What is an overripe wine?
An overripe wine is made from grapes harvested late, after their full maturity, allowing us to produce rich, sweet and aromatic wines like our Princess Leia cuvée.