Semi-Dry American White Wine
Many wine drinkers love that hint of sweetness that can be found in semi-dry wines. They might only prefer sweet dessert wines occasionally after dinner and find dry varieties to have too much pucker or acidity to suit their palate. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of semi-dry American white wines that are reasonably priced and delicious.Sweetness in wine is determined by the level of residual sugar that remains after fermentation has taken place. The amount of acid and alcohol in a wine can also affect the level of sweetness. While many people associate sweeter wines as being of poor quality, in fact, some of the world's greatest wines have a considerably high level of residual sugar. No one would ever dispute the quality of a French Vouvray or Sauternes.
The Riesling grape produces some of the best semi-dry wines in the United States. Grown widely in Washington and California, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for these wines. Riesling, once thought of as unsophisticated and cheap, is now a favorite of those wanting a wine with toned down sugar and a crisp finish. Some of the wineries producing popular Rieslings include: Charles Krug, Fetzer, and Kendall-Jackson. Many Rieslings retail for less than $10 a bottle.
White Zinfandel is another favorite of those wanting a wine with some sweetness. This rose wine has a fruity, punch-like flavor and a low amount of alcohol. While it is often ridiculed by wine connoisseurs, its popularity cannot be disputed. It is the third most popular wine in the United States. It is almost exclusively grown in California. Some of the leading producers of White Zinfandel include Barefoot Cellars and Beringer. These wines can frequently be purchased for under $8 a bottle.
For those who love bubbles, there are many good semi-dry sparkling wine choices. Often referred to as Champagne, sparkling wine can have subtle fruit flavor and a delicate sweetness that pairs wonderfully with light foods or can be enjoyed all by itself. When shopping for a semi-dry sparkling wine, ask the retailer for one that resembles a Spumante. This is the Italian version of Champagne that is renowned for its semi-dry characteristics. Another term for semi-dry found on sparkling wine labels is "demi-sec." Good sparkling wine choices include: Korbel and Mumm.
