Wine n00b -- How to identify a sweet white zinfandel

[Anonymous]

My wife likes sweet white wines, like ice wine. I recalled having a sweet white zinfandel long ago. I bought a bottle, and it was dry. Researching, I see they range from dry to sweet. I can ask the wine shopkeeper, but is there any way to tell from the brand or bottle if it is sweet? Any specific recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Higher alcohol % usually means dry. Look for one that is low alcohol %. Ask the shop keeper. Or just buy a dessert or ice wine.

Dry Zinfandel works with fish.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised you found a dry one. Most of it is sweet.

Sutter Home created the white zin craze in America. It's still sweet, and I think it's still under $8 a bottle.

Most of them in that price range are going to be sweet. As PP indicated, lower alcohol % is an indicator. So are gimmicky names and cute animals on the label.

[Anonymous]

If your wife likes sweet whites, you should also explore the world of Riesling. Sadly, it's complicated--they can range from dessert sweet to bone dry. Ask the shopkeeper, they should be happy to explain. They may steer you toward Germany or Alsace, the historic sources of good Riesling. But there is a ton of good Riesling being made in Washington state, and it's much more affordable. Start with Kung Fu Girl and see what she thinks.

[Anonymous]

Are you talking about dessert wine? Ask someone at the store.

[Anonymous]

Get her a moscato. People who claim to like wine by really don't love moscato.

[Anonymous]

If she likes sweet whites, try Gewürztraminer. It's a German white.

[Anonymous]

Hogue and Chateau St. Michelle both make good rieslings and gewurztraminers for about $10. They're from Washington. For a little more you can get Hugel from Alsace.

[Anonymous]

+1 on the moscato. It comes in still or sparkling versions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If she likes sweet whites, try Gewürztraminer. It's a German white.

+1 for this wine. It's excellent!

[Anonymous]

Gewurz can actually be a tasty bottle of wine. Less sweet than an ice wine -- if that's really her style, maybe better off with a fortified wine like a pineau or madeira to try something different?

bleh chateau st michelle. Try something alsatian or german; they know how to make a balanced sweeter wine.

[Anonymous]

Gewurz can actually be a tasty bottle of wine. Less sweet than an ice wine -- if that's really her style, maybe better off with a fortified wine like a pineau or madeira to try something different?

bleh chateau st michelle. Try something alsatian or german; they know how to make a balanced sweeter wine.

I saw some Willm on sale for $11 today. Great deal for Alsatian wine. Shouldn't be hard to find.