<div class="wrapper"><div class="container"><div class="hero-wrapper"><div class="heroImgWrapper"><img alt="Semi Sweet Red Wine" class="heroImg" decoding="async" height="206" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width:1024px) 93vw, 1028px" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine.width-310.jpg" srcset="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine.width-310.jpg 310w, https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine.width-616.jpg 616w, https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine.width-1028.jpg 1000w" width="310"></div><div class="with-sticky-wrapper"><article class="article-wrapper"><div class="hero-description-wrapper"><div class="heroDescriptions"><h1>9 Popular Semi Sweet Red Wine Styles (Best Bottles to Buy, Prices (2024)</h1><div class="author">by Elaine Lau</div></div></div><div class="gupWrapper"><div class="mobile-gup"><p>If syrupy sweet or super dry reds don&#8217;t sway you, there is a crimson tipple that will suit your fancy - the irresistible <a href="#9-most-popular-semi-sweet-red-wine-styles">semi sweet red wine</a>. </p><p>Any off-dry vintage with some sweetness qualifies as a sweet wine, and a red with 3-5% (30-50 grams of sugar) is a semi sweet wine. Added to that, is a pleasant fruity palate, which makes semi sweet reds a favorite among wine lovers!&#160;&#160;</p><p>Let&#8217;s explore this unique style of medium sweet wines, <a href="#10-exceptional-semi-sweet-red-wine-bottles-to-buy-now">the 10 exceptional bottles to buy in 2022</a>, and <a href="#best-food-pairings-for-semi-sweet-red-wines">the best foods to pair with them</a>. We&#8217;ll also look at a few <a href="#other-sweet-red-wine-styles">other sweet red wine styles</a>.</p><div class="calloutWrapper"><h3>Further reading</h3><ul><li>Here's the ultimate guide to <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/sweet-red-wine">Sweet Red Wine</a> and the <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/red-wine-brands">10 Best Red Wine Brands</a> to buy now.</li></ul></div><h2 data-toc-link="link-1" id="9-most-popular-semi-sweet-red-wine-styles">9 Most Popular Semi Sweet Red Wine Styles</h2><img alt="Semi Sweet Red Wine" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="531" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine-1.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>The sweetness in red wine depends on:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p><ul><li>The grape&#8217;s natural sugar content</li><li>The wine&#8217;s residual sugar (sugar left after fermentation of the grape juice)</li></ul><p>Here are some of the prominent <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/wine-grapes">wine grapes</a> that produce semi sweet wine styles:</p><h3 id="1.-lambrusco">1. Lambrusco</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/lambrusco-wine">Lambrusco</a> hails from Italy&#8217;s <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/lambrusco-emilia">Emilia-Romagna</a> region. It produces a lightly sparkling fruity red wine with delicious red berry flavors and delicate freshness. This <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/italian-red-wine">Italian red</a> is food-friendly wine with just the right amount of sweetness.</p><h3 id="2.-zinfandel">2. Zinfandel</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/zinfandel-wine">Zinfandel</a> is a grape native to Croatia, used in the production of fruit-dominant wines worldwide.&#160;&#160;</p><p>Zinfandel grapes harvested before they ripen fully are used to produce dry wines. The late harvest, ripe grapes are used in the making of sweet wines.</p><h3 id="3.-garnacha-(grenache)">3. Garnacha (Grenache)</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/grenache">Grenache</a> is popularly called the workhorse grape and is grown throughout the world. The long ripening season increases the sugar content in the grape. Grenache produces a fruity semi sweet table wine style and a fully sweet dessert wine style (depending on its harvest time.)&#160;</p><h3 id="4.-malbec">4. Malbec</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/malbec-wine">Malbec</a> is a fruity wine&#160; produced mainly in France and Argentina and has medium <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/tannins">tannins</a> and a high <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/wine-alcohol-content">ABV</a> (15%.) It is usually blended with <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/cabernet-franc">Cabernet Franc</a>, <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/cabernet-sauvignon-wine">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>, and Pinot Noir to produce lighter dry wine styles. But its single <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/varietal">varietal wines</a> offer dark berry and black fruit notes with medium sweetness.</p><h3 id="5.-shiraz">5. Shiraz</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/shiraz-wine">Shiraz</a> is a dark red wine with moderate acidity, firm tannins, and a lush syrupy flavor profile. It has high alcohol content and a broad fruity palate that beautifully complements any hearty meal.&#160;</p><h3 id="6.-red-moscato">6. Red Moscato</h3><p>Red <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/moscato-wine">Moscato</a> is a semi sweet red wine made with Black Muscat grapes. It&#8217;s a slightly sparkling wine with red berry and violet flavors.</p><h3 id="7.-brachetto-d'acqui">7. Brachetto d'acqui</h3><p>This Italian sweet red is best known for its floral bouquet and candied fruit notes.</p><h3 id="8.-tempranillo">8. Tempranillo</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/tempranillo-wine">Tempranillo</a> is a grape used in the making of semi sweet and dry red wine styles. The sweet Tempranillo wines are full-bodied and balanced with medium tannins and a delightful fruity palate.&#160;</p><h3 id="9.-beaujolais-nouveau">9. Beaujolais Nouveau</h3><p><a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/beaujolais-nouveau-2019"><b>Beaujolais</b><b>Nouveau</b></a> is a sweet wine made from Gamay grapes with low tannins and is often called the &#8216;Shirley Temple&#8217; of wine.</p><h2 data-toc-link="link-2" id="10-exceptional-semi-sweet-red-wine-bottles-to-buy-now">10 Exceptional Semi Sweet Red Wine Bottles To Buy Now</h2><p>Here are our top semi sweet red wine picks for 2022:</p><h3 id="1.-2017-powell-and-son-kraehe-marananga-shiraz-(dollar509)">1. 2017 Powell &amp; Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz ($509)</h3><img alt="2017 Powell &amp; Son Kraehe Marananga Shiraz" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2017-Powell--Son-Kraehe-Marananga-Shiraz.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This medium sweet red wine has a cherry, plum, and licorice aroma offset by an intense black fruit, mocha, and dark chocolate taste. It is full-bodied with silky tannins, crisp acidity, and a long finish.</p><h3 id="2.-2015-devil-proof-malbec-(dollar224)">2. 2015 Devil Proof Malbec ($224)</h3><img alt="2015 Devil Proof Malbec" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2015-Devil-Proof-Malbec.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Here&#8217;s a dark red semi sweet wine with irresistible red berry and spice aromas in a magnificent black currant, herb, and dried fruit <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/wine-flavors">palate</a>.</p><h3 id="3.-2019-martinelli-jackass-vineyard-zinfandel-(dollar118)">3. 2019 Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel ($118)</h3><img alt="2019 Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2019-Martinelli-Jackass-Vineyard-Zinfandel.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This Zinfandel red has tolerable sweetness with a wild berry preserve, chocolate, and spice bouquet. The firm tannins and balanced acidity underscore the alluring jam, dark cherry, and raspberry taste.</p><h3 id="4.-2006-lini-910-in-correggio-rosso-metodo-classico-millesimato-(dollar40)">4. 2006 Lini 910 In Correggio Rosso Metodo Classico Millesimato ($40)</h3><img alt="2006 Lini 910 In Correggio Rosso Metodo Classico Millesimato" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2006_Lini_910_In_Correggio_Rosso-Metodo-Classi.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Here&#8217;s a pleasant red wine with tantalizing rhubarb, strawberry, croissant aroma hints and a delicious red currant, and blueberry taste. Its tannin mouthfeel and long finish make this wine standout among other semi sweet options.</p><h3 id="5.-2018-telavi-wine-cellar-marani-khvanchkara-(dollar23)">5. 2018 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Khvanchkara ($23)</h3><img alt="2018 Telavi Wine Cellar Marani Khvanchkara" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2018-Telavi-Wine-Cellar-Marani-Khvanchkara.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This sweet red has dominant prune and red berry aromas in a sumptuous palate of dark chocolate, vanilla, and black cherry notes.</p><h3 id="6.-2013-markovic-estates-select-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot-semi-sweet-(dollar17)">6. 2013 Markovic Estates Select Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Semi Sweet ($17)</h3><img alt="2013 Markovic Estates Select Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Semi Sweet" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2013-Markovic-Estates-Select-Cabernet-Sauvigno.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Here&#8217;s a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon and <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/merlot-wine">Merlot</a> red blend with oak and nut aromas. The wine&#8217;s firm tannins are balanced by a beautiful blackberry, red currant, and cranberry flavor.</p><h3 id="7.-2010-dolce-della-rosa-semi-sweet-red-(dollar12)">7. 2010 Dolce della Rosa Semi Sweet Red ($12)</h3><img alt="2010 Dolce della Rosa Semi Sweet Red" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2010-Dolce-della-Rosa-Semi-Sweet-Red.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This sweet, velvety, fruity wine offers intense red fruit preserve aromas and an exquisite wild berry, prune, and blueberry taste.</p><h3 id="8.-2019-markovic-estates-select-shiraz-grenache-semi-sweet-(dollar12)">8. 2019 Markovic Estates Select Shiraz - Grenache Semi Sweet ($12)</h3><img alt="2019 Markovic Estates Select Shiraz - Grenache Semi Sweet" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/2019-Markovic-Estates-Select-Shiraz-Grenache-S.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Here we have a Shiraz and Grenache blend with vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry bouquet enhanced by an outstanding black fruit and spice palate.</p><h3 id="9.-alfasi-select-mistico-cabernet-sauvignon-(dollar11)">9. Alfasi Select Mistico Cabernet Sauvignon ($11)</h3><img alt="Alfasi Select Mistico Cabernet Sauvignon" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Alfasi-Select-Mistico-Cabernet-Sauvignon.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>This sweet Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with a blackberry, black cherry, plum flavor and an addictive red fruit, cedar, and oak aroma.&#160;</p><h3 id="10.-castillo-del-conde-semi-sweet-tinto-(dollar4)">10. Castillo del Conde Semi-Sweet Tinto ($4)</h3><img alt="Castillo del Conde Semi-Sweet Tinto" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="528" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Castillo-del-Conde-Semi-Sweet-Tinto.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Here, a flavorful semi-sweet red presents a beautiful fruity nose with intense black fruit, strawberry, and vanilla tasting notes. It also has balanced acidity, a long finish, and soft tannins.</p><h2 data-toc-link="link-3" id="best-food-pairings-for-semi-sweet-red-wines">Best Food Pairings for Semi Sweet Red Wines</h2><img alt="Semi Sweet Red Wine with food" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="533" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine-3.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Semi sweet red wines can be <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/wine-pairing">paired with</a> a variety of foods, for example:&#160;</p><ul><li><b>Zinfandel</b>: A semi sweet Zinfandel works well with barbecued meats, turkey, vegetable tart, and red pasta.</li><li><b>Lambrusco</b>: Lambrusco is a great accompaniment to pizza, cured meats, pork, and cheese.&#160;</li><li><b>Grenache</b>: It is a versatile semi sweet drink that pairs well with roast chicken, pork, beef, spicy food, and smoked salmon.</li><li><b>Red Moscato</b>: This one is a flavorful dessert wine that complements chocolate souffle, tiramisu, and other sweet dishes.</li></ul><h2 data-toc-link="link-4" id="other-sweet-red-wine-styles">Other Sweet Red Wine Styles&#160;</h2><img alt="Semi Sweet Red Wine, Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Port" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="533" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/port-Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>If you&#8217;re in for even sweeter wine styles, you can try Dornfelder, Schiava, and fortified wine<b></b>styles like <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/sherry-wine">Sherry</a>, <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/port-wine">Port</a>, and <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/blog/madeira-wine">Madeira</a> (these wines have a bit higher sweetness level with 50-70 grams of sugar per liter.)&#160;</p><p>Or you can explore some sweet dessert wine styles like Freisa and Cabernet Franc Ice wine (their residual sugar content is in the range of 70-90 grams per liter.)</p><h2 id="semi-sweet-red-wine:-the-perfect-celebratory-drink!">Semi Sweet Red Wine: The Perfect Celebratory Drink!</h2><img alt="Semi Sweet Red Wine" class="richtext-image full-width" decoding="async" height="546" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.cdn4vest.com/images/Semi-Sweet-Red-Wine-2.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p>Semi sweet red wine is the wholesome choice if you wish to take a middle-path between highly savory, dry red wine and cloyingly sweet, dessert red. Stock a bottle of this medium sweet drink and mesmerize guests at your next dinner party.</p><p>But if you wish to build a portfolio of investment-grade red, white, or sparkling wines, <a href="https://www.vinovest.co/"><b>go to the Vinovest website</b></a>. The AI-based platform provides you with the easiest way to <b>buy, store, and sell authentic fine wines</b> from around the world.</p><p>It allows you to sell your wine at any time. However, it&#8217;s best to sell your fine wine when it reaches its peak value (after 5-20 years.)&#160;</p><p>Our advisors will guide you on the best liquidity options and the best time to sell your wine. 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Here’s a quick primer on the different semi sweet red wine styles, best bottles, food pairings, and other sweet red wine styles.