10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier
Sweet red wines are often used as a gateway to red wines or as transition wines for beginners. They come in a range of delightful flavors and often present ripe, jammy fruit characteristics such as cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and sometimes even plum, dried fruit, and compote.
However, not all sweet red wines are the same. Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll help in picking the type of sweet red wine that’s right for you as well as our top 10 list with insights from wine professional Raymund S. Manzanillo!
Quick List - Top Sweet Red Wines
Raymund is currently the chief sommelier who sources and evaluates wines for the portfolio of La Peregrina Filipina, a Philippine-based wine import company. He is a proponent of wine as culture, art, a lifestyle, and an all-important element in the world of gastronomy.
Justine joined mybest in 2020. She gravitates toward writing all things food-related and how they connect people. Aside from writing, she’s made it a point to hunt for the perfect croissant and chocolate chip cookie.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Comparing Sweet Red Wines vs Ordinary Red Wines
- How to Choose a Sweet Red Wine - Buying Guide
- For Wine Beginners, Try Lighter Styles Like Lambrusco or Pinot Noir First Before Venturing to Other Varieties1
- Explore Different Red Wine Types or Varieties to Expand Your Palate2
- Read the Label: Look for Indicators of Sweetness3
- Examine Its Color, Aroma, and Mouthfeel to Confirm Its Sweetness4
- The Best Food to Pair With Sweet Red Wines
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Raymund S. Manzanillo
- What’s a Good Price Point for Beginner Wine Drinkers?
- Can You Pair Dessert With Sweet Red Wines?
- Browse More Wine Options
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Comparing Sweet Red Wines vs Ordinary Red Wines
Do sweet red wines and ordinary red wines have noticeable differences? Let's explore how sweet red wines and ordinary red wines vary in different aspects like sweetness level, flavor profile, palate sensation, and ideal food pairing.
- Sweetness Level- Sweet red wines have a noticeable level of residual sugar, which brings a pronounced sweetness to the wine. Ordinary red wines are typically dry, meaning they have minimal residual sugar, allowing other flavors to take the forefront.
- Flavor Profile- Sweet red wines often display prominent fruitiness, with flavors of ripe berries, cherries, and sometimes even hints of dried fruits. Ordinary red wines showcase a wider range of flavors, including various fruit notes (like red and dark fruits), spices, herbs, and sometimes earthy or mineral undertones.
- Palate Sensation- Sweet red wines coat the palate with a lush, velvety sensation due to the sugar content. Ordinary red wines tend to have more structure from tannins and acidity, creating a different textural experience.
- Food Pairing- Sweet red wines are excellent with desserts and can pair well with certain cheeses or rich, savory dishes that balance the sweetness. Ordinary red wines are often paired with a wider range of foods, from meats to pasta to cheeses, depending on the wine's style.
How to Choose a Sweet Red Wine - Buying Guide
Choosing a sweet red wine can be confusing, especially if you don’t know what to look for. How do you dissect the label? How can you tell just by its appearance? Learn more about these in our buying guide below.
For Wine Beginners, Try Lighter Styles Like Lambrusco or Pinot Noir First Before Venturing to Other Varieties
Sommelier Raymund Manzanillo recommends beginners to try lighter sweet red wines that have a moderate level of sweetness and lower alcohol content first. Look for wines labeled as "semi-sweet" or "off-dry."
Lighter reds like Lambrusco, Beaujolais, or some Pinot Noirs usually fall within this range and can be great introductory options as these wines tend to be fruit-forward and approachable.
Explore Different Red Wine Types or Varieties to Expand Your Palate
Explore Sweet and Playful Flavors Like Brachetto d’ Acqui, Lambrusco Dolce, and Black Muscat
Lambrusco Dolce: A lightly sparkling Italian wine with sweet red fruit flavors and a touch of fizziness. It's a more playful and versatile option.
Black Muscat: This variety is known for its floral aromatics and rich berry flavors. It's often made into sweet wines ranging from light to intensely sweet.
Different Wine Styles Provide Taste and Complexity
Port-style Wines: Port is a fortified sweet red wine, often featuring deep fruit flavors, richness, and a touch of spice. Varieties like Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Port offer different levels of complexity and aging potential.
Dessert Wines: These encompass a broad category of sweet wines, including varieties like Recioto della Valpolicella, Banyuls, and Maury. They're crafted to be enjoyed as a dessert or paired with rich, savory dishes.
Red Ice Wines: Similar to ice wines, these are made from grapes that have frozen on the vine. The freezing concentrates sugars and flavors, resulting in intensely sweet wines.
Read the Label: Look for Indicators of Sweetness
Spotting a sweet red wine can be easy if you can remember the tell-tale signs. Heres what you need to know to help you identify if a wine is indeed sweet.
Look for Labels Like Sweet or Semi-Sweet to Determine Its Sugar Level
One of the key indicators is the wine's label – look for terms like "sweet," "off-dry," or "semi-sweet." These are clear signals that the wine will have a noticeable sweetness.
The sweetness in wine is typically measured in grams of residual sugar per liter. You'll find wines ranging from semi-sweet with around 12-45 g/L of residual sugar to dessert wines that can have over 200 g/L, creating rich and lusciously sweet profiles.
Check the ABV: Beginners May Start With a Moderate 9%-12%
Sweet red wines can vary in alcohol by volume (ABV), but they generally fall within the range of 7% to 15% ABV. The sweetness level doesn't necessarily dictate the ABV, as it depends on factors like grape variety, winemaking techniques, and whether the wine is fortified.
For beginners in drinking wine, it's often recommended to start with wines that have a moderate ABV, around 9% to 12%. This range allows for a balanced experience without overwhelming the palate or causing too much of an alcohol impact.
Examine Its Color, Aroma, and Mouthfeel to Confirm Its Sweetness
Besides reading the label, you can use your senses to determine whether a wine is sweet.
Pay Attention to the Color: the Darker, the Sweeter
Sweeter red wines tend to be darker and more opaque due to their higher sugar content. When you swirl the wine in your glass, observe its "legs" or "tears" – thicker, slower-running tears might suggest more residual sugar.
Observe Its Aroma and Mouthfeel: It Should Have Ripe Fruit Scents and a Velvety Mouthfeel
On the palate, sweet red wines often exhibit fruity and jammy flavors with a soft, velvety mouthfeel. You'll also notice a lack of pronounced tannins, as the sweetness can mask their astringency.
The aroma can also provide clues. If you sense intense ripe fruit, caramel, honey, or even floral notes on the nose, it’s likely you're dealing with a sweet red wine.
Attend wine tastings if possible. This allows you to try different styles and find what appeals to your palate without committing to a full bottle. Additionally, you can also ask for recommendations at a wine shop or from friends who are familiar with wine. They can suggest options based on your preferences.
10 Best Sweet Red Wines to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ABV | Type | Country of Origin | Grape Variety | Volume | |||||
1 | Apothic Apothic Red｜Winemaker’s Blend | | A Blended Red Wine With a Balanced Taste Many Would Enjoy | 13.5% | Red Blend | USA | Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon | 750ml | |
2 | Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages | | Showcases Tradition and Modern Winemaking Techniques in a Bottle | 12% | Red | France | Gamay | 750ml | |
3 | Tommasi Valpolicella | | A Fruity Wine Blend That Can be Paired With A Variety of Dishes | 12% | Red | Italy | Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinara | 750ml | |
4 | JP Chenet Medium Sweet | | A Silky and Spicy Wine Perfect for Aperitifs | 12% | Red | France | Merlot, Carignan, Shiraz, Grenache | 750ml | |
5 | Pillitteri Estates Reserve Icewine | | An Intense and Complex Wine to Pair With Desserts | 11.5% | Sweet Red | Canada | Cabernet Sauvignon | 375ml | |
6 | Chrismont La Zona Sangiovese | | A Light and Fruity Wine for Everyday Drinking | 13% | Red | Australia | Sangiovese | 750ml | |
7 | Riunite Lambrusco | | A Light and Refreshing Choice for Occasional Drinkers | 8% | Red | Italy | Lambrusco | 750ml | |
8 | Barefoot Sweet Red Blend | | A Refreshing Wine Bursting With Fruity Flavors | 10.5% | Red | USA | Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay | 750ml | |
9 | Stella Rosa Red | | Unwind After a Long Day With This Rich, Red Wine | 5% | Red | Italy | Moscato | 750ml | |
10 | Calem Fine Tawny Porto | | A Velvety and Silky Wine for Most Occasions | 20% | Fortified | Portugal | Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional | 750ml | |
A Blended Red Wine With a Balanced Taste Many Would Enjoy
Apothic Red’s The Winemaker’s Blend masterfully combines varieties of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon; this exudes hints of vanilla and mocha. With this wine, you get the richness and smoothness of a typical red wine tempered with the right amount of sweetness. This creates a balanced taste that is great for beginners or certified wine drinkers.
This makes it a great choice whether you are looking for a wine to pair with dinner, a wine to serve when you have guests, or a glass to sip on after a long day. Indeed, this is a wine that everyone can enjoy!
| ABV | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red Blend |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Grape Variety | Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Volume | 750ml |
Showcases Tradition and Modern Winemaking Techniques in a Bottle
The Beaujolais Villages uses Gamay grapes grown in Burgundy, which boasts a lighter and fruity flavor. These grapes produce a well-rounded and balanced taste that makes it easy to drink. This results in a light-bodied wine with the classic taste of red with a hint of sweetness, boasting a bright and fresh taste!
The mastery of their craft allows for a fruit-forward red that can be enjoyable for all. Its traditional vinification results in a light and fruity expression of the grapes, resulting in a fresh flavor, allowing you to pair it with mild cheeses or poultry. The mild taste of the pairing will complement the sweet and classic taste of their wine.
| ABV | 12% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Grape Variety | Gamay |
| Volume | 750ml |
A Fruity Wine Blend That Can be Paired With A Variety of Dishes
A high-quality Venetian wine that has sweet cherry flavors with an authentic and traditional taste, this blends three varieties of grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The Corvina and Rondinella provide the body and structure of the wine, giving it a fruity note, while Molinara adds a taste of fresh herbs.
This versatile wine allows pairing with any kind of meal. It can be pasta, rice dishes, or pizzaーthis is a fine accompaniment on every dinner table. It has an intense flavor with fruity notes, and it's best served chilled. Keep one chilled so you have a reserve for when you are in the mood for a drink!
| ABV | 12% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Grape Variety | Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinara |
| Volume | 750ml |
A Silky and Spicy Wine Perfect for Aperitifs
JP Chenet’s Medium Sweet is an aperitif, that will surely stimulate the palate. It has a well-balanced and silky flavor with spicy notes that is easy to drink. Hailing from the South of France, it uses Grenache grapes that is known for its intense fruity notes that is pleasant for most people.
It is a semi-sweet wine that pairs well with meaty sauces and salads; elevate your meals by pairing it with this crimson liquid. And with its 11.5% ABV, it can be on the drier and acidic side. Still, with its fruity finish your taste buds will enjoy this well-rounded wine.
| ABV | 12% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Grape Variety | Merlot, Carignan, Shiraz, Grenache |
| Volume | 750ml |
An Intense and Complex Wine to Pair With Desserts
The Pillitteri Estates Reserve Icewine tastes as good as it looks. The intensity of the color presented in a clear glass stimulates the eyes, inviting you to take a sip of their sweet red wine. It has notes of raspberries, cherries, and vanilla bean, which coat the palate that is balanced by the natural acidity of the grapes.
This wine undergoes oak treatment to add complexity and depth to its taste. Combined with its sweet aromatics, it will surely make your mouth water. The Reserve is a variety of Cabernet Sauvignon which is bolder and acidic. This wine is usually served chilled with dessert or after a meal.
| ABV | 11.5% |
|---|---|
| Type | Sweet Red |
| Country of Origin | Canada |
| Grape Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Volume | 375ml |
A Light and Fruity Wine for Everyday Drinking
La Zona's Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red wine that most people will find very enjoyable. Thanks to its light fruity flavors and deep wine taste, La Zona's Sangiovese pairs well with the tropic climate. With notes of cherry, cinnamon, and toasty oak, it has a sophisticated flavor that goes great with pizza, pasta, and lamb dishes.
This Australian wine exhibits a soft and aromatic taste that reflects the vineyard in which the grapes were harvested. Plus, the warm climate of the orchard gives it a sweeter taste that has a lower alcohol level. You will surely enjoy sipping this wine on any occasion under the heat of the Philippine sun!
| ABV | 13% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | Australia |
| Grape Variety | Sangiovese |
| Volume | 750ml |
A Light and Refreshing Choice for Occasional Drinkers
If you're looking for a light-bodied wine, you're in for a treat sipping Lambrusco. This particular wine is very light that some have even described it as akin to a bubbly drink or sparkling wine. Overall, it has a very fruity taste with strong notes of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry with just a hint of bitterness. This makes for a refreshing drink!
This is a safe choice if you aren't too keen on bitterness or full-bodied red wines but want something more sophisticated. It also has an approachable taste, but you can pair it with practically anything, from pizza to prosciutto. If you're an occasional drinker, you should definitely give this one a go!
| ABV | 8% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Grape Variety | Lambrusco |
| Volume | 750ml |
A Refreshing Wine Bursting With Fruity Flavors
Barefoot’s Sweet Red Blend is a wine that won’t break the bank. And it is also ideal for those who are not too fond of the taste of wines yet as its refreshing taste makes it easy to drink. In terms of taste, it boasts ripe fruit flavors such as raspberries, pomegranates, and cherries, making it an approachable drink.
This also makes it an appropriate transition wine if you want to get into red wines or want something light, be it a pre-dinner appetizer or a tita brunch. Moreover, its fruity taste makes gatherings more festive and can instantly elevate your weeknights!
| ABV | 10.5% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Grape Variety | Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
Unwind After a Long Day With This Rich, Red Wine
Stella Rosa Red is a rich wine with a sweetness that will captivate your taste buds. This has notes of wild strawberries, raspberry, and red plum that is complemented by its color, which is reminiscent of dazzling rubies. It is a semi-sparkling wine and semi-sweet wine that is refreshing to the taste buds without losing its flavor.
This full-bodied wine pairs well with fresh fruits and cheeses, making it a great companion for celebrations or when you want to have a night in. The acidity of the wine helps cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a fuller flavor in your mouth. It only has 5% ABV, which is great if you don’t want to consume heavy alcohol.
| ABV | 5% |
|---|---|
| Type | Red |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Grape Variety | Moscato |
| Volume | 750ml |
A Velvety and Silky Wine for Most Occasions
Porto wines are typically sweeter compared to other wine varieties, and this Tawny Porto is no different. Calem’s Porto can be enjoyed as a dessert wine thanks to its velvety feel and fruity taste. It has a golden-brown color that has aromas of dried fruits, nuts, and wood with notes of caramel, chocolate, and vanilla.
This Porto is made with traditional port grape varieties, resulting in a silky and intense flavor. It is ideal to match with desserts such as dried fruits or savory treats like cheeses. With its adaptable flavor, it is a must-try for those looking for a high-quality wine.
| ABV | 20% |
|---|---|
| Type | Fortified |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Grape Variety | Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional |
| Volume | 750ml |
The Best Food to Pair With Sweet Red Wines
Sweet red wines can create fantastic pairings with a range of dishes. Their rich sweetness can complement both savory and dessert courses.
Pairing with savory food options:
- Strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged gouda can balance the sweetness.
- Grilled meats with fruity glazes, such as barbecue ribs or teriyaki chicken.
Pairing with sweet food options:
- Chocolate-based desserts, like flourless chocolate cake or chocolate mousse, harmonize with the wine's sweetness.
- Fruit-forward desserts, such as berry tarts or fruit crumbles, are congruent with the wine's fruity notes.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Raymund S. Manzanillo
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by wine professional Raymund S. Manzanillo.
What’s a Good Price Point for Beginner Wine Drinkers?
For beginners looking to explore sweet red wines, a good price point would be in the range of 400-1000 pesos per bottle. In this range, you’ll likely find a variety of options that offer decent quality without breaking the bank.
Many popular wine brands offer sweet red wines within this price bracket, allowing you to sample different styles and discover what you enjoy.
Can You Pair Dessert With Sweet Red Wines?
Yes, absolutely. Pairing sweet desserts with sweet red wines can create a delightful and harmonious culinary experience. The sweetness in both the wine and the dessert can complement each other, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The key here is to ensure that the wine is sweeter than the dessert to avoid making the wine taste less sweet by comparison.
It’s important to be aware of the intensity of both the wine and the dessert and aim for a balanced pairing where neither element overwhelms the other.
Browse More Wine Options
If you aren’t a fan of sweet red wines, never fear! You could always go for more traditional red wines, if you wish. Perhaps you’re more into white wines? Whatever your beverage of choice, there is surely something for you!
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Sweet Red Wines
No. 1: Apothic｜Apothic Red｜Winemaker’s Blend
No. 2: Louis Jadot｜Beaujolais Villages
No. 3: Tommasi｜Valpolicella
No. 4: JP Chenet｜Medium Sweet
No. 5: Pillitteri Estates｜Reserve Icewine
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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