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Sweet red winesHelping You Find the Best
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Sweet red winesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier 1
  • 10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier 2
  • 10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier 3
  • 10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier 4
  • 10 Best Sweet Red Wines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Sommelier 5

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!

Last updated 10/20/2023

Quick List - Top Sweet Red Wines

1

Apothic

Apothic RedWinemaker’s Blend
Apothic Red

A Blended Red Wine With a Balanced Taste Many Would Enjoy

2

Louis Jadot

Beaujolais Villages
Beaujolais Villages

Showcases Tradition and Modern Winemaking Techniques in a Bottle

3

Tommasi

Valpolicella
Valpolicella

A Fruity Wine Blend That Can be Paired With A Variety of Dishes

4

JP Chenet

Medium Sweet
Medium Sweet

A Silky and Spicy Wine Perfect for Aperitifs

5

Pillitteri Estates

Reserve Icewine
Reserve Icewine

An Intense and Complex Wine to Pair With Desserts

Raymund S. Manzanillo
Expert
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo

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.

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Justine Cuizon
Guide
Writer and Editor
Justine Cuizon

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.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

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Comparing Sweet Red Wines vs Ordinary Red Wines

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.


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

1

For Wine Beginners, Try Lighter Styles Like Lambrusco or Pinot Noir First Before Venturing to Other Varieties

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. 

Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo
It's important to consider their preferences, whether they lean towards a lighter or richer style, and any specific fruit or flavor notes they enjoy. Finding that balance while catering to their preferences will ensure an enjoyable sweet red wine selection.
2

Explore Different Red Wine Types or Varieties to Expand Your Palate

There are a lot of sweet red wine varieties, each with its unique character and charm. You can select sweet red wines according to their flavor and type. 

Explore Sweet and Playful Flavors Like Brachetto d’ Acqui, Lambrusco Dolce, and Black Muscat

Explore Sweet and Playful Flavors Like Brachetto d’ Acqui, Lambrusco Dolce, and Black Muscat
Brachetto d'Acqui: A slightly sparkling sweet red wine from Italy, known for its floral aromas and red berry flavors. It's usually light and refreshing.

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

Different Wine Styles Provide Taste and Complexity
Late Harvest Wines: These wines are made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to accumulate more sugar. They can range from light and delicate to rich and concentrated.

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.
Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo
The most crucial factor in choosing a sweet red wine is balance. You want a wine where the sweetness harmonizes with the acidity and tannins, creating a well-rounded experience on the palate.
3

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

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.

Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo
Be mindful of excessively sugary wines that lack structure, as they can come across as cloying. Additionally, some lower-quality sweet reds might use added sugars to mask flaws, like many cheap sweet wines that you find in the supermarket, so it's wise to opt for wines from reputable producers and regions.

Check the ABV: Beginners May Start With a Moderate 9%-12%

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. 

Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo
As your palate develops, you can gradually explore wines with higher ABV if you're comfortable doing so. Remember, enjoying wine is about savoring the flavors and aromas, so finding the right balance that suits your taste is the key.
4

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

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

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.

Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo

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.

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10 Best Sweet Red Wines to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
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Key features

Details

ABV

Type

Country of Origin

Grape Variety

Volume

1

Apothic

Apothic RedWinemaker’s Blend

Apothic Apothic Red 1

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

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 1

Showcases Tradition and Modern Winemaking Techniques in a Bottle

12%

Red

France

Gamay

750ml

3

Tommasi

Valpolicella

Tommasi Valpolicella 1

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

JP Chenet Medium Sweet 1

A Silky and Spicy Wine Perfect for Aperitifs

12%

Red

France

Merlot, Carignan, Shiraz, Grenache

750ml

5

Pillitteri Estates

Reserve Icewine

Pillitteri Estates Reserve Icewine 1

An Intense and Complex Wine to Pair With Desserts

11.5%

Sweet Red

Canada

Cabernet Sauvignon

375ml

6

Chrismont La Zona

Sangiovese

Chrismont La Zona Sangiovese 1

A Light and Fruity Wine for Everyday Drinking

13%

Red

Australia

Sangiovese

750ml

7

Riunite

Lambrusco

Riunite Lambrusco 1

A Light and Refreshing Choice for Occasional Drinkers

8%

Red

Italy

Lambrusco

750ml

8

Barefoot

Sweet Red Blend

Barefoot Sweet Red Blend 1

A Refreshing Wine Bursting With Fruity Flavors

10.5%

Red

USA

Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay

750ml

9

Stella Rosa

Red

Stella Rosa Red 1

Unwind After a Long Day With This Rich, Red Wine

5%

Red

Italy

Moscato

750ml

10

Calem

Fine Tawny Porto

Calem Fine Tawny Porto 1

A Velvety and Silky Wine for Most Occasions

20%

Fortified

Portugal

Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional

750ml

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Apothic
Apothic RedWinemaker’s Blend

Apothic Red 1
Source:apothic.com
Reference price
₱772
Mid
Reference price
₱772
Mid

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!

ABV13.5%
TypeRed Blend
Country of OriginUSA
Grape VarietyZinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Volume750ml
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No.2

Louis Jadot
Beaujolais Villages

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.

ABV12%
TypeRed
Country of OriginFrance
Grape VarietyGamay
Volume750ml
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No.3

Tommasi
Valpolicella

Valpolicella 1
Source:tommasi.com
Reference price
₱1,090
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,090
High Mid

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!

ABV12%
TypeRed
Country of OriginItaly
Grape VarietyCorvina Veronese, Rondinella, Molinara
Volume750ml
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No.4

JP Chenet
Medium Sweet

Medium Sweet 1
Source:winery.ph
Reference price
₱475
Low Mid

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.

ABV12%
TypeRed
Country of OriginFrance
Grape VarietyMerlot, Carignan, Shiraz, Grenache
Volume750ml
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No.5

Pillitteri Estates
Reserve Icewine

Reference price
₱1,925
High

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.

ABV11.5%
TypeSweet Red
Country of OriginCanada
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon
Volume375ml
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No.6

Chrismont La Zona
Sangiovese

Sangiovese 1
Source:winery.ph
Reference price
₱1,150
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,150
High Mid

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!

ABV13%
TypeRed
Country of OriginAustralia
Grape VarietySangiovese
Volume750ml
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No.7

Riunite
Lambrusco

Lambrusco 1
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱420
Low Mid

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!

ABV8%
TypeRed
Country of OriginItaly
Grape VarietyLambrusco
Volume750ml
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No.8

Barefoot
Sweet Red Blend

Reference price
₱460
Low Mid

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! 

ABV10.5%
TypeRed
Country of OriginUSA
Grape VarietyPinot Blanc, Chardonnay
Volume750ml
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No.9

Stella Rosa
Red

Reference price
₱1,376.1
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,376.1
High Mid

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.

ABV5%
TypeRed
Country of OriginItaly
Grape VarietyMoscato
Volume750ml
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No.10

Calem
Fine Tawny Porto

Reference price
₱746.1
Mid

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.

ABV20%
TypeFortified
Country of OriginPortugal
Grape VarietyTouriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional
Volume750ml
View all

The Best Food to Pair With Sweet Red Wines

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.
Raymund S. Manzanillo
Wine Professional With WSET Level 3 Certification
Raymund S. Manzanillo
Pairing a luscious late-harvest red wine with a rich chocolate cake can create a match where the wine's sweetness and the dessert's richness work together beautifully. Similarly, a sweet red wine with fruity notes can elevate the flavors of a fruit-based dessert.

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.

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: ApothicApothic RedWinemaker’s Blend

No. 2: Louis JadotBeaujolais Villages

No. 3: TommasiValpolicella

No. 4: JP ChenetMedium Sweet

No. 5: Pillitteri EstatesReserve Icewine

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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