Expert: Paul Wagner - 6/30/2008

Question
I want to broaden my mind regarding wines but don't want to keep buying bottles of wine to throw the rest away after opening. I like sweet cream liqueurs such as Baileys. I would like to find a wine that is sweet but does not have the tart aftertaste. Is this possible or is this the nature of all wines? If you can please suggest some. Can any of these wines be consumed later after opening or do they need to be consumed as soon as they are opened?

Answer
HI Joey

That tart flavor in wine is from the acid of the grapes, and most wines will have that to some degree or another.  The best choices for you to try would be dessert wines from rather warmer climates, where the acid is usually lower.  You might try things like a sweeter style Muscat, or even a Ruby or Tawny Port, which have usually low acid and are quite sweet.  And they will last for a few days after opening, as well!

Paul Wagner