The question of whether a Sutter Home wine is sweet is a common one, and the simple answer is that some are, and some are not. This family-owned winery offers a diverse portfolio, and understanding the different types is key to finding a wine that suits your preference. The level of sweetness is determined by the amount of residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation.
The Sweet Side of Sutter Home
Sutter Home is perhaps best known for its sweet and fruity wines, which are a popular choice for casual drinkers and those new to wine. Several varietals fall firmly into the sweet category:
Moscato
Sutter Home's Moscato is one of its most luxurious and sweet offerings. It features delicate aromas of white peaches, rose petals, and exotic lychee. On the palate, you'll taste creamy peach, nectarine, and juicy melon, complemented by a hint of caramel. This sweetness is balanced by a crisp acidity, making it refreshing. Pink Moscato offers a similar profile, but with added flavors of passion fruit and honeydew melon.
Sweet Red
For those who prefer a sweet red, Sutter Home’s Sweet Red is a popular option. It's a blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Syrah, with aromas of delicate peach and floral notes. The flavors include juicy berry, fresh cherry, and ripe peach, leading to a smooth, sweet finish. The wine has a plush mouthfeel and refreshing acidity.
White Zinfandel
Sutter Home is credited with creating America's original White Zinfandel in 1972. This blush wine is a classic semi-sweet option with notes of strawberry and melon. It is made by stopping the fermentation process early, which leaves residual sugar and produces a refreshing, lightly sweet wine.
The Drier Side of Sutter Home
While known for its sweeter wines, Sutter Home also produces several drier options for different palates. These wines have less residual sugar and offer a different flavor experience.
Chardonnay
Sutter Home’s Chardonnay is a dry white wine. It features an impressive array of fruit flavors, with exotic and peach notes, and a smooth, creamy texture. The finish is luxurious and enduring.
Sauvignon Blanc
Their Sauvignon Blanc is another dry option, offering a different aromatic profile. It tends to be crisp and acidic, providing a clean finish that complements various foods.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
For those who prefer dry red wines, Sutter Home offers a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot. These wines are typically made in a fruit-forward, approachable style, but they are not considered sweet.
A Quick Guide to Sutter Home Wine Sweetness
To easily compare the different offerings, here is a quick guide to some of Sutter Home's most popular wines:
- Moscato & Pink Moscato: Sweet, with flavors of peach, lychee, and honeydew.
- Sweet Red: Sweet, with berry and peach notes.
- White Zinfandel: Medium-sweet, with strawberry and melon flavors.
- Riesling: Often off-dry to sweet, with fruity flavors.
- Pinot Grigio: Off-dry to crisp, with white flower and exotic fruit notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Dry, with crisp, refreshing flavors.
- Chardonnay: Dry, with exotic and peach fruit notes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Dry, with fruit and spice notes.
Sutter Home Wine Sweetness Comparison
| Wine | Sweetness Level | Key Tasting Notes | Common Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscato | Sweet | Peach, apricot, melon | Spicy food, fruit tarts |
| Sweet Red | Sweet | Cherry, berry, peach | Grilled meats, Asian cuisine |
| White Zinfandel | Medium-Sweet | Strawberry, melon, vanilla | Salads, spicy food, chicken |
| Pinot Grigio | Off-Dry | White flowers, exotic fruit | Light cheeses, fish |
| Chardonnay | Dry | Peach, exotic fruit | Chicken, creamy pastas |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Dry | Citrus, tropical fruit | Seafood, salads |
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether a Sutter Home wine is sweet depends on the varietal. While the brand is known for sweeter entries like Moscato and White Zinfandel, it also caters to a drier palate with options like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. By checking the specific bottle, or by using a resource like the Wine Folly sweetness chart, you can choose the perfect Sutter Home wine to fit your flavor preferences.
For further reading on wine sweetness and other tasting concepts, check out Wine Folly.
How to choose your Sutter Home wine
To make the right choice, consider your personal taste preferences and what you are pairing the wine with. If you enjoy fruity, low-acidity beverages, a sweet wine like Moscato is a safe bet. If you prefer a crisp, less sugary experience, look for the drier varietals. The label often provides clues, and the brand's website offers detailed tasting notes for each product, which can guide your decision.
