Tasting the best fruit wines is an experience, offering a gateway to a world of luscious flavors and delightful aromas.
As a seasoned mixologist, I can’t stress enough the significance of exploring these exquisite fruit-infused bottles firsthand.
Today, I’m eager to unveil the crème de la crème of fruit wines, each carefully chosen based on my delightful experiences.
Top 10 Best Fruit Wines You Need To Sip
10. St. Julian Blackberry Wine
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 11% ABV
Nose: Ripe, blackberry, chokecherry
Palate: Raspberry and boysenberry, chocolate
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Indulging in the St. Julian fruity wine is like savoring a basket of freshly picked blackberries and raspberries.
“The best way to learn about wine is by drinking.” -Alexis Lichine, Writer
I noticed that the complexity and the touch of chocolate in the fruit wine add a layer of sophistication, making it one of the great fruit wines I tried.
Pros:
- Ripe fruit profile
- Velvety mouth-feel
- Versatile pairing options
Cons:
- Slightly high residual sugar for some
- Not ideal for dry wines lovers
9. Wölffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rosé (Cherry Wine)
Average Price: Roughly $27 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 12.4% ABV
Nose: Ripe pears, crisp apples, elegant
Palate: Vibrant, spicy, fine tannins
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As I pour myself a glass of Wölffer Estate’s Summer, I’m immediately drawn to its captivating color and elegant aroma. The sparkling wine gracefully embraces my palate with clean and ripe fruit notes.
Pros:
- Vibrant and refreshing mouth-feel
- Elegant and savory fruit notes
- Versatile food pairing recipes
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Limited availability
8. Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling
Average Price: Roughly $8.97 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 11.5% ABV
Nose: Inviting aromas of green apple and citrus
Palate: Acidity with peach and apricot
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As a wine enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the charm of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling bottles.
The inviting scent of green apple and citrus immediately captivates the senses, orchestrating a delightful dance, and tastes like peach and apricot on my palate.
Pros:
- Crisp and delicious flavor
- Excellent value
- Offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity
Cons:
- Slightly high ABV
- Limited availability
7. Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfandel
Average Price: Roughly $6.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Fresh red berry, citrus, melon, nutmeg, clove
Palate: Red fruit flavors, spice, strawberry, grapes, blueberry, plum
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Every fruity wine sip gives out youthful notes, enveloping my palate with fresh red berries.
Pros:
- Refreshing and vibrant fruit flavors
- Suitable for different cuisines
- Impressive flavor profile
Cons:
- Bottle appearance can improve
- Overpowering sweetness
6. Peller Estates Private Reserve Baco Noir 2021 VQA
Average Price: Roughly $12.95 (The Wine Shops)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Black cherry, currant, blueberry jam, oak, roasted beet, dark raisin
Palate: Juicy dark fruit, plum, and currant, with a touch of sweet spice
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Upon tasting, the cherry, plum, and currant create a delightful medley complemented by spice.
Pros:
- Easy to drink
- Versatile and food-friendly
- Low tannins and acidity
Cons:
- Limited availability
- It contains more sugar than other fruit wines
5. Alamos Malbec
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Blueberry wine aromas with light floral notes and a touch of toast
Palate: Ripe, fruit flavors, chocolate, spice from light oak aging
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: The delicious wine tickles my palate with its tropical flavor. There are slight similarities to dessert wines like strawberry wine, raspberry wine, plum wine, and grape wine.
Pros:
- Unique fruity wine-tasting notes
- Pleasing aromas
- Approachable to drink
Cons:
- Less complex than some fruit wines
- Lacks traditional wine characteristics
4. Wild Vines Blackberry Merlot
Average Price: Roughly $5.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: % ABV
Nose: Blackberry, Merlot notes
Palate: Fruit juice, hints of pineapple, berries, cider
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: I have tasted numerous fruit wines, and Wild Vines’ delightful fusion stands out because of its succulent blackberries.
The sparkling wine is bolder and richer than pineapple wine, elderberry wine, and other sweet wines.
Pros:
- Affordable than other fruity wines
- Smooth and approachable tasting notes
- Ideal for fruit wine enthusiasts
Cons:
- Not for fans of dry wines
- Fruit quality impacts the tasting notes
3. Emeri Sparkling Pink Moscato
Average Price: Roughly $11.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 8% ABV
Nose: Fragrant bouquet of rose petals
Palate: Raspberry, strawberry, peach, melon, passion fruit
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Opening the fruit wine, a delightful and fragrant bouquet of rose petals filled the air, instantly captivating my senses.
When I took the first sip of this sweet wine, the raspberry flavor danced on my tastebuds. But what’s the difference between Moscato and Prosecco?
Pros:
- Pleasing aromas
- Great for summer sipping
- Approachable for new wine drinkers
Cons:
- Limited aging potential
- Less sophisticated compared to other fruit wines
2. Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider (Apple Wine)
Average Price: Roughly $10.59/6 packs (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Nose: Ripe apples, pineapple, and other fruits
Palate: Refreshing apple taste, clean finish
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: As I sip Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider (Apple Wine), the sweet red apple taste fills my senses, evoking feelings of nostalgia and pure enjoyment.
The clean and well-balanced apple taste refreshes me with each sip.
Pros:
- Classic and refreshing flavor
- Medium-bodied with light carbonation
- Clean and well-balanced apple wine taste
Cons:
- Low alcohol content
- Available in cans only
1. Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Riesling
Average Price: Roughly $10 (Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Floral, apples, and cherries
Palate: Luscious cherries, apples, pears
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: Chateau Grand Traverse tastes like plum wine, but unlike other sweet fruit wines, I like that it has an exceptional balance of fruity and refreshing acidity.
This fruit wine stands out as a true gem among fruit-infused wines, making it an ideal choice for those seeking delightful and fruit-forward wines.
Pros:
- Ideal for dessert pairings
- Approachable and easy to drink
- Pleasing aroma and palate profile
Cons:
- Availability may vary
Note: Average prices are based on Drizly and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest rating. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
Different Fruit Wine Types
Malbec
Known for its deep purple hue, Malbec wines offer bold flavors of dark fruits, such as plum and blackberry, with hints of spice and a smooth finish [1].
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir wines are elegant red wines that showcase red fruit flavors [2] like raspberry, often accompanied by earthy and floral notes, silky texture, and proven health benefits [3].
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a versatile red wine with a touch of spice and a full-bodied profile.
But what’s the best wine for a Sangria?
Moscato
A delightful white wine with sweet, fruity peach, apricot, and citrus flavors. This white wine is often enjoyed for its light, refreshing character.
Riesling
Known for its vibrant acidity and versatile sweetness levels, Riesling offers various flavors, from green apple and citrus to stone fruits.
Dolcetto
This red wine from Italy is soft and approachable, with flavors of cherry, blackberry, and hints of licorice.
Syrah
Rich and full-bodied, Syrah wines exhibit dark fruit flavors, such as blackberry and plum, with peppery spice and smokiness.
Sauternes
A luscious and luxurious dessert wine from France, Sauternes boasts a honeyed palate, tropical fruits, and a delectable sweetness.
Beaujolais
Light and fruity, Beaujolais wines feature red fruit like cherry and strawberry, with low tannins and a refreshing profile.
“Savor the essence of nature’s bounty in every fruit wine.” -Liquor Laboratory
Port
A fortified fruit wine from Portugal [4], Port offers sweet flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices, often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
FAQs
What is a sweet fruity wine?
Sweet fruity wine has noticeable sweetness, showcasing abundant fruit flavors. This wine often has residual sugar, contributing to its sweet profile.
Fruity wines range from light and refreshing to rich and luscious, offering a delightful and approachable taste. You can also check out some of our favorite sweet white wines here.
Why are grapes the best fruits for wine?
Grapes are the best fruits for winemaking due to their unique composition. The crucial fermentation elements convert sugars into alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc wines and Pinot Noir wines are some of the delicious wines that use grapes.
What is a good wine to put fruit in?
A good wine to put fruit in is a young, unoaked, or subtly oaked wine that is already fruity. Peaches and apples are usually soaked in fruit wines.
I often soak fruits in delicious pineapple wines (Maui Blanc), apple wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Napa Valley.
What are some popular varieties of Fruit Wines?
Popular fruit wines include raspberry wine, strawberry wine, elderberry wine, apple cider, cherry wine, and blueberry wine. These wines offer a range of flavors, from tart and tangy to sweet and fruity.
What are some considerations when choosing the best Fruit Wines?
Consider the fruit used, sweetness level, acidity, and flavor profile when selecting fruit wines. Personal taste preferences and intended use (e.g., pairing with food or enjoying as a dessert wine) also play a role in choosing the best fruit wines.
Can Fruit Wines be paired with food?
Yes, fruit wines can be paired with a variety of foods depending on their flavor profile. Lighter fruit wines pair well with salads, seafood, and poultry, while fuller-bodied fruit wines can complement grilled meats, spicy dishes, and rich desserts.
Key Takeaways
Tasting the best fruity wines is an unparalleled experience, unveiling a world of luscious palate profiles and delightful aromas.
However, Chateau Grand Traverse Cherry Riesling stands out among the fruit wine options on the list. Its masterful sweet taste and acidity create an unforgettable and versatile experience.
References:
- https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/red-wine/malbec/malbec-wine-guide
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/pinot-noir-wines-3511077
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2021/04/15/why-pinot-noir-may-be-the-best-wine-for-your-health/
- https://fortune.com/2023/07/01/portugal-tawny-port-wine-sogrape/
