What Is a Sweet Wine?

Updated May 2026

Sweet wine is residual-sugar talk, not a single TTB type. US table wine is 27 CFR Part 4. Typical lots sit near 12% Dessert wine is an alcohol band (higher than table), not a sugar guarantee. 4.34 extra-sweet language is a solids trigger. OIV optional dry / medium / semi-sweet / sweet g/L bands are not a US mandate. Read residual sugar if printed.

Related: semi-sweet red, sweet red wine, Riesling sweetness levels.

Sugar vs alcohol band

Language Note
Sweet Not a type
Table wine Typical 12%
Dessert wine Not a sugar lock
4.34 extra sweet Not a crown
5 oz at 12% From labeled ABV

Read residual sugar and the alcohol band. Pair: sweet Moscato.

Sources

  • 27 CFR Part 4 / 4.21 / 4.34. Typical US table ~12% OIV g/L optional
  • NIAAA December 2025.
  • NIAAA one drink

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