Liquid gold: the world's outstanding sweet wines

Once the most famous and coveted type of wine in the world, sweet wines have the power to inspire high feelings and extraordinary experiences. Outstanding examples reveal layers of complexity wrapped in a juicy texture that never becomes cloying, with aromas and flavors that continue to evolve harmoniously over time. Behind the concept of "sweet wine" are centuries of history, tradition and a variety of production techniques, from grapes affected by noble mold or sun-dried to those left in the vineyard before freezing. Regardless of the process, it is usually a labor-intensive endeavor that yields only small quantities.

The quality and absolute enjoyment of sweet wines is recognized annually at the Decanter World Wine Awards, where wines from around the world are judged by leading experts with brilliant results. In the 2023 competition, two Best in Show medals were awarded to sweet wines from Austria and Greece, and eight more received 97 points in the Platinum category. Famous classics and new discoveries - all together 41 sweet wines from 12 countries were awarded with 95 points (Gold) or more, with wines from the Czech Republic, Portugal and China being as good as the great sweets of France, Germany and Hungary.

"The Decanter World Wine Awards have become a kind of international benchmark in the wine world," explains co-chair Andrew Jefford, "and the results in specific regions, grape varieties, colors or style categories reflect that.

Whether as an aperitif, a sweet treat after a meal or enjoyed alone, below you'll find the "liquid gold" of the DWWA competition - benchmarks of this year's global sweet wines - and more wines at awards.decanter.com.

Tschida Angerhof, Schilfwein Muskat Ottonel, Neusiedlersee 2021

Best in Show, 97 points

Astrum Wine Cellars, Sociovino

Aromas of honeyed, musky loveliness: the epitome of seduction. Exquisitely rich flavor (308 g/L sugar), but never heavy, thanks to excellent aromas and slightly moderate acidity with hints of orange. Creamy and rich, it leaves the mouth with a sense of fresh jasmine. If you can resist, resist.

Sale flat in Cannes 275 732,00 $

France,Cannes

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

42 м²

Sale house in Estoril 3 918 478,00 $

Portugal,Estoril

6 Bedrooms

5 Bathrooms

320 м²

Sale flat in Alicante 11 139 673,00 $

Portugal,Alicante

5 Bedrooms

411 м²

Sale chalets/cottages in Paris 9th district 818 402,00 $

Portugal,Paris 9th district

6 Bedrooms

5 Bathrooms

215 м²

Sale flat in Fara with sea view 646 548,00 $

Portugal,Fara

2 Bedrooms

82,3 м²

Sale flat in Voula 3 410 916,00 $

Greece,Voula

7 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

480 м²

Alcohol content 8%

Estate Argyros, First Release Vinsanto, Santorini 2015

Best in Show, 97 points

Clark Foyster, Epinoia, Tanners, Wine & Greene

Insense wax fragrances seem to evoke the ambiance of Orthodox churches. The flavors are deep, dense and tightly connected, and the balance is fascinating - extravagant sugars (250 g/L) are softened by the characteristic acidity of the Assyrtico and hints of "rancio" oxidation and oak pronounced flavors presented by long aging in wood. Santorini's classic saltiness adds another layer to the unique wine experience. Alcohol content 13%

De Bortoli, Noble One Botrytis Semillon, New South Wales 2019

Platinum, 97 points

Eynsham Cellars, Gwin Dylanwad, WoodWinters

Big, creamy and full of honey, crystallized sugar, lemon zest and roasted orange. Sweet crème caramel texture supported by juicy, refreshing acidity. Long, intense and mouth-filling pleasure. Blasphemous. Alcohol content 10%