What Makes a Wine “Dry”? (And Why It Matters)
“Dry wine” is one of the most misunderstood terms in all of wine. Many people think dry means tannic, bitter, or not fruity — but that’s not actually what “dry” means at all. This guide clears it up in plain English so you know exactly what to expect when a wine is described as dry, off-dry, or sweet. When you understand dryness, choosing wine (and logging your tastings in Somm Scribe) becomes way easier.
What “Dry” Actually Means in Wine
Dry simply means the wine has little to no residual sugar left after fermentation. That’s it. When yeast eats the grape sugar and converts it into alcohol, sometimes it leaves a tiny bit behind (sweetness). But in dry wines, the sugar is almost completely fermented away.
Dry wine = not sweet.
Dry → Off-Dry → Sweet: The Spectrum
Here’s the simple way to visualize wine sweetness:
Dry
0–4 g/L residual sugar
Tastes: crisp, not sweet
Examples: Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Off-Dry
5–20 g/L residual sugar
Tastes: slightly sweet
Examples: Riesling (dry or off-dry), Moscato d’Asti, some rosés
Sweet
25+ g/L residual sugar
Tastes: lusciously sweet
Examples: Port, Sauternes, Ice Wine, Lambrusco Dolce
Most table wines you see at the store are dry — even if they don’t feel dry.
Why Some Dry Wines Taste “Sweeter” Than Others
Even dry wines can give the impression of sweetness because sweetness is influenced by more than just sugar. Here’s what fools your senses:
1. Ripe Fruit Flavors
Warmer climate wines taste fruitier → the brain interprets fruit as sweet.
2. Oak Aging
Vanilla, caramel, and baking spice notes feel sweet even if the wine is dry.
3. High Alcohol
Ethanol adds a slight sweetness sensation.
4. Low Acidity
Less acidic wines taste rounder → often perceived as sweeter.
So yes: a dry wine can still taste sweet-ish, depending on structure.
Examples of Dry Wines (Popular + Beginner-Friendly)
Dry Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Syrah/Shiraz
Malbec
Dry White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Grigio
Albariño
Grüner Veltliner
Dry Rosé
Most rosés → dry and crisp
(Though some White Zinfandel-style rosés are off-dry or sweet.)
Dry Sparkling Wine
Look for these terms:
Brut Nature (very dry)
Extra Brut
Brut
These indicate dryness, not intensity.
Examples of Sweet Wines
Moscato
Sauternes
Tokaji
Ice Wine
Port
Lambrusco Dolce
Sweet Riesling
These wines intentionally leave sugar in the final product.
How to Tell If a Wine Is Dry Just by Looking at the Label
Check three things when assessing a wine: ABV, style terms, and grapes/regions. ABV gives a quick clue to sweetness—higher alcohol usually indicates more sugar converted to alcohol, and dry wines commonly fall between about 12–15% ABV. For sparkling wines, remember the labels: Brut = dry, Extra Dry = slightly sweet (confusingly), and Demi-Sec = sweet. Finally, consider grape and region: some varieties like Cabernet and Chardonnay are almost always vinified dry, while others such as Riesling and Chenin Blanc can be made in a wide range of styles from bone-dry to lusciously sweet.
How Somm Scribe Helps You Understand Dryness
In your tasting note, pay attention to:
Sweetness
Acidity (balances sweetness)
Alcohol (adds body & warmth)
Fruit ripeness
Oak flavors
As you log tastings, you’ll start to see why some dry wines taste sweeter, richer, or more refreshing. The more you taste, the more intuitive dryness becomes. If you want to practice describing sweetness and acidity clearly, our post on how to write a tasting note walks you through example notes and templates.
Dry vs Sweet: Which Should You Choose?
If you prefer:
crisp, refreshing wines → go for dry
fruity, plush wines → off-dry
dessert-style wines → sweet
There’s no right answer — just your palate.
The Bottom Line
“Dry” doesn’t mean harsh or tannic. It simply means not sweet. Once you understand that, choosing wine becomes much easier — and logging your tasting notes becomes far more accurate.
Begin your tasting journey at Somm Scribe.
