What type of wine is known for its sweet characteristic and often associated with dessert?

Riesling is widely recognized for its sweet flavor profile, making it a popular choice for pairing with desserts or serving as a dessert wine itself. This white grape variety is capable of producing wines that range from dry to exceptionally sweet, with the sweetest styles often being late-harvest wines or those affected by noble rot, which concentrates the sugars.

Its high acidity complements the sweetness, resulting in a balanced and refreshing wine that is not overly cloying. This characteristic, combined with fruity and floral notes, enhances its appeal as a dessert wine, making Riesling a favorite in many wine regions around the world, particularly in Germany and parts of the United States.

In contrast, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are typically known for their drier profiles and are not primarily associated with sweetness or dessert pairing. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are often used for red wines with more robust flavors, while Chardonnay can exhibit a range of styles but does not typically offer the same level of sweetness as Riesling.