Dessert wines are usually served with or in place of dessert, and can be sweet or dry. Dessert wines are officially classified as having an alcohol content of between 17 and 21 percent. Sherry, wines made from the Muscat grape family, Tokay and Port (available in a range of styles based on sweetness and time aged in wood). Late-harvest varietals are not officially termed dessert wines, but are increasingly popular in this role.
An umbrella term that generally describes various categories of wine such as Late Harvest, Port and other Fortified wines, yet may also include some non-dessert wines that exhibit a general sweetness.