Wine – What Does “Dry” Mean? Simply Explained & Enjoyed with Pleasure

“I’d like a dry white wine.” – You hear this phrase all the time. But what does dry actually mean when it comes to wine? Does it mean the wine tastes bitter? Or that it makes you thirsty afterward?
We’ll explain it to you – without technical jargon, but with plenty of fun and a wink

What Does “Dry” Mean in Wine?

In the world of wine, dry doesn’t mean you’ll cough after the first sip. It refers to the sugar content – in other words, how much natural residual sugar remains in the wine after fermentation.

  • Dry: max. 4 g of sugar per liter – or up to 9 g if there’s enough acidity
  • Off-dry (semi-dry): up to 18 g of sugar per liter
  • Medium-sweet: up to 45 g of sugar per liter
  • Sweet: anything above that

Sounds technical? Don’t worry. You don’t need to memorize this – your own taste matters much more!

Does Dry Wine Always Taste the Same?

No! Dry is not a flavor profile, but simply an indication of sugar content. Some dry wines taste fruity and mild, others bold or spicy. It depends on the grape variety, the origin, and how the wine was made.

Dry – But Not Dry in Taste?

Exactly. A wine can be dry and still feel smooth, round, or even slightly sweet. That depends on how fruit, acidity, and alcohol interact in the wine.

How Can I Find Out If I Like Dry Wine?

Honestly? Tasting is the best way! Many people think they don’t like dry wine – until they find the right one. That’s why it’s worth trying different wines side by side at a wine tasting and discovering your personal favorite.

Try Dry Wine – But Please, with Fun!

Wine should be enjoyable. Whether dry, off-dry, or sweet – you don’t need to know how many grams of sugar are inside. What really matters is: what do you enjoy? And the best way to find out is at a tasting with a great atmosphere, small snacks, and nice people.

Wine Tasting at Haus der Manufakturen Cologne

If you’d like to experience the difference between dry and off-dry wines in a relaxed way, you’ve come to the right place. At the wine tasting at Haus der Manufakturen Cologne, it’s not about stiff expertise, but about fun, discovery, and enjoyment.

You can taste different wines, chat with others, and calmly find out what kind of wine lover you are – dry, off-dry, or something completely different!

Reserve your spot now and experience wine!

Conclusion: What Does “Dry” Mean in Wine?

Dry means less sugar – not less flavor! Whether you prefer dry, off-dry, or sweet wines is purely a matter of taste. What’s important is that you enjoy tasting. And who knows – maybe at your next tasting you’ll discover a new favorite wine, without pressure and with lots of enjoyment.