What is Residual Sugar?

Wine grape juice is VERY sweet and varies based on the variety. To control the sweetness in wine during the fermentation process, grape sugars are converted into alcohol with the introduction of yeast strains. Here is a simple formula to illustrate this process.

Sugar (as grape juice) + Yeast = Alcohol + CO2
Pretty simple, right?

So how does residual sugar relate to Black Star Farms wines? Our wines range from 0% RS up to 14% RS. You can find residual sugar content information on each of our products when you shop online. Choose the product you’d like to view and scroll down the page a bit. The residual sugar percentage is displayed in the summary tab on the product page.

For example, if the 2017 Arcturos Dry Riesling has an RS of .55%, that means for every 5-ounce serving, residual sugar makes up 00.55% of that serving (this is a really small amount of sugar – approximately 1/10th of 1 gram!).

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Sirius Raspberry Dessert Wine has an RS of 14%. This means a 2-ounce serving would contain 14% RS (or approximately 9 grams of sugar), which would be considered quite high. This higher sugar is present to balance the high acid of the raspberry fruit and the alcohol level created during fortification. In this case, the residual sugar and alcohol level (17%) stabilize the wine for decades of aging and create a rich and delicious wine. We recommend enjoying 2-3 ounces in a small flute alongside something sweet like cheesecake or chocolate.

You’ll find Black Star Farms wines are all over the sweetness spectrum with many options for every taste. Scroll through our products online and find those bottles that speak to you, or give us a call if you need more information. Our free shipping on 6 or more bottles promotion is still in full swing for those of you hoping to stock your wine shelf. No coupon code is needed.

Cheers, and stay safe!

About the Writer, Olivia Kiel

As a Manager at the Old Mission Peninsula Tasting Room and blogger for Black Star Farms, I get the opportunity to write and learn about wine (two of my favorite things) every day. Over the years I’ve developed a passion for everything Black Star Farms by working alongside the company’s best and pouring its finest wines for guests from all over the world. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Ferris State University where I studied Writing and Business and have been a Northern Michigan resident for about three years. When I’m not pouring wine, you’ll likely find me with a good book, enjoying the outdoors, or tasting something new and exciting at a local winery. Thank you for reading my posts, and don’t hesitate to say hello next time you visit Black Star Farms Old Mission. Cheers!