The uber-fragrant Muscat grape thrives in the hills of Italy’s Piedmont region, where artisans produce the effervescent and sweet Moscato d’Asti. It’s related to Asti Spumante, but only as you are to your hick cousins in West Virginia. Low in alcohol, these flowery dessert substitutes taste soft and lush, like this one from Batasiolo. The roses, effusive peaches, apricot

Read more: Batasiolo 2007 Moscato d’Asti

Many Moscatos come from Italy’s Asti region but this one originates from the Chieti province in Abruzzo. Loaded with peaches, tangerine and honey, this sweet sparkler satisfies a craving but also pairs well with Asian food.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $10

This family-owned boutique winery in California doesn’t make a large quantity of this truly remarkable wine (586 cases) but it’s worth the effort to find it. Chocolatey, with rich blueberry-pie-filling flavors and dried cherry. You’d think it would be cloyingly sweet with this flavor activity but it’s kept in check with a refreshing acidity. 3.5 stars out of 5.

Read more: Dashe 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel Dry Creek

From one of Portugal’s oldest port houses in existence comes a relatively affordable juice. Lighter in style (but not in flavor) than many other tawnies, it’s raisiny with toasted hazelnuts, sweet toffee and a hint of pine.4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $26

From an Australian and American family partnership emerges a 5-year-old tawny port infused with melted chocolate. This drink will suffice for both dessert and wine. Tastes like a liquid tootsie roll laced with dark roasted coffee and caramel. Delicious, even for non-port-lovers. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $35

4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $12

3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15

4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=5 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $18

4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $20

4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $30

4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=8 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $40

5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $135

3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $30

Quite possibly the best Bonny Doon wine I’ve ever tasted, this deliciously balanced dessert wine melts on the tongue. Ripe peaches, apricots dripping in honey gush from this late-harvest Roussanne. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $30

Sugar, spice and everything nice, including Grandma’s lilac perfume. Smell the ripe peaches and apricots, then taste the pineapple. Not cloyingly sweet, but try this with any peach dessert, and you’re primed for anything. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=5 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $9

The sweeter red brother of the White Lexia, complete with the lovely lilac smell. More red fruit … think strawberry sangria with watermelon Jolly Ranchers floating in it. Fun to trick red wine fans into drinking a sweet wine. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $9.

Like the wine coolers you drank in high school and college, this is a fizzy Italian sipper loaded with sweet pear, apricot and peaches. Delicious, but you can’t drink a lot of it. That’s why it only comes in half bottles.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $14.

Madeira, produced in a similar fashion to Port wine on a Portuguese-owned island in the Atlantic Ocean, used to be the rage about 200 years ago. It’s trying to make a comeback, and this is a fine example of a delicious effort. Rich, raisin-y with luscious dried plums and roasted nuts. You can also taste cream and burnt sugar

Read more: Blandy’s Alvada 5-Year Madeira

An almost feminine young special ruby with lively blackberry and dark roasted cherries. Balanced alcohol and dangerously easy to drink. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=5 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $18

Aroma of almonds steeped in rose water, with the sip giving dark roasted or grilled berries. Finish of intense caramel and raisins.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $20