What is the difference between wine and liquer?

Wine

* Base: Fermented grape juice

* Alcohol Content: Typically 10-15% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

* Sweetness: Ranges from dry (no added sugar) to sweet (residual sugar remains after fermentation)

* Production: Grapes are crushed, fermented with yeast, and aged in barrels or tanks.

* Examples: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling

Liqueur

* Base: Various ingredients including distilled spirits (often neutral grain spirit), fruit, herbs, spices, and sometimes wine.

* Alcohol Content: Widely variable, typically 15-30% ABV but can be much higher.

* Sweetness: Almost always sweet, often with a high sugar content.

* Production: Distilled spirit is infused with various flavorings and sweetened.

* Examples: Amaretto, Baileys Irish Cream, Cointreau, Limoncello, Sambuca

Key Differences:

* Base Ingredient: Wine is made solely from grapes, while liqueur is made with a variety of ingredients, often including a distilled spirit.

* Sweetness: While some wines can be sweet, they generally range from dry to semi-sweet. Liqueurs are almost always sweet due to added sugar.

* Alcohol Content: Wines generally have a lower alcohol content than liqueurs.

* Production: Wine is produced through fermentation, while liqueurs are made by infusing and sweetening a distilled spirit.

In Summary:

Wine is primarily fermented grape juice with varying degrees of sweetness, while liqueur is a sweetened spirit infused with various flavors. They are distinct beverages with different flavor profiles and uses.