Cherry On Top Sweet Red

Cherry On Top Sweet Red is a California sweet red blend bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format, featuring a five-grape blend of Merlot, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, and Grenache. This multi-varietal approach sets it apart from many one-note sweet reds, drawing on both traditional red varieties and the aromatic character of Gewürztraminer to build a wine with genuine depth beneath its fruit-forward sweetness.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma, California  |  Sweet Red Blend  |  Winery: Contempo Cellars

Production & Heritage

Cherry On Top Sweet Red is vinted and bottled by Contempo Cellars in Sonoma, California. The blend draws from five distinct grape varieties — Merlot, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Gewürztraminer, and Grenache — an unusual combination that layers red-fruit richness with floral and spice aromatics. According to the producer, the grapes are picked at the peak of ripeness, a practice that maximizes natural sugar levels and contributes to the wine's lush, fruit-driven character without relying solely on residual sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe red berries and dark cherry lead the nose, followed by subtle floral hints likely contributed by the Gewürztraminer component. A gentle spice note rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is soft and immediately fruit-forward, with juicy red and dark berry flavors dominating the mid-palate. Merlot and Grenache contribute plushness, while Tempranillo and Zinfandel add a touch of structure and spice complexity. The overall impression is smooth and approachable, with sweetness that stays balanced rather than cloying.

Finish: The finish is silky and medium in length, trailing off with lingering berry fruit and a faint warmth. There is no harsh tannin grip, keeping the close clean and easy.

How to Drink Cherry On Top

Serve this sweet red slightly chilled — around 55–60°F — to keep the fruit vibrant and the sweetness in check. It works well on its own as a casual sipper or paired with food. Try it in a Red Sangria, where its berry-rich profile and built-in sweetness reduce the need for added sugar. It also works in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), a Spanish classic where the wine's sweetness harmonizes with the mixer. For a warm-weather option, use it as the base for a Wine Spritzer topped with sparkling water and a squeeze of citrus to lighten the body.

Best For

• Casual weeknight dinners with spicy or barbecue dishes
• Introducing red wine to drinkers who prefer sweeter styles
• Summer cookouts and outdoor gatherings where approachability matters
• A low-fuss dessert wine alternative with cheese and fruit boards

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cherry On Top taste like? Cherry On Top Sweet Red delivers soft, juicy red berry and dark cherry flavors with a smooth, silky finish. It is decidedly sweet but balanced by enough fruit complexity to avoid tasting one-dimensional.

How does Cherry On Top compare to Apothic Red? Both are California sweet red blends, but Cherry On Top uses a five-grape blend that includes Gewürztraminer, adding a floral-aromatic dimension not found in Apothic Red's Zinfandel-Merlot-Syrah-Cabernet base. Apothic Red tends to lean darker and more vanilla-driven, while Cherry On Top emphasizes bright, ripe fruit sweetness.

Is Cherry On Top good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, fruit-forward sweetness, and smooth finish make it one of the more accessible red wines available. It is an especially strong starting point for drinkers transitioning from white or rosé wines to reds.

Where is Cherry On Top made? Cherry On Top Sweet Red is vinted and bottled by Contempo Cellars in Sonoma, California. The grapes are sourced from California vineyards and selected at peak ripeness.

What foods pair well with Cherry On Top? Spicy pasta dishes work well, as the wine's sweetness tempers heat. Barbecue ribs or pulled pork complement the berry fruit. Mild soft cheeses like Brie provide a creamy textural contrast. Fresh fruit platters echo the wine's ripe character. Mildly spiced Asian cuisine — such as teriyaki or sweet chili dishes — mirrors the wine's balance of sweet and savory.

What sizes does Cherry On Top come in? Cherry On Top Sweet Red is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Cherry On Top worth the price? Cherry On Top positions as an entry-level sweet red blend, and its five-grape complexity gives it more character than many wines at comparable price points in the sweet red category. It delivers solid value for everyday drinking.

Why Cherry On Top?

What distinguishes this wine in a crowded sweet red field is its five-varietal blend. The inclusion of Gewürztraminer alongside Merlot, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Grenache is unusual for the category and adds an aromatic layer — floral and lightly spiced — that most competitors skip entirely. At 13.5% ABV, it carries more weight and warmth than many sweet reds that clock in closer to 10%, giving it a presence that holds up alongside food. For anyone looking for a sweet red that goes beyond simple grape-juice sweetness, this blend earns attention on its own terms.