Puolikuiva

Puolikuiva is a term used in Finnish wine labeling to describe wines with noticeable sweetness that is balanced by acidity. It translates roughly to semi-dry or off-dry and sits between the dry (kuiva) and sweet (makea) categories on the Finnish sweetness scale. There is no universal legal definition of the exact residual sugar content for puolikuiva; the threshold varies by producer, grape variety, and winemaking style. In practice, puolikuiva wines show a hint of fruit-forward sweetness without feeling heavy, and they tend to be more approachable for many drinkers than completely dry wines.

The label is common in Finland’s consumer-focused wine market and is used to guide purchasers toward wines that offer a gentler sweetness. While most often applied to white wines, the term can also appear on rosé and, less commonly, red wines where the producer aims for a restrained sweetness.

Puolikuiva wines are typically chosen to pair with mildly spicy dishes, certain Asian cuisines, fruit-based desserts, or as an aperitif. They are valued for balance, allowing fruit character and acidity to remain prominent even with some sugar present. As with other labeling terms, the exact impression of sweetness depends on the producer and the specific wine, so tasting notes and the stated sweetness on the label are useful references for buyers.