puolikuivaa

Puolikuivaa is a Finnish wine descriptor meaning semi-dry or off-dry. The term is an adjective used to describe the perceived sweetness of a wine, and its literal construction comes from puolikiiva: puoliksi meaning half and kuiva meaning dry.

In Finnish labeling and consumer guides, dryness is commonly presented as kuiva (dry), puolikuiva (semi-dry), and makea (sweet). There is no universal legal threshold that defines puolikuiva, and thresholds can vary by producer, region, and palate. Because of this ambiguity, the exact place of a wine on the semi-dry scale may differ between labels and reviews.

Sensory-wise, puolikuiva wines balance residual sugar with acidity and alcohol so that sweetness is noticeable but not dominant. They are typically described as fresh or fruity, with a smoother finish than dry wines. This style is often associated with white wines and sometimes with rosé; red wines labeled puolikuiva exist but are less common.

For consumers, the term provides a general guide to sweetness without committing to precise sugar amounts. It is useful in pairing decisions, for example with mildly spicy dishes, fruit-based desserts, or soft cheeses, where a gentle sweetness can complement acidity and flavors. Overall, puolikuivaa serves as a qualitative hint rather than a fixed standard in Finnish wine discourse.