Sweet Vs. Fruit Forward: Sipping The Difference

I was out with a friend who asked a wine server her recommendation for a nice glass.  "...Sweet, I like sweet."  She told her.  When the server return she presented me with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a Port for her, my friend returned it explaining that it was too sweet.

The server returned with another recommendation, to my surprise, a delight of mine Marietta Old Vine Red Lot 51.  My friend sipped and expressed sheer pleasure.  "Now that's what I like..." 

Marietta Old Vine Red
Lot 51 "jammy or fruit forward"

As we enjoyed a second round I suggested, "...Perhaps you don't like sweet wine but a 'fruit forward' wine."  She explained that she didn't know the difference but she knew she didn't like anything tart (dry).

Wine is typically classified as Sweet (Sugary), Semi-Sweet (Not so sugary) and Dry (Tart).  While the difference between "sweet" and "fruit forward" can be indistinguishable for both the novice and the connoisseur, there are subtle nuances between the two that can make a huge difference in discovering something you enjoy.