Desserts - Pears Baked in Wine

4-6 plump Martina or ripe Bosc pears
1 bottle Barolo, Barbaresco, or Moscato d'Asti
sugar (optional)

Wash, do not peel pears. Place in heavy-bottomed medium pot and pour in wine to cover pears. Add sugar if desired. Cover pot, cook over lowest possible heat for 5-6 hours. Wine sauce will be like syrup. Serve at slightly cooler than room temperature. Serves 4-6