How To Pair Wine With Dessert

Karen Frazier contributed to this report. Karen is a wine, drink, and cuisine aficionado who enjoys traveling. She has a California Wine Appellation Specialist credential from the San Francisco wine school, as well as a Bar Smarts mixology certificate, and she works as a bartender for charity events. Specialist in the Appellations of California Wine (CWAS) In order for LoveToKnow to be a participant in affiliate relationships, it is possible that a portion of purchases from links on this page will be paid to it.

Our editorial content is not influenced by these relationships in any way.

A solid combination brings out the flavors of both the wine and the dessert to their full potential.

Berry Wines

Raspberry, strawberry, and other berry wines are produced by a large number of wineries. These wines pair wonderfully with dark chocolate treats because they have a traditional taste profile. Chocolate and berries mix together like peanut butter and jelly, and the sweetness of the wine wonderfully balances the sharpness of the chocolate.

Ruby Port

When combined with dark chocolate, Ruby Port offers a deep, rich, dark fruit flavor that is unbeatable. As a matter of fact, it’s a fantastic traditional combination that’s definitely worth trying since it successfully balances the bitterness of dark chocolate with the sweetness of dark fruit.

Chocolate Wine

Although it may seem like a no-brainer, chocolate and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly. Creamy chocolate wines, such as Chocovine, have a mild, milk chocolate flavor with a warmth that is nearly like a fortified wine in taste and texture. These smooth, creamy wines pair well with dark chocolate because they temper the intensity of the chocolate’s flavor while yet providing similar flavor characteristics.

Shiraz

Even though it appears to be a no-brainer, chocolate and chocolate go hand in hand. Creamy chocolate wines, such as Chocovine, have a mild, milk chocolate flavor with a warmth that is nearly like a fortified wine in flavor and texture. Wines like these, which are smooth and creamy, pair well with dark chocolate because they soften the intensity of the chocolate while still providing comparable taste qualities.

Wines With Crème Brûlée and Vanilla-Flavored Desserts

With its rich, creamy vanilla custard and caramelized sugar topping, this dessert is the perfect way to cap off a dinner. Pairing it with a dessert wine enhances the flavor of the meal even further.

Sauternes or Barsac

Traditionally, crème brûlée is served with sweet white wine from the Bordeaux area, which is the most traditional wine combination. Both Sauternes and Barsac wines are produced from grapes that have been infected with botrytis cinera, which is found in Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The presence of this fungus adds layers of complexity to the wines, and the lateness of the harvest results in a high residual sugar level in the finished product.

A luscious, sweet wine with tropical aromas and a great, balanced acidity is produced as a consequence, which is well complemented by the vanilla custard.

Moscato (Muscat)

This white variety has a subtle sweetness to it that makes it enjoyable. Apricots and almonds are typical tastes found in Moscato wines, and they pair well with the rich vanilla custard in this dessert. In addition, pairing a Moscato with crème brûlée helps to balance out the richness of the custard since, while it has a modest sweetness, it is not overpoweringly sweet like other dessert wines.

Gewürztraminer

This German dry whitemay seem like an odd pairing with a thick crème brûlée at first glance, but when you consider the wine’s taste and balance, it makes perfect sense. Gewürztraminer is a dry, spicy wine with a pleasant acidity that pairs well with food. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the fat of the custard, and the dryness of the wine serves to temper the sweetness of the dessert. In this dessert, the delicate vanilla notes of the crème brûlée are complemented by the spiciness of the Gewürztraminer.

Pairing Wine With Apple Pie and Apple or Pear Desserts

Apple pies are a delicious combination of sweetness and spice. The majority of the time, wines that match well with apple pie will also pair well with other apple desserts, such as apple brown Betty (also known as apple crisp) and baked apples.

German Riesling

It is possible to find Riesling from Germany with varying degrees of dryness and sweetness. The three finest apple dessert combinations are Kabinett, Spätlese, and Auslese, which are listed in order of sweetness from least sweet to most sweet. Riesling has a strong level of acidity, which helps it to cut through the sweetness of the pie perfectly. A subtle spicy flavor that fits well with the pie ingredients is also present in this mixture. Finally, the taste profile of Riesling is generally dominated by apples, pears, and other tree fruits, and the flavor of apples is a good match for the flavor of the wine.

Auslese is the wine you pick if you want a lot of sweetness in your wine.

Prosecco

Prosecco is a mildly bubbly Italian wine that is comparable to Champagne in taste and appearance. Prosecco is available at a variety of sweetness levels. To counteract the richness of the pie, go for an off-dry Prosecco that is gently sweet but not overpowering in its sweetness. Apple pie is made with crisp and acidic Prosecco, which pairs perfectly with the acidity of the apples used in the pie.

Moscato d’Asti

This Italian white wine has a subtle fizz and a mild sweetness, making it a refreshing summer drink. It also includes pleasant fruit flavors such as apples and pears, which makes it a fantastic match for an apple pie dessert. Despite the fact that Moscato d’Asti is slightly sweet, it is not overbearing, so you will not be putting extremely sweet on top of super sweet in your dessert.

Lemon Meringue Pie and Citrus Curd Wine Pairing

Because lemon sweets, such as lemon meringue pie, are naturally acidic, they can be paired with wines that are rather sweet in comparison.

Ice Wine

Because lemon sweets, such as lemon meringue pie, are naturally acidic, they can be paired with wines that are rather sweet in contrast.

Late Harvest Whites

Grapes picked late in the season are used to make late harvest white wines, which are delicious. As a result, the wines tend to have a low alcohol content but a high concentration of residual sugar. The sweetness of these wines ranges from mildly sweet to extremely sweet. Consider a late-harvest Viognier or Chardonnay, which tend to have zesty qualities that will pair nicely with the lemon taste profile.

Champagne

A dryChampagneor sparkling wine will also go well with a lemon meringue pie, as will a dessert wine. As with the crust’s characteristics, the biscuity notes of Champagne are a good complement for the meringue’s toasty flavor. Finally, Champagne has a tendency to be dry, which will help to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Pumpkin Pie and Warm Spice Desserts Wine Pairing

With a lemon meringue pie, a dryChampagne or sparkling wine is also a good match. The biscuity aromas of Champagne complement the flavors present in the crust, and the toastiness of Champagne complements the browning of the meringue. In addition, Champagne is often dry, which will help to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Tawny Port

With a lemon meringue pie, a dryChampagne or sparkling wine is also a good choice. As with the crust’s characteristics, the biscuity notes of Champagne are a good complement for the meringue’s toastiness. Finally, Champagne is often dry, which will help to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Australian Dessert Muscat

This is a fortified wine that is comparable to a tawny Port in taste and appearance. It boasts a delicious combination of sweet and spicy aromas, as well as a pleasing golden appearance. Wine drinkers frequently describe the tastes of this wine as toasty, raisiny, or toffee-like. Pumpkin pie benefits from the combination of these warm tastes and the warm spices.

Madeira

This fortified wine from Portugal is available in a variety of sweetness levels, ranging from dry to sweet. Choose a sweet or semi-sweet Madeira to combine with your pumpkin dish, depending on your preference. Among the many characteristics found in Madeirate are smoky, peppery, and nutty, all of which complement the flavor of pumpkin. The high alcohol concentration also serves to perfectly complement the rich, creamy custard.

Tokaji

Hungarian Tokaji has rainy notes that go well with the spiciness of pumpkin pie and other sweets with a similar flavor profile. Dessert wine has a pleasant sweetness to it that goes well with the spice in the pie.

Tiramisu and Mocha Dessert Wine Pairings

Many wines will pair well with tiramisu and other sweets with a coffee flavoring. Coffee is a taste that combines nicely with a variety of flavor characteristics, according to the experts.

Vin Santo

The color of this sweet Italian dessert wine has a lovely golden hue. It has a nutty flavor, similar to that of hazelnuts, with a hint of sweetness. Nuts and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly, so a glass of Vin Santo will go a long way in balancing out the coffee flavor of the tiramisu.

Cream Sherry

Cream Sherry is a sweet fortified wine with a chocolate hue that is made from grapes.

In tiramisu, it has a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness, which helps to balance out the harshness of the coffee components in the dessert.

Ruby Port

It is a sweet, fortified wine with a mahogany hue that is made from grapes called sherry. A nutty taste with a hint of sweetness complements the harshness of the coffee notes in tiramisu, which helps to balance them out.

Berry Desserts

Whatever the dessert (summer pudding or raspberry pie), berry desserts pair nicely with a wide range of wines that enhance their tastes and textures.

Rosé

Rosé wine is available in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and it has delicate floral and berry flavors that go well with berry sweets. If you’re serving sugary sweets, a drier rosé will help to balance out the sweetness.

Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise

In the Rhône Valley, there is a sweet fortified wine called Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise. It features sweet, honeyed, and citrus aromas that pair nicely with berries and berry desserts of all types and varieties.

Cava

The sparkling wine produced in Spain Cava may be either dry or sweet, and both are complementary to berries. Choose drier rosé wines to pair with sweeter sweets and sweeter rosé wines to pair with less sweet desserts to create a sense of balance and contrast in your meal.

Wine and Dessert Pairing Chart

The following chart outlines several excellent wines to pair with desserts, as well as a recommendation or two of specific wines for each type of dessert.

Matching Wine and Dessert

While the options above might serve as a starting point, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to combining wines and sweets. Pair your favorite wines with your favorite treats. Look for tastes that complement one another and wines that will assist you in achieving the amount of sweetness you seek, and you’ll end up with a delectable match. LoveToKnow Media was founded in the year 2022. All intellectual property rights are retained.

7 Tasty Pairings For Dessert and Wine

These dessert and wine pairings are perfect for every dining occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, an anniversary celebration, or a lavish feast for four. When it comes to combining food and wine, the key is to think of wine as an ingredient rather than as a complement. It provides a “additional bonus.” Wine intensifies flavors, resulting in a whole different flavor profile. Desserts are no exception to this rule. In fact, creating the ideal dessert and wine match may be a wonderful way to cap off a great evening with friends and family.

Strawberry Shortcake

This creamy classic is given a sparkly makeover with fireworks. Purchase the book and receive the course! Learn about wine with the Wine 101 Course ($29 value). With the purchase of Wine Folly: Magnum Edition, you will receive this bonus. Read on to find out more Vouvray Brut: This is a brute of a Vouvray. Made from Chenin Blanc grapes,Vouvrayis a crisp, mouth-puckering white wine that has flavors of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle in addition to its crisp, mouth-puckering texture. Those seeking for something familiar but also distinctive can choose sparkling wines from South Africa, where Chenin Blanc is a very prominent grape variety.

Furthermore, many Vouvray Brut wines are produced using the Traditional Method, which imparts a biscuity flavor that pairs beautifully with the already creamy components in this delight.

Peach Cobbler

The wine has a lot of fruit and a nice blast of acidity. The dry Riesling grape is Germany’s favorite wine, and it can be found in a variety of styles ranging from sweet to bone dry. It has excellent aromas of citrus and green apple to go with it. A slatey feeling of minerality is particularly noticeable in drier Rieslings, which only adds to the complexity of the wine. Why it works is as follows: Using its crisp acidity and fruity tastes, a dry Riesling cuts through the syrupy richness of a peach cobbler, increasing the fruitiness of the dish very slightly.

White Chocolate

Subtle sweetness should be balanced with decadently fruity aromas. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: Studies have revealed that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc brings out more of the distinctive passion fruit flavors in wine than any other Sauvignon Blanc produced anywhere else in the world. When compared to its greener, Old World counterparts, the Kiwi standard forSauvignon Blanchas far more fruit to it, which contributes significantly to its current popularity. Why it works is as follows: Those rich, fruity fragrances take the subtle balance of white chocolate and enhance it with a layer of fruit that isn’t too overpowering in its own right.

You’ll be convinced that you’re eating a fruit cream mousse at any moment.

Lemon Bars

Match the notes of the sweet and the tart to each other. Many modern drinkers find the creamy addition of oak to the bracing notes of apple, pear, and lemon peel to be extremely controversial, maybe because they have had one or two too many butter bombs to enjoy this style. But the reality is that there are a large number of excellent oakedChardonnays available across the world, and their adaptability is one of their greatest assets. Why it works is as follows: Combining the shortbread crust and sharpness of a lemon bar with an oaked Chardonnay is a genuinely complementing parallel that is hard to beat.

Carrot Cake

With a hint of tanginess on the side, this dish is a combination of spice and sweetness. Fino Sherry (Spanish for “fine sherry”): Because it is the driest of the Sherries, Fino Sherry does not have the heavy sweetness that many of its darker sisters are renowned for, and instead has lighter, more delicate notes of almonds, salt, and a hint of citrus to accompany its lighter, more subtle flavors. The more robust tastes of the Oloroso Sherrysoften may be enjoyed on its own as a dessert, whilst Fino’s more subtle flavors can be enjoyed with a variety of cuisines.

The acidic Jackfruit taste of many Fino Sherries also works well with the earthier flavor of the carrot cake itself, which makes for a delicious combination.

Chocolate Mousse

The richness of chocolate combined with the lightning bolts of fruit is unbeatable. Brachetto d’Acqui (Brachetto of Acqui): In this semi-sparkling Italianred that has a lighter body and wine berry flavors, there is some sweetness without being overly overwhelming. Actually, if you don’t have anything to serve as a dessert, a bottle of Brachettocan be just as satisfying on its own! Why it works is as follows: They’ll cut right through the rich creaminess of a chocolate mousse, while also imparting crisp texture and scents of candied fruit, red flowers, or both.

Apple Pie

It’s the richness of chocolate combined with the flashes of fruit. Brachetto d’Acqui is a kind of lace that is made of cotton. In this semi-sparkling Italianred that has a lighter body and wine berry flavors, there is considerable sweetness without being overwhelming. For all intents and purposes, if you don’t have anything else prepared, a bottle of Brachettowill suffice. Reasons for its effectiveness: Those lovely tiny bubbles are going to cut right through the rich creaminess of a chocolate mousse, while also imparting crisp texture and flavours of candied fruit and red flowers.

16 Ways to Pair Wine with Your Favorite Desserts

If you’re anything like the average college student, your favorite things are probably alcoholic beverages and sweets. However, the majority of us are unsure of the optimum way to mix these elements. Some sweets and some wines do not go together well. Not to worry: this guide will assist you in pairing your favorite sweets with the most complimentary wine available. We’ve even put up some recommendations for you on some inexpensive, yet fail-safe wine brands. Let’s get this party started!

1.Chocolate Chip Cookies – Cabernet Sauvignon

Photograph courtesy of Scott Harrington When paired with a fruity red wine like Cabernet, the all-time classicchocolate chip cookie is the greatest. Our recommendation: Barefoot Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($4.97).

2.Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – Pinot Noir

Taku took the photograph. Although it is not everyone’s favorite cookie, it is a childhood favorite nonetheless. The raisins are a fantastic match for a red wine like pinot noir. Woodbridge Mondavi Pinot Noir ($5.49) is our selection.

3.Brownies – Merlot

Jeffery W. took the photograph. The rich chocolate flavor of brownies is an excellent pairing with a dark red wine such as Merlot. Yellow Tail Merlot ($5.99) is our top selection.

4.Vanilla Cake – Chardonnay

Clever Cupcakes provided the image for this post. Vanilla cake is light and uncomplicated, which makes it a wonderful match for the classic Chardonnay flavor. Our recommendation: Flop Chardonnay ($4.49).

5.Red Velvet Cake – Red Velvet Wine

Vnysla took the photograph.

What could be better than a glass of red velvet wine to accompany a slice of red velvet cake? Our choice is: Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet Wine ($13.99) is a delicious red wine made with red velvet cupcakes.

6.Chocolate Cake – Cabernet Sauvignon

Vysla created this photograph. Red velvet cake is one of the most popular desserts in the world, and what goes better with it than red velvet wine? Choose from the following options : Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet Wine ($13.99) is a delicious red wine made with red velvet cupcakes and cream cheese frosting.

7.Cheesecake –Riesling

Ulterior provided the photograph. Because of the smoothness of cheesecake, it is difficult to pair it with a wide variety of wines. However, fortunately for us, the fruity and light texture of the Riesling matches the richer flavors of the cheesecake well. Yellow Tail Riesling ($5.99) is our top selection.

8.Pumpkin Pie – Sherry

Emma Delaney captured this image. Pumpkin pie is a popular fall dessert that is always a hit. When hosting a family event, consider serving sherry as a wine option. The pie’s spices are enhanced by the sweetness of the wine. Our choice is: Taylor Sherry Dry ($6.99) is a dry sherry made by Taylor Sherry.

9.Tiramisu – Champagne

Alexis Fam captured this image. Tiramisu is one of the most elegant desserts available, thus it is only fitting that it be paired with champagne. Andre Brut ($4.77) is our selection.

10.Sorbet – Pink Moscato

Angela Scheidel took the photograph. The majority of wines are unable to stand up to the tartness and fruitiness of sorbets, according to Randall Try a beautiful pink moscato to bring it all together. Our choice is: Pink Moscato Bubbly from Barefoot Cellars is $4.97.

11.Chocolate Ice Cream – Chocolate Wine

Morgan Schutt captured this image. Due to the smoothness of chocolate ice cream, it is difficult to combine it with a dry white wine. Pairing it with a chocolate red wine can help to remedy the situation. (Yes, such a thing exists!) Our choice is: Red Decadence Chocolate Wine ($10.99) is a dessert wine made with chocolate.

12.Vanilla Ice Cream – Cream Sherry

Elana Amsterdam captured this image. Any variety of toppings can be placed on top of vanilla ice cream, including cream sherry, to make it a one-stop shop. Fairbanks Cream Sherry ($8.99) is our favorite.

13.Apple Pie – Moscato

Photograph courtesy of Winston Wong The sweetened apples in this classic American dish need the use of a sweet wine to match. When it comes to apple pie, Moscato is the ideal light wine to pair with it. Our choice is: Moscato from Barefoot Cellars ($6.99)

14.White Chocolate – Pink Moscato

The image is courtesy of lindtusa.com. Because white chocolate does not contain any cocoa solids, it is more expensive than other forms of chocolate. A highly sweet wine like pink moscato, for example, is an excellent pairing with this dish. Our choice is: Andre Strawberry is available for $4.99.

15.Milk Chocolate – Port

Featured image courtesy of hersheys.com Milk chocolate is the stuff of childhood memories for many people. If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, consider a sweeter Port. We guarantee that it will not overshadow the chocolate. Taylor’s Tawny Port ($6.99) is our recommendation.

16.Dark chocolate – Zinfandel

Siona Karen captured this image. Dark chocolate and a powerful red wine go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The rich notes of Zinfandel are well complemented by the dark flavors of dark chocolate. Our favorite is the Barefoot Cellars Zinfandel ($4.97), which is made in California. All prices are taken directly from the Total Wine and More website.

6 Dessert and Wine Pairings

It’s no secret that some wines don’t go well with particular sweets, but there are some exceptions. A good match, on the other hand, can enhance the tastes of both the wine and the dessert if you choose the proper mix. When choosing a wine to match with your dessert, a good rule of thumb is to choose wines that have comparable characteristics. Achieving a harmonious balance between these flavors and tones is essential for elevating your dessert game to an entirely new level. When it comes to selecting the perfect wine for dessert, be imaginative.

1. A variety of grapes, such as Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, as well as various mixes, are excellent alternatives.
2. Wines that are much brighter or darker in color than the dessert you’ve chosen may typically be eliminated from consideration.
3. Peach cobblers, on the other hand, should be served with light red wines such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. The wine’s tasting notes should include a list of flavors that correspond to the flavors of your sweets, so you know you’re on the right road.
5. Alternatively, the tastes of coffee or chocolate (which can be found in most dark red wines) would combine nicely with dark chocolate treats such as Ellena’s Chocolate Magma, which is made with dark chocolate.
6. Whatever your sugar cravings are, whether you’re a cookie monster, a chocolate enthusiast, or simply like the odd sugar indulgence, you’re in luck.
7. All right, let’s get this party started!

• Chocolate and red wine go together like peanut butter and jelly. Nothing like a warm, gooey brownie that has just come out of the oven. When served with a dark red wine such as our Mike’s Reserve Red, brownies are transformed into a culinary masterpiece. Red wines that have a chocolatey undertone are very appealing, and you’ll know what I’m talking about when you sample one. A package of chocolate lava cake or brownie mix is a quick and easy way to make a delectable dessert that is also healthy. Fresh fruit (such as strawberries) and whipped cream on top can be added as an extra touch. My recommendation: Latah Creek is a tributary of the Latah River. Mike’s Reserve Red is a red wine produced by Mike’s Winery. 2$22
• Flavor Highlights: Fresh Strawberries, Red Grape, and Chocolate

• Make our Lemon Cake recipe and see how it turns out. It’s quite simple to prepare and goes perfectly with our Riesling. When combined with Lemon Cake, which is a family favorite dessert, the sweet fruit notes of our Riesling are a match made in heaven. My selection is as follows: Latah Creek Riesling 2018, $12
• Latah Creek Riesling 2017, $12
• Notes on flavor: green apple, pineapple, and citrus

• The simplicity of vanilla cake, with its sweetness and lightness, is a perfect match for our Orange Moscato wine. The appropriate complement is a full-bodied white wine with sweet honey and citrus aromas that has a lot of flavor. If you want to make a cake quickly and easily, I recommend packaged cake mixes. Just grab a box of vanilla cake mix and a bottle of Orange Moscato and you’re good to go
• My selection is as follows: Latah Creek Orange Moscato 2019$16
• Latah Creek Orange Moscato 2018$16
• Orange Blossom, Spun Sugar, and Honey are the flavors that come to mind.

• Someone who doesn’t love a delicious crumble or crisp at the conclusion of a meal will be hard pressed to come up with one. Combining a berry crisp with “Spokane’s1 wine” results in a dish that is sure to impress everyone in the room. Choose from these selections:Latah Creek Huckleberry d’Latah 2018$11
• Blueberry, Huckleberry, Pear, and Grape flavors are included in this blend.

• When it comes to the last dish, a strong cheese plate with figs and honey is a great choice. Then, to bring everything all together, use Natalie’s Nectar, which has sweet and intense flavors, to finish it off. Despite the fact that this red dessert wine is outstanding on its own, when matched with this dish, you’re in for a decadent treat. Also try sliced apples and pears, as well as little bits of dark chocolate
• My favorite is Latah Creek chocolate. Natalie’s Nectar 2016$15
• Natalie’s Nectar 2015$15
• Natalie’s Nectar 2016$15
• Natalie’s Notes on the palate: berries, plums, pepper

Let me know if you try out any of these ideas! Please notify me if you do! Cheers, Natalie

Pairing Wine with Desserts

Let me know if you try out any of these suggestions!. I’d love to know if you succeed. Cheers, Natalie

Chocolate House Rules

1. Dark chocolate and deep crimson, fortified wines go together like peanut butter and jelly. With lighter foods and white chocolate, white wines are a good match. It is possible to pair a sweeter dessert with a sweeter wine since the chocolate treat is sweeter.

Best Wines to Try

Vintage Port, Tawny Port, Cream Sherry, Pedro Ximénez, and Rutherglen Muscat are all excellent choices.

Whites— Sweet, long finish

Riesling from the late harvest, Eiswein / Icewine, and Tokaji

Classic Wine Pairings

a mousse made with vintage port and dark chocolate Dark chocolate is extremely rich and might have a harsh taste to it. The intense nature and punchy flavors of this dish necessitate the use of a powerful, long-lasting fortified wine. With deep black fruit flavors and a full-bodied mouthfeel, vintage port is a great accompaniment to a rich, decadent dark chocolate confection. a cake made with tawny port and chocolate Milk chocolate is significantly milder and less bitter than black chocolate.

It has less berry fruit aromas than Ruby or Vintage Port, and it is lighter in color.

Riesling from the late harvest with white chocolate Because white chocolate is the sweetest variety of chocolate, it should be paired with a sweeter wine that complements rather than overpowers the flavors of the chocolate in question.

The grapes, which are almost raisin-like in appearance, provide a dessert wine that is great with white chocolate truffles.

How to Pair Wine with Chocolate (and Other Desserts)

Discover more about our review method here. Our editors independently investigate, test, and suggest the finest goods. We may gain a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links. What’s the difference between wine and chocolate? There is no longer any reason to do so, thanks to the abundance of delectable dessert wines available. Contrary to common perception, your favorite bottle of red wine is definitely not the best pairing for your favorite sweet treat. However, with so many different alternatives available, you’re sure to discover the ideal bottle to complement your dessert.

What Is the Most Important Rule for Pairing Wine with Chocolate?

Wine and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly, and the golden rule for combining them is that the wine should always be sweeter than the dessert. Reduced sweetness in the wine often results in a less-than-delightful flavor that is sour or bitter to the extreme. You’ll be on your way to a delectable match in no time if you remember just one rule: keep it simple.

Can I Pair Dry Wines with Chocolate?

Dry wines, on the whole, don’t pair well with chocolate, for the most part. If you want to match wine with chocolate (or other sweet delights), always remember that the former should be sweeter than the latter, according to the golden rule mentioned above. Exceptions can be made in rare cases (for example, Beaujolais or Zinfandel), but we recommend erring on the side of caution and opting for a bottle of sweet wine rather than a sweet wine.

Do Certain Wines Go Better with Milk Chocolate Versus Dark Chocolate?

In a way, yes! Certain wines will pair well with different types of chocolate (see our quick reference guide below), while milk and dark chocolate pairings are more interchangeable than white chocolate pairings (see our quick reference guide below). The sweetness of the chocolate is responsible for this.

Are Fortified Wines Good with Chocolate?

Absolutely! Fortified wines are some of the greatest matches with chocolate that can be found. While many white-grape-based fortified wines (think lighter sherry varieties) pair well with both white and darker chocolates, we recommend conserving red fortified wines (such as port) for drinking with milk or dark chocolate instead of the other way around.

Which Wines Pair Best with Chocolates That Contain Nuts or Other Fillings?

It is dependent on the type of chocolate. Before thinking about the fillings, we recommend starting with the basic chocolate (white, milk, or dark). Remember that coming up with your own unique and imaginative wine and chocolate combinations can be a lot of fun as well. Do you happen to have a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup handy? Try mixing it with a sweet sparkling red wine for a taste that is reminiscent of peanut butter and jelly. Do you like chocolates with caramel filling? Consider mixing it with wines (tawny port, for example) that have similar caramel flavors for an out-of-this-world experience.

A Quick Guide

Wines that pair with white chocolate include the following: Late-harvest Moscato d’Asti (Moscato d’Asti Late-Harvestriesling) Sauternes gewurztraminer, for example. Ice wine is a type of wine that is frozen (eiswein) Wines that go well with milk chocolate include: Portuguese: (ruby or tawny) Madeira is a small island off the coast of Portugal (malmsey) Brachetto d’acquiRutherglenmuscato d’acqui d’acqui Sherry (amontillado or oloroso) is a kind of sherry.

Wines that pair with dark chocolate include the following: Natural wine (banyuls/maury) with a sweet taste Sherry from Pedro Ximenez Recioto della Valpolicella (Valpolicella Recioto) Vin santo (holy wine) (Italy) Here are six different bottles to try.

A Guide to Wine & Dessert Pairings

There is a wealth of knowledge available on how to combine the ideal wine with the perfect cuisine, whether it be pasta, steak, or fish. How about, on the other hand, if you’re heading out to indulge in the ideal dessert? How about a glass of wine to go with the delectable sweet confection that you have selected from the menu? This guide will assist you in selecting wines for a variety of desserts from a variety of categories, as well as provide some explanations as to why the wine pairs so well with the dessert.

CakesCookies

Cakes and cookies are popular among people of all ages, and when they are prepared properly, they are among the most delectable treats ever produced. Making the appropriate wine pairing for cookies and cake can be difficult, but here are some suggestions to get you started.

• A light, possibly even effervescent beverage, such as a fine Prosecco wine, is recommended with sugar cookies or shortbread biscuits. Cookies with jam filling: A sweet, effervescent wine with a fruity taste, such as Moscato D’Asti
• Wine to pair with ginger snaps or pumpkin spice: A rich, sweet wine such as Rutherglen Muscat
• Pecan sandies, peanut butter cookies, or any other cookie containing nuts: Malmsey Madeira, for example, is a sweet, robust wine with nutty characteristics. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Banyuls, which are inherently sweet, can be used to make chocolate cake or chocolate-chip cookies. Pavlova: A mildly sparkling wine, such as Moscato d’Asti, is used to make Pavlova. Wine for strawberry shortcake: A palate-cleansing wine such as extra-dry Prosecco
• A red wine such as Maury or Banyuls is recommended for red velvet cake.

Confectionaries/Candies

If your favorite dessert is sweets or confectioneries, you’ll want a wine that will stand up to the test of time. When combining wine with this sort of delicacy, the most important guideline to remember is to always choose a wine that is sweeter than the candy itself. Here are some of my favorite food and wine combinations.

• It’s important to choose a wine that will go well with your favorite dessert, whether it’s candies or confections. When combining wine with this sort of dessert, the most important guideline to remember is to always choose a wine that is sweeter than the candy being served with it. Some of my favorite combos are listed here.

Frozen Desserts

Many individuals enjoy frozen sweets because they are convenient. Sweet frozen meals, ranging from ice cream to Baked Alaska, are a favorite among consumers. Some ideas for combining your favorite ice creams with other frozen treats are provided in this article.

• Any of the late-harvest Zinfandels would go well with vanilla ice cream. Chocolate ice cream:Brachetto d’Acqui, a red wine with tastes of strawberries and raspberries, is a good pairing with chocolate ice cream. Sherbet/Sorbet: One of the most well-known wines on this list is the perfect complement with practically every sorbet or sherbet flavor out there (including Neapolitan). It is: Moscato d’Asti
• Moscato d’Asti
• Moscato d’Asti Fruity ice creams and BenJerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake are two of my favorite desserts. Zinfandels are excellent because they have a delicious, strawberry flavor and are medium-bodied. They are also inexpensive. It’s unlikely that a full-bodied wine will go well with these ice cream tastes
• Wine and Nutty Ice Creams: Sherry is the ideal pairing for most of the nutty ice cream varieties available, and especially for any of the peanut butter ice cream tastes
• Sherry and nutty ice creams are a classic pairing. Hot-Cold Pastry Desserts/Baked Alaska: Once again, a goodCrémant d’Alsace sparkling wine or a Tawny Port are excellent pairings for this dessert.

PastriesPuddings

Pastries and puddings are undoubtedly a popular treat for some individuals, notably in the United Kingdom, where there are over a hundred distinct varieties of pudding to choose from. Here are some wine and food combinations to get you started on your search for the right wine.

• Brachetto d’Acqui is the excellent wine to pair with jam-filled pastries or doughnuts/Bomboloni. When it comes to bread pudding, Champagne sparkling wine is the ideal choice, but you can also try Sémillon or Cerdon du Bugey if you want to be more adventurous. Chocolate Pudding: Sherry, Muscat, a fruity Chardonnay, Moscato d’Asti, merlot, orpinot noir
• A fruity Chardonnay, Moscato d’Asti, merlot, orpinot noir
• Butterscotch Pudding: Butterscotch pudding might be difficult to make, but you can use chardonnay, Muscat, or Crémant to make it easier. Tapioca: This is another dish that pairs well with Champagne Blanc de Blancs, but it may also be served with Chenin Blanc or Sémillon as well.

Custards, PiesTarts

Custards, pies, and tarts are the final group of sweets to discuss. Custards and tarts may be paired with a wide variety of wines, regardless of the filling used, while pie needs a bit more thought and consideration.

• Cream custards and tarts: Both of these desserts are excellent companions to smooth, rich wines made from grapes such asRiesling, Vidal Blanc, or Vignoles that have been picked just after the first winter frost. Dark fruit sweets like cherry pie go nicely with red wines such as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, among others. Apple Pie: Apple pie pairs well with one of our favorite wines, Moscato d’Asti, but you can also pair it with Sauternes or Tawny Port if you want. Pumpkin Pie: A medium-to-sweet Riesling or Muscat pairs well with pumpkin pie — if you’re not in the mood for wine, rum may be substituted for the wine. Pie made with rhubarb should be served with a fruity and somewhat sweet wine such as Spatlese or Auslese. Sweet Potato Pie: A high-acid wine such as a New ZealandSauvignon BlancorGewurztraminer
• ‘Old Fashioned’ Pecan Pie: Bourbon

Vera Miller wrote this guest article specifically for Social Vignerons, and we are grateful to her for her contribution. a little about the author: Vera Miller is a passionate food enthusiast who enjoys everything about cooking, especially the use of current technology in the kitchen, which can make even the most inexperienced cook appear to be an accomplished chef. Her blog, Kitchen Gadgets Wars, is a place where she periodically expresses her thoughts on the latest and weirdest kitchen gadgets.

Related

What’s even better than dessert, you might ask? Dessert and a glass of wine Is there anything greater than that? Simple wine and dessert combinations that make indulging a simple yet delectable experience are presented here. One of the reasons why wine pairings are so tough is because we are taught that there are “correct” responses. That is not correct, to be honest. With so many various methods to mix and match tastes, there is more than one perfect match for your chocolate cake, and everyone has a distinct taste preference as well.

Sweet and spicy combinations are some of my favorites.

Maybe it’s because we all have distinct palates and diverse preferences, after all?

Rather than discussing the two most important wine and dessert matching principles, I’ll show you how to defy them in a few minutes. Despite the fact that the guidelines are an excellent starting point, it is your responsibility to put them to the test for yourself.

Rule1: The wine should be sweeter than the dessert.

Obviously, this is timeless and sound counsel. It’s essentially advising you that sweet wines go well with desserts and that this is generally true based on a taste test. Just wait till you see how these sweet wines brighten up your sumptuous dessert and add taste diversity to the mix. As a result, what exactly does it imply when we say “sweet wine”? There are many sweet red wines to choose from, including Ports and Port-style wines, Cream Sherries, Sauternes, Tokaji, sweet white sparklers like Moscato d’Asti or Asti Spumante, Orange Muscat, Pedro Ximenez, sweet Rieslings or Gewürztraminers, and sweet red sparklers like Lambrusco and Brachetto d’Aqui.

Here’s a brief selection of sweet combos that are very delicious:

• Tres Leches Cake with a glass of Pedro Ximenez or Madeira wine
• Chocolate Truffles with Moscato d’Asti
• Peach Cobbler with Orange Muscat
• Lemon Bars with sweet Riesling
• Blueberry Pie with Brachetto d’Aqui

However, let us now deviate from this norm because there are absolutely instances! Here are a couple of “normal wine” combinations that are quite delicious:

• Meringue with a Berry Compote and a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is a delicious dessert. The secret here is that this wine is noted for having robust fruit smells that contribute to the already-fruity berry compote, and the acidity in the wine elevates the sugary sweet meringue
• Birthday Cake and rosé are two of the most popular pairings for this wine. Here’s the deal: rosé pairs well with a wide variety of cuisines, and desserts are no exception. Because it’s light, many of them are fruity, and they’re often bursting with delicate smells that bring variety to a dessert that might otherwise be bland. This is the pepper in your honeynut cheerios, as well as in your Sugar Cookies and Brut Champagne, respectively. While there is a trace quantity of sugar in brut Champagne, the majority of it is what we would describe as “dry,” or “not sweet.” A sugar cookie, on the other hand, has characteristics that are similar to those of a pastry, such as brioche and bread, that mix nicely with the simple and shortbready notes of Champagne. In addition, the frothy texture adds a lot of life to the dish.

Rule2: Red wine doesn’t go with dessert.

When it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon with chocolate, people go crazy for it. But did you know that the chocolate may make your wine taste bitter or even sour when it’s mixed with it? Drink a glass of wine before you indulge in a piece of chocolate, and then another glass of wine afterward. Take note of how the wine’s flavor evolves over time. It’s up to you whether you like it or not! When you take the tastes out of the equation and look at it objectively, dessert isn’t the greatest buddy of a red wine for the majority of people.

It is possible to defy this cardinal rule, but only with extreme caution.

• Most red wines are not sweet at all, however inexpensive red wines such as two-buck-chuck tend to include a little amount of residual sugar to enhance their flavor. Sugar makes them more dessert-friendly than their pricier rivals
• Lighter red wines may be wisely combined with a wide variety of sweet treats. Here are a few must-try pairs that defy this guideline to a stunning degree:

• White Chocolate Mousse with Pinot Noir is a decadent dessert. As an example, consider a white chocolate-covered strawberry. Pinot Noir has a strong acidity, low tannin content, and a lower intensity, which allows wine to complement the subtle notes of the white chocolate without overpowering them. There are no concerns with bitter or sour flavors in this dish, thanks to the Barbera and the Bread Pudding. We’re talking nutmeg, cinnamon, and raisins, with a dash of orange thrown in for good measure to really bring everything together. Wines like Barbera, which is lighter and has a taste profile that is comparable to Pinot Noir but is a little more herbaceous, pair well with the doughy, spicy notes of bread pudding
• Beaujolais and Raspberry Strudel are also excellent pairings. Beaujolais is renowned for producing a light type of Gamay that is full of lively and unusual flavors that complement one another. The notes of pastry and raspberry will go well with the flavors of cinnamon, kirsch, strawberry, and cherry that you’ll commonly find in this wine. It has a low tannin content and a mild intensity, so consider this one a match

Are you ready to take a step out of your comfort zone and experiment with some of these unconventional wine and dessert pairings? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!

The Nibble: Wine And Dessert Pairings – Matching Wine With Desserts

Cherry Charlotte with Lemon Confit and Brown Sugar Ice Cream by Gael Gand, Co-Owner and Executive Pastry Chef ofTru Restaurantin Chicago. Hmm.would this need three different wines?

KRIS PRASADis Wine Editor of THE NIBBLE and not only enjoys a great dessert—he makes them as well.Click hereto email him with questions and comments.

WineDessert Pairings

Even a cursory glance at the chart below will reveal that finding a decent wine and dessert pairing may be difficult. “Dessert” is such a broad category with so many varied flavors, that it takes more than a dozen wines to correctly match the essentials. We’ve picked 21 of our favorite categories of dessert and presented the finest alternatives for each one in this guide. Also visit our post on Wine and Chocolate Pairings for more information.

DESSERT	WINE PAIRING
Alcohol-Flavored (Baba au Rhum)	Bual or Malmsey, but if it has a rum-flavored cream filling, try a crisp fruity wine like a Vouvray Demi-Sec.
Apple Tart	Apples are beautifully matched by Anjou wines—a Quarts de Chaumes or a Bonnezaux. Anything else is a second-best choice.
Cardamom, Lavender	Wines that let the fragrance grow on the palate are best: Torcolato (Veneto) or a German Riesling from Pfalz.
Cheesecake	Cheesecake ishard on most wines. Serve Champagne or arich wine like a Sauternes or a Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) Gewürtztraminer or Riesling from Alsace.
Chocolate	Vintage Port, Late Harvest Zinfandel, Lustau Muscat Sherry “Emlin,” Recioto Amarone. Simple dark chocolate is excellent with Cognac.
Citrus	Acidity kills flavor (like vinegar in food). Muscats are the best choice here—a Beaumes de Venise or a California Muscat like Bonny Doon.
Coconut	Great matches include Sauternes (particularly Lafaurie-Peyraguey), Late Harvest Semillon from Australia, or a Beerenauslese Riesling from Rheingau. Nigori saké, the sweet, milky roughly-filtered saké, is also an interesting match here.
Cookies, Petit Fours	Kick back and enjoy the best you have. Everything works including the lightish Commandaria from Cyprus. You can also try a Vin Santo.
Cream-Based Pie or Tart	This needs something sweet and spicy at the same time: a Tawny Port (a 10 or 20 year old) with its oak and fragrance, or a South African Late Harvest Riesling.
Custards (Zabaglione, Panna Cotta, Flan, et al)	Champagne, a California Sparkling Wine, or a Cava from Spain.
Fresh Fruit, Dried Fruit	Moscato D’Asti or a late harvest Viognier from California.
Fruit Pie, Tart, Crisp	A Vandage Tardive (VT) Alsace Gewürtztraminer or Pinot Gris; with apple and quince a Sauternes or Anjou wines (Bonnezaux)
Honey-Flavored	These are too rich to work with wine. A Demi-Sec Champagne works well to cleanse the palate.
Ice Cream	Like Cheesecake, these are hard on wines: too much fat and cold create a battlefield for any wine to break through. But try a Pedro Ximinez (Sherry). Sip it or pour it on! Nigori saké, the sweet, milky roughly-filtered saké, can be interesting here too.
Lemon/Key Lime Tart, Meringue	SeeCitrusabove.
Mousse, Pudding, Trifle	Late Harvest Gewürtztraminer, Fortified Muscats (Australian or American).
Pecan, Walnut, Almond Pie/Tart	An old sweet Oloroso Sherry or a Malmsey Madeira—both slightly rancid and nutty in aroma. Sciacchetra,a rare wine from northern Italy near Genoa, also works.
Poached Pear	If poached in red wine, nothing except a Brachetto (Piemonte) works. If poached in Port, serve Port. If poached in white wine, serve Sauternes, German Riesling, or Vouvray Molleaux.
Sorbet	Sorbets are too delicate to work with wine. However, they can be followed with an eau de vie or a nigori saké.
Soufflé	With a hot souffle most every wine is wasted. Enjoy the delicate, airy dessert and forget about pairing wine or any beverage with it.
Tiramisú	Sweet Malvasia matches the rum or malvasia in the dessert; or Champagne.

Let us know which pairings you enjoy the most!Push your pairings to the next level with these books:Lifestyle Direct, Inc. All rights reserved.Images are the copyright of their respective owners.

Dessert Wine Pairing 101: How to Serve Wine with Sweet Holiday Treats

To select the perfect dessert wine combination, look for varietals that have a sweetness level that matches the sweetness of the dessert. Delicious sweets are abundant throughout the holiday season, ranging from nutty and caramelized pecan pie to spicy gingerbread cookies and more. Discovering the ideal dessert wine combination for each of these classic desserts elevates the experience to a whole new level of decadence. An earthy, honey-likeRiesling may bring out the nutmeg and cinnamon flavors in a slice of pumpkin pie, while a rich, fruityvintage port can lend a sophisticated layer of fruitiness to a cup of creamy chocolate mousse.

Finding the ideal dessert wine combination, on the other hand, might be difficult, especially if you, like the majority of people, plan on serving more than one dessert this season.

This year, you’ll be able to conclude all of your Christmas gatherings on a high note by investing in the correct bottles and selecting wines that suit the tastes of each dessert.

Serve True Dessert Wines with Dessert

When it comes to matching wine with dessert, one of the most common mistakes wine enthusiasts make is concentrating too much on the flavor of the wine itself rather than thinking how the wine will interact with the food. Even if a bottle of 2005 Château Pontet-Canetis is uncommon and of high quality, if you serve this wine together with a sweet dessert, the wine may appear overly acidic and tannic in contrast. The combination does this great wine absolutely no honor at all, in my opinion. When your taste receptors are exposed to high-sugar meals such as pie or cheesecake, they get momentarily acclimated to the high quantities of sugar.

• This is true whether you’re pouring a $20 bottle of table wine or a $5,000 bottle of Pétrus, among other things.
• For one thing, it allows you to commemorate a particular event by sharing your wine with friends and family, or simply enjoy the wine that you have carefully selected.
• A proper dessert wine is either extremely sweet or fortified with distilled spirits, such as brandy, to make it more robust.
• Other popular and valuable sweet wines includeTokaji,Viognier, and some varieties ofRiesling.
• Below are just a few things you should examine when you buy in a top-quality dessert wine collection.

Getting Creative with Dessert Wine Pairings

It’s not necessary to restrict yourself to vintageTaylor Fladgate orChâteau d’Yquem when looking for the perfect dessert wine to complement your meal (although these are foolproof selections). There is no restriction on the type of wine you may serve with your dessert, as long as the wine is on the sweeter side of the spectrum and fits the flavor of your dessert. For example, fruit-based sweets that are lower in sugar content can be combined with wines that are lower in sugar content. Desserts that are more indulgent and rich (such as chocolate pots de crème) will combine better with wines that are sweeter in flavor.

In order to select the best wine for any dessert, one of the simplest strategies is to reject any wines that are much lighter or darker in color than the dessert that will be served.

Although this guideline is not always applicable, it will assist you in narrowing down your selection of probable pairings to only the most dependable ones.

Are there any characteristics in the wine’s tasting notes that are similar to the ones in your dessert?

Additionally, Sauternes is known for its tropical fruit notes, which would pair nicely with any foods that have a lot of citrus or pineapple. Now that you’ve learned the fundamentals of wine pairing with dessert, here are a few dessert wines that you should always have on hand.

The Best Dessert Wine Pairings for Holiday Classics

It should be simple to create your own dessert wine combination if you follow the fundamental rules outlined above. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of tasty (and valued) wines to pair with traditional holiday treats.

Crème brûléeand custards

It should be simple to come up with your own dessert wine combination if you follow the fundamental rules listed above. When it comes to pairing great (and expensive) wines with classic holiday treats, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite (and most valued) picks.

• Among the wines available are Château D’Yquem (2014), Domaine Charbay Charbay (1997), Château Pajzos Tokaji Esszencia (1993), and Château Pajzos Tokaji Esszencia (2014).

Fresh fruit or fruit pies

Match the fruit notes in your wine with the fruit notes in your pastries. Wines that match well with stone fruits (such as peaches) are white wines, whereas red wines that pair well with dark fruits (such as cherry, plum, or blackberry) are red wines.

• The 2001 Château D’Yquem, the 2016 Taylor Fladgate Porto Vintage, and the 2013 Royal Tokaji Asz 5 Puttonyos Red Border are all excellent choices.

Pecan pie and other extremely sweet desserts

Pecan pie’s extremely sweet and robust tastes will overshadow practically any wine, with the exception of a high-quality port.

• 2017 Fonseca Vintage Port
• 2017 Taylor Fladgate Porto Vintage

Chocolate cake and other dark chocolate treats

Pair chocolate cake with a hearty red wine, such as port, to complete the meal.

• Dow’s Vintage Port (2017 vintage)
• Quinta Do Noval Nacional Vintage Port (2016 vintage)
• 2009 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (2009 vintage). Quinta De Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port
• Quinta De Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port
• Quinta De Vargellas

The wines you purchase not only provide a fantastic dessert wine complement for any holiday gathering, but they also serve as a long-term financial asset should you decide to store the wine and resell it in the future as well.

Collecting Dessert Wines

When it comes to financial investments, a wine collection is unusual because you have the option of either drinking your bottles right away or storing them and reselling them for a profit once their value has increased. Neither sweet dessert wines nor superb tannic wines like Nebbiolo or Sangiovese are exempt from this rule. When investing in white wines, Sauternes, particularly Château d’Yquem, can be an excellent choice, especially if purchased young or en primeur. Therefore, it’s necessary to have at least a few dessert wines in your collection, even if you’re not sure if you’ll drink them during the current holiday season or not.

Dessert wines, in a way, have some of the greatest versatility of any type of wine available on the market.

By having a number of dessert wines ready and waiting in your house or in a professional storage facility, you can add a touch of luxury to the holidays while also adding considerable value to your investment portfolio and increasing the value of your investment portfolio.

Contact us today to have access to some of the world’s most exquisite wines.

Author:Vinfolio Staff

When it comes to financial investments, a wine collection is unusual because you have the option of either drinking your bottles right away or storing them and reselling them at a profit once their value has increased over time. Sweet dessert wines, as well as good tannic wines such as Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, are examples of this phenomenon. White wines from Sauternes, notably Château d’Yquem, can provide for excellent investment opportunities, particularly if purchased young or en primeur. Therefore, it’s necessary to have at least a couple dessert wines in your collection, even if you’re not sure if you’ll consume them during the current holiday season.

The versatility of dessert wines is comparable to that of no other type of wine on the market today.

The holidays may be made even more extravagant by having a number of dessert wines ready and waiting in your house or at a professional storage facility.

Vinfolio is your partner in the purchase, sale, and professional storage of fine wines, whether you are just starting out or adding to an existing collection of fine wines. For access to some of the world’s most exquisite wines, get in touch with us now.