What Dessert Compliments Wine

Simple Dessert and Wine Pairings With Chart

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.

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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

Big, rich, fruit-forward notes that taste like berries and jam are commonly found in this powerful, spicy red from Australia that is also dry and peppery. While the Shiraz is dry, the fruit notes of the dessert pair beautifully with the dark chocolate, and the tannins help to cut through the fattiness of the dish. The dryness of the wine also helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate, while the flavors of the jam help to soften any bitterness.

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

Using this German dry white with a creamy crème brûlée may seem like an odd pairing at first, but when you consider the flavors and balance, it makes perfect sense. – It’s a dry wine with a spicy flavor and a pleasant acidity. Because of the acidity, the custard’s fat is cut through, and the dryness of the wine serves to balance the sweetness of the dessert. In this dessert, the gentle vanilla tastes of the crème brûlée are complemented by the spiciness of Gewürztraminer. These are excellent dessert wines if you like your sweets to be a little less sugary than the norm.

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

Ice wines are prepared from white wine grapes that have been harvested after the first frost has occurred, allowing the sugars to become more concentrated. Ice wines become delectably sweet as a result of this. This sweetness helps to temper the acidity of lemon sweets, resulting in a wonderful and satisfying match.

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

Pumpkin pie and other pumpkin sweets tend to be sweet, creamy, and spicy, with a hint of cinnamon and clove. Numerous wines mix nicely with these characteristics, counterbalancing the creaminess and enhancing the spice notes.

Tawny Port

Tawny Port is distinguished by its golden hue and its warm, rich taste. Although the fortified wine is often sweet, it also has delicious caramel and spice tastes that go nicely with the pumpkin and spices. The strong alcohol content of the pumpkin custard helps to balance out the creaminess of the custard.

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

The color of this fortified wine is a rich maroon, and it has a subtle sweetness to it. Ruby Port is known for being fruit driven, with tastes of berries dominating the aromas and sensations. It also has slight notes of nutmeg in the background. The aromas of berries and nuts are a fantastic compliment to the flavors of coffee and espresso.

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.

Five Desserts That Go with Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Edition

Assume you have some excellent cabernet sauvignons in your cellar that you want to show off during a dinner party, from appetizers to dessert and everything in between. As the last meal approaches, anticipation is strong for the presentation of a dessert that pairs well with red wine. Is your strategy equal to the challenge of constructing a bridge to dry cabernet? Cabernet and chocolate tastings are frequent in wine country, but let’s be honest: Cabernet sauvignon and chocoholics shouldn’t be meeting in this manner.

However, because cabernet’s strong tannins and bitter, astringent flavor clash with dark chocolate, neither can come out on top in this battle.

We’ve devised four desserts that pair perfectly with dry red wine, four of which are sweet and one of which is savory, to establish a symbiotic interaction between dry red wine and dessert.

The two cookie recipes are guaranteed to be a success at Christmas gatherings when there is plenty of alcohol to go around. Enjoy.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

With a few modest tweaks to any recipe, this famous Christmas cookie–typically dusted with a snow-like sprinkling of white powdered sugar–can be paired withAlexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to great effect. Our favorite is theCook’s Illustrated version, but if you don’t have a Cook’s Illustrated subscription, Gimme Some Oven also has a fantasticcrinkle cookie recipe that you should try. Replace all-purpose flour with black cocoa flour from King Arthur Flour, and use dried raspberries instead of powdered sugar for the crumble topping.

View the original recipe

With a few slight tweaks to any recipe, this traditional Christmas cookie–typically dusted with a snow-like sprinkling of white powdered sugar–can pair beautifully withAlexander Valley Cabernet. Cook’s Illustrated offers a greatcrinkle cookie recipe, but if you don’t have a subscription, Gimme Some Oven has a greatcrinkle cookie recipe as well. In place of all-purpose flour, use King Arthur’s black cocoa flour, and dried raspberries in place of powdered sugar for the icing. If the cookie is made with darker chocolate and has less sugar, the match with red wine will be more enjoyable.

View the recipe

Adapted from the Bravetart cookbook by Stella Parks, this cake contains less sugar and is suitable for serving with red wine. Parks infuses red wine right into the cake batter in order to create a bridge between a dessert that works well with red wine and the rest of the meal. Rather of using dark chocolate, we go a step further and utilize organic, raw cocoa powder instead. Many people believe that dark chocolate is the ideal pairing for red wine because it has less sugar, but the dark chocolate flavor actually competes with the tannins in the red wine, making it a poor choice.

Make sure to pick a wine that has milder tannins and less alcohol, and finish with a dusting of dried raspberry powder to really bring it home.

View the recipe

If you’re searching for a fruit-based dessert to offer, blackberry cobbler is a classic summertime treat that can now be enjoyed all year long thanks to the availability of frozen berries. In this dish, we use blackberries to represent the fruit found in Jordan Cabernet, and we minimize the amount of sugar to make the combination sing.

View the recipe

In Europe, as most people are aware and have practiced, the last course does not always need to be sweet. A tasty meal’s conclusion is frequently applauded. To receive acclaim for a beautiful cheese dish that has been adorned with an exquisite sweet and salty membrillo may be quite an accomplishment. Although red wines, and cabernet sauvignon in particular, might be difficult to match with cheese, here is a link to some of our favorite cabernet sauvignon-cheese combinations. The Spanish delicacy membrillo, also known as orquince paste, is the centerpiece of this cheese dish.

It’s also fairly simple to put together. For your convenience, we’ve developed a video that walks you through the process. Add some roasted hazelnuts to the presentation, which will help to balance out the tannins in the wine, and you’ve got yourself a full and exquisite dessert.

View the recipe

On Hawaii, Todd Knoll acquired an early attachment to the land and the water, which he credits to his upbringing in the island state. At Jordan Winery, he caters to hundreds of heirloom vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are grown on the estate. He also prepares hors d’oeuvres and meals for guests, as well as making olive oil and tending to the estate’s honeybees and chickens. Visual artist at heart, Chef Knoll spends his spare time with his son and his wife, Nitsa Knoll, exploring the different terrain of Sonoma County with camera and pencil in hand, photographing moments in nature that will serve as inspiration for his next meal.

Dessert Wine: Why It’s Different From Other Wines and How to Pair It

In the minds of many, the word “dessert wine” conjures up images of syrupy concoctions that leave a bitter taste in the mouth. For after all, in today’s health-conscious age of low-sugar wines, keto diets, and carb-free living, who wants to drink a cloyinglysweet wine that may send your insulin levels skyrocketing and leave a sticky feeling on your tongue for hours after you’ve finished your glass? While the increasing popularity of dry wines (i.e., wines that are not sweet) might appear to spell the end of sweet wines, this is not necessarily the case.

To that end, please allow us to provide you with some background information about dessert wine and how it differs from other types of wines.

What IsDessert Wine?

Dessert wine may be defined as any wine that is consumed during or after dessert in its broadest meaning. Dessert wine, to be more exact, is often sweet, has a distinct taste, and has a higher alcohol concentration. For example, Port, Madeira, Sherry, and late-harvest wines are all examples of late-harvest wines. Traditionnal dessert wines having an alcohol content of more than 15 percent by volume (ABV). Nonetheless, low-alcoholdessert wines with less than 10% alcohol by volume (ABV) are available, such Muscadet, Moscato d’Asti, and Brachetto d’Acqui.

1. In other words, the amount of sugar that is left over after the fermentation process has taken place.
2. A variety of methods were used by winemakers to create essert wines.
3. It might be created from late-harvest grapes that have been allowed to raisinate and increase in sugar content as a result of being kept on the vine for a longer period of time.
4. Alternatively, it may be sweetened by fortification, resulting in the production of fortified wines.
5. While most dessert wines are on the sweeter side, there is a wide range of styles available under the category of dessert wines.

To be clear, dessert wines are not merely sweet, one-trick ponies, as you may have previously believed. They are deserving of a lot more recognition than that.

What to Look for inDessert Wine

Dessert wines, as previously said, are available in a variety of sweetness levels and are available in both red and white wines. Enjoying these mouthwatering sippers with dessert or as dessert in and of itself is recommended. Furthermore, it’s important to note that dessert wines are designed to be served in little wine glasses, similar to the way you’d sip on a snifter of whiskey or bourbon. (Although we must admit that we are great supporters of single-serve wine bottles that eliminate the need for a glass entirely.) If you desire a sweet dessert wine, you will get a sweet dessert wine.

Keep an eye out for the following descriptors:

Different Types ofDessert Winesand Food Pairings

While there are a plethora of wines that may be enjoyed with dessert, the ones that are featured below are the best examples of the genre. In order to avoid any unpleasant aftertaste when matching wine with sweet dessert, it’s recommended to pick a wine that is sweeter than the dessert itself. According to our enthralling guide on acidity in wine, sugar increases acidity, which is why dry wines taste harsh and sharp when served with sweet meals. With that in mind, here are many varieties of dessert wines, as well as delectable food combinations, that may enhance the flavor and overall experience of your dessert.

Port

Even though there are a plethora of wines that may be enjoyed with dessert, the ones that have been selected here are excellent examples of their genre. In order to avoid any unpleasant aftertaste when mixing wine with sweet dessert, it’s better to pick a wine that’s sweeter than the dessert itself. As you may recall from our enthralling tutorial on acidity in wine, sugar increases acidity, which is why dry wines taste harsh and sharp when drank with sweet foods. With that in mind, here are many different types of dessert wines, as well as delicious food combinations, that may enhance the flavor and overall pleasure of your meal.

Madeira

Madeirais is a fortified wine produced in Portugal’s Madeirais region, and it is renowned for its nutty, brown sugar, and burned caramel flavors. This amber-hued wine may be enjoyed on its own after a dinner, or paired with sweets like as astoffeepudding, tiramisu, or spicy treats such as chocolate truffles coated with cayenne pepper.

Sauternes

An aged port wine from the Portuguese Madeira region, Madeirais is renowned for its nutty, brown sugar, and burned caramel flavors. It is produced in small quantities. Enjoy this amber-hued wine on its own after a dinner, or pair it with sweets like as astoffeepudding, tiramisu, or spicy treats such as chocolate truffles sprinkled with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Sherry

This fortified wine comes from the country of Spain. Sherry is often served as an aperitif before a meal; however, why not try it after a hearty dinner when you’re looking to wind down?

Fruit sweets like Pedro Ximénez are great accompaniments to crème brulee, vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate anything, or just enjoyed on their own as an after dinner treat.

Riesling

This delicious sparkling wine from Germany is available in a variety of sweetness levels. Its inherent acidity helps to cut through the sweetness of the dish, making it a wonderful companion to a cheese course or cheesecake after dinner. Serve a sweeter Spätlese with citrus-based sweets such as lemon pound cake or lemon cream pie if you have a sweeter Spätlese on hand. Pear tarts and sorbet are also delicious desserts that go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Gewürztraminer

Another rot wine of distinction, the tongue-twisting Gewürztraminer is a sweet, fragrant wine from the Alsace region of France that has a pleasant sweetness to it. With its lovely floral and lychee overtones, this exquisite white wine pairs perfectly with any dessert that has lychee, pear, or peach as one of the major components, such as ice cream.

Moscato

In addition to being known as Muscat Blanc in its native country of Italy, Moscato is an extremely popular white wine that has built a name for itself owing to the three F’s that best characterize its character: fizzy, fruity, and flowery. This dessert wine is perfect for enjoying on a spring day or a late summer evening. It is also incredibly flexible. You might serve it with poached pears, grilled peaches, fruit tarts, nutty treats such as biscotti, or whatever else you choose.

Ice Wine

Ice wine, also known as Eiswein in German, is a particular sort of wine that is made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. Due to the frigid environment required for the production of this dessert wine, it can only be produced in Germany and Canada. (It’s also one of the reasons why it’s a somewhat expensive wine.) Consider matching the red grape type with chocolate desserts and the white grape variety with blue cheeses and cheesecake if you have the choice between the two.

It’s Time for Dessert in a Glass

Following your education on dessert wines, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to use in a variety of real-world scenarios. Dessert wines, like any other type of wine, are characterized by a wide range of tastes and characteristics. Despite the fact that there are several “rules” associated with wine consumption, the basic line is that you are free to set your own guidelines. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a bottle of dry sparkling Brut or wonderfully crisp rosé to accompany those funfetti cupcakes you just brought out of the oven.

Who knows what will happen?

That’s the beauty of wine: no matter how you enjoy it, it is one of life’s joys that makes everything else a little bit easier to swallow.

Pairing Wine with Desserts

Due to the bitterness and high tannin content of chocolate, it may be unexpectedly difficult to match effectively with a variety of wine styles.

Because both wine and chocolate contain antioxidants, it takes a delicate balancing act to get these two to function together in harmony. But, after you’ve done so, it’s simply divine!

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

Dark chocolate goes well with deep crimson, fortified wines. With lighter and white chocolate, white wines are a great match. It is possible to pair a sweeter dessert with a sweeter wine if the chocolate treat is more sweet.

Whites— Sweet, long finish

Pair deep red, fortified wines with dark chocolate for a decadent treat. With lighter and white chocolate, white wines are a good match. It is possible to pair a sweeter dessert with a sweeter wine if the dessert is sweeter.

Classic Wine Pairings

Pair deep red, fortified wines with dark chocolate for a decadent dessert. White wines go well with lighter fare and white chocolate; The sweeter the chocolate dish, the sweeter you may make the wine pairing;

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.

• A variety of grapes, such as Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, as well as various mixes, are excellent alternatives.
• Wines that are much brighter or darker in color than the dessert you’ve chosen may typically be eliminated from consideration.
• Peach cobblers, on the other hand, should be served with light red wines such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Why Dessert Wine Pairing Is Different

On December 3, 2020, wine will be served at Pacific Rim. Wines that are low in sugar content, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Pinot Noir, have gained in popularity in recent years as people strive to reduce their intake of added sugar. But. every now and again, you just need a little sweet wine treat. Dessert wine comes in handy in this situation!

These selections, which are meant to be drunk in tiny glasses and savored slowly, might be the perfect after-dinner pleasure. In preparation for your next dinner party, romantic supper, or “you” time with a glass of dessert wine, you should be aware of the following:

Dessert Wine Pairing: Why It’s Different

Dessert wine pairings are distinct from other types of wine pairings since the wines themselves are distinct. It is intended to be consumed in modest quantities, and as we will explore later, it is sweeter than other wines as a result of the changes in the fermenting process. Because it is a “dessert” wine, it is logical that you would want to pair it with dessert. Sweet on sweet may be tough, so it’s crucial to strike a balance between the two flavors.

Types of Dessert Wine

To begin, what exactly is a “sweet wine” or “dessert wine”? If winemakers want to produce dessert wine, they must halt the fermentation process before the yeast converts all of the sugars to alcohol, which is impossible. They can do this by super-chilling the wine or by adding the right amount of brandy to the wine mixture. Ultimately, you’ll have a luscious, sweet wine that’s bursting with delicious, naturally occurring sugars. Dessert wines such as port and sherry are often thought of when people think of dessert wines.

There are several different varieties of dessert wines to choose from, including:

• Wines that are sparkling (e.g. Moscato, a little Riesling, Rose, and a little Gewurztraminer)
• Light and sweet (e.g. Gewurztraminer, a little Riesling, and a little Chenin Blanc)
• And dry (e.g. Riesling, Rose, and a little Gewurztraminer). Some Rieslings, some Gewurztraminers, Sauternais, and Ice Wines are very sweet. Vine-ripened red grapes (such as Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and a few Bordeaux-style red mixes) with a sweet taste
• Enhanced by fortification (e.g., Port or Sherry)

Wines that are sparkling (e.g. Moscato, a little Riesling, Rose, and a little Gewurztraminer); light and sweet (e.g. Gewurztraminer, a little Riesling, and a little Chenin Blanc); and dry (e.g. Riesling, Rose, and a little Gewurztraminer) are all acceptable. Some Rieslings, some Gewurztraminers, Sauternais, and Ice Wines are particularly sweet; others are less sweet. Vine-ripened red grapes (such as Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and certain Bordeaux-style mixes) with a sweet flavor; Enhanced by fortification (e.g., Port or Sherry);

Your Dessert Wine Pairing Guide

To create a successful dessert wine match, it’s important to make sure the wines you offer complement the meals rather than overshadow them. For example, pairing a substantial, rich Merlot with a delicate tart is not ideal since the substantive wine takes center stage and overpowers the delicate tart. You won’t enjoy the lovely, light dessert, and the wine, too, may suffer as a result of what appears to be an excessive amount of food. Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Desserts that are extremely sweet: If you’re indulging in a pecan pie, cheesecake, creme brulee, chocolate cake, or any other delicious dessert, choose a wine that can stand up to the sweetness of your dessert. In order to hit all the proper notes, you’ll need an aged madeira or port. Desserts with a sweet taste: Those chocolate chip or sugar cookies are calling your name. Chocolate chip cookies and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as sugar cookies and Chardonnay, are dessert pairings made in heaven. Sweet/Savory: What is the best complement to pumpkin pie? Try a gently sweet wine, such as Riesling, to complement the salty notes in the dish. Sweet/Spicy: A batch of gingerbread cookies is baking in the oven, and the fragrance of cinnamon is making your mouth wet. Choose a sweeter wine with a dash of spice to make the most of the flavor! Riesling is an excellent choice for this occasion. Pinot Noir is a good wine to serve with molasses-based sweets. For fresh fruit or fruit pies, use slightly sweet whites if your dessert contains stone fruits (e.g. peaches, nectarines, apricots)
• If your dessert contains dark fruits (e.g. cherries, plums, blackberries), use a slightly sweet red
• And if your dessert contains berries, use a slightly sweet red.

Sweet Desserts: If you’re indulging in a delicious dessert like pecan pie, cheesecake, creme brulee, chocolate cake, or another sweet delicacy, choose a wine that will stand up to the sweetness of your dessert. To hit all the proper notes, you’ll need an aged madeira or port. Delicious Sweet Desserts: Those chocolate chip or sugar cookies are beckoning you to the table. A marriage made in dessert heaven is chocolate chip and Cabernet Sauvignon, as is sugar cookie and Chardonnay. Sweet/Savory: In addition to pumpkin pie, what else matches well?

Sweet/Spicy: You’ve just finished baking a batch of gingerbread cookies, and the aroma of cinnamon is making your mouth wet.

An excellent choice would be Riesling.

For fresh fruit or fruit pies, use slightly sweet whites if your dessert contains stone fruits (e.g.

peaches, nectarines, apricots); if your dessert contains dark fruits (e.g. cherries, plums, blackberries), use a slightly sweet red; and if your dessert contains berries, use a slightly sweet white.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WINE AND DESSERT PAIRING

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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

Dessert wines should be chosen to complement the sweetness of the dessert, therefore pick varietals that are sweeter or less sweet. Delicious treats are abundant during the Christmas season, from rich caramelized pecan pie to spicy gingerbread cookies. It is possible to make the experience even more decadent by finding the ideal dessert wine accompaniment for each of these traditional delicacies. An earthy, honey-likeRiesling may bring out the nutmeg and cinnamon flavors in a slice of pumpkin pie, while a rich, fruityvintage port can give a sophisticated layer of fruitiness to a cup of dark chocolate mousse.

It might still be difficult to select the right dessert wine combination for your sweets, especially if you’re planning on serving more than one dessert this season, as the majority of people do.

This year, you’ll 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 dish.

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

Any custard-based dessert should be paired with a sweet white wine. Wines with a tropical or citrus fruit taste complement this dish particularly well since the custard’s richness makes them a good match for the wine. Custard and wines with caramel flavors go along like peanut butter and jelly.

• 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.

• A rich red wine, such as port, should be served alongside the chocolate cake.

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, might 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

At Vinfolio, we assist our clients with the purchase, sale, storage, and management of their most prized bottles of wine. While working, we’re just a group of passionate and slightly crazy oenophiles who like nothing more than a good glass of vintage Champagne, followed by a Burgundy, and then a Bordeaux to get the party started.

We’re continually obsessing about the latest (and oldest) vintages, and we want to share our expertise and enthusiasm for wine with our readers through this website.