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
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
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
When white wine grapes are harvested after the first frost, the sugars are condensed and the wine is known as ice wine. Ice wines become delectably sweet as a result of this technique. Lemon sweets benefit from its sweetness since it helps to balance the acidity of the lemon. It’s a delightful combination.
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
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
It has a golden tint and a warm, rich taste that is reminiscent of port wine. Although the fortified wine has a sweet taste, it also has beautiful caramel and spice characteristics that go nicely with the pumpkin and spices. While the pumpkin custard is rich and creamy, its strong alcohol level helps to balance it.
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
The tastes of berry sweets pair nicely with various wines that enhance their flavors, whether it is a summer pudding or a strawberry pie.
Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise
Whatever the dessert (summer pudding or raspberry pie), berry desserts pair nicely with a variety of wines that enhance their tastes.
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.
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
Jacqs Carroll captured this image.
A chocolate cake goes nicely with the earthy aromas of a good Cabernet Sauvignon, and vice versa. Woodbridge Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon ($5.49) is our selection.
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.
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. These are the most important suggestions to bear in mind.
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.
10 Mouthwatering Desserts To Make With Leftover Wine
Wine is a highly flexible component that may be used in a variety of dishes. You can use it to create salad dressing, spaghetti, and even brisket, but by the end of the week, we’d developed a sweet desire for anything sweet. We looked through thousands of recipes to come up with 10 delectable, fantastic desserts that all had one thing in common: they were all made with wine!
You may sneak a little leftover wine into one of these desserts to round off a dinner, or you can munch on one of these sweets in between meals throughout the day. After all, it isn’t really the same as day drinking, is it?
1. Wine Poached Pears FromAng Sarap
Don’t let a drop pass you by! Get the most up-to-date information about beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent directly to your email.
3. Rosé Cupcakes FromBetty Crocker
Originally published on July 24, 2015.
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.
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
Jordan culinary festivals frequently include this simple macaron recipe, which is quite easy to make. In this step-by-step video on how to create macarons, you’ll learn strategies and techniques for baking the ideal French macaron cookies in a variety of flavors, as well as a basic macaron filling recipe that can be used for any flavor of macaron. By substituting raspberry jam for the buttercream in this recipe, you can make it a dessert that pairs well with red wine, especially the 2014 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.
It definitely brings out the flavor of the fruit in the wine. And if you want to be even more creative, try mixing in a little amount of finely chopped fresh thyme into the batter before baking. The earthy aromas in the cabernet sauvignon will be enhanced as a result of this.
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.
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
As Europeans are well aware and practice, the last meal does not always have to be sugary in nature to be delicious. Ending a dinner with a savory dish is something that is frequently cherished. Applause may be heard as a beautiful cheese dish is presented, complete with a sensual sweet and salty membrillo. However, while 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 pairing ideas. The Spanish delicacy membrillo, orquince paste, is the centerpiece of this cheese dish.
Making it is really simple as well. For your convenience, we’ve developed a video to walk you through the process. You may finish the dish with some roasted hazelnuts to bring out the tannins in the wine, and you’ve got yourself a beautiful, sophisticated dessert.
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? (It’s possible that there are a handful of you out there.) While the increasing popularity of dry wines (that is, 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.
- In other words, the amount of sugar that is left over after the fermentation process has taken place.
- A variety of methods were used by winemakers to create essert wines.
- 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.
- Alternatively, it may be sweetened by fortification, resulting in the production of fortified wines.
- 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
Despite the fact that it is best known as a sweet red wine, this fortified wine from Portugal is available in a variety of flavors ranging from deep reds to dry white and dry rosé varieties. Chocolate cake, chocolate truffles, and salted caramel desserts are all wonderful pairings for the sweetly complex redtawny port and ruby port. Serve the white or roséport wines with stone fruit, strawberry angel food cake, or lemon meringue pie to complement the flavors of the wine.
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
Known for its honeyed aromas of apricot, peach, butterscotch, and caramel, this cherished (and frequently expensive)sweet wine from France’s Sauternais area inBordeaux is much sought after. Sauternesis one of the “noble rot wines,” which include TokajiAszu wine from Hungary and SpätleseRieslings from Germany. It is prepared from grapes that have been damaged by the botrytis cinereafungus. (This fungus, which sounds disgusting, increases the sweetness of grapes while also imparting a honeyed flavor and aromatic quality.) Served with fresh and dried fruit, as well as heavier sweets such as crème brulee, cheesecake, and custards, Sauternes is a fantastic dessert option.
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
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 incredibly adaptable, and it is ideal for enjoying on a spring day or a late summer evening. Serve with poached pears, grilled peaches, fruit pies, nutty sweets like as biscotti, or whatever else takes your fancy!
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 Dessert and Wine
Are you planning a dinner party? What about a girls’ night out? Or perhaps you’re just searching for a place to have some dessert on the plaza. If you’re like most people, you’ve undoubtedly thought to yourself, “What are the finest dessert wine and food pairings?” Getting started in the realm of wine and dessert pairings might be a difficult task, so don’t get too worked up about it just yet!
We are here to assist you! Consider the five pairings listed below, then stop by Mac’s Chophouse in Marietta to experience our variety of made-from-scratch dessert dishes while enjoying a glass of one of our premium wines.
Milk Chocolate and Pinot Noir
It should come as no surprise that milk chocolate is the first item on our list, given that it is a common ingredient in many sweets. A light to medium-bodied wine with fruit taste characteristics complements the sweetness and creaminess of the chocolate the most effectively. Pinot Noir meets all of these requirements, making it a popular option among chocolate connoisseurs throughout.
Crème Brûlée and Champagne
The rich, creamy flavor of Crème Brûlée, as well as the caramelized sugar topping, are what make it so popular. Combine it with sparkling wine, preferably champagne, to provide the ideal ending to any dinner. The elegance and unique taste of champagne, along with its naturally occurring acidity, helps to balance off the richness of cream-based sweets, resulting in a pleasant, well-balanced flavor experience overall.
Banana Cream Pie and Riesling
People all throughout the country like banana cream pie because of its creamy filling, buttery crust, and sweet whipped cream, which has made it a beloved dessert for generations. With its extremely strong acidity, Riesling pairs nicely with the sweetness of the pie, and its taste profile is ideally suited for pairing with fruit from trees. When all of these factors are considered together, this coupling becomes an obvious decision.
Lemon Cake and Sauvignon Blanc
Lemon cake is a simple and easy-to-make cake that is a popular choice among people who want a little bit of zing with their dessert. Cakes with a rich flavor and texture frequently appear to beg to be matched with a fine wine, which is often the case. And it is at this point when Sauvignon Blanc comes into play. Sauvignon Blanc, known for being dry, crisp, and refreshing, lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most popular white wines, and it pairs nicely with tart and acidic sweets like sorbet and ice cream.
Chocolate Cake and Cabernet Sauvignon
It is a simple and straightforward cake to make, and it is a popular choice among people who want sweets with a hint of citrus flavor. Cakes with a rich flavor and texture frequently appear to beg to be matched with a fine wine, and this is not uncommon. In comes Sauvignon Blanc to play a role in all of this! Sauvignon Blanc, known for being dry, crisp, and refreshing, lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most popular white wines, and it pairs nicely with tart and sour sweets like sorbet and crème brûlée.
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.
A selection of beloved desserts has been paired with the most complementary wine from your favorite local vineyard in this guide. 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.
- You’ll be hard pushed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate a tasty crumble or crisp at the conclusion of a meal. Combining a berry crisp with “Spokane’s1 wine” results in a dish that is sure to impress everyone. A few of my favorites are:Latah Creek Huckleberry d’Latah 2018 ($11)
- The flavors include blueberry, Huckleberry, pear, and grape
- The aroma is floral and fruity.
Let me know if you try out any of these ideas! Please notify me if you do! Cheers, Natalie
Christner’s Wine and Dessert Pairing Guide
Select your desired wine type from the drop-down menu: White|Red|Sparkling|Rosé|Dessert Any dessert may be enhanced by the use of the appropriate wine combination. Rather of combining a wine with a dessert that competes for attention, the idea is to pick one that enhances the tastes present in the dish. We’ve included the most common pairings here, but please keep in mind that these are not the only ones available. When matching wine and dessert at home, remember to follow these guidelines:
- Choose a wine that is somewhat sweeter than your dessert dish in order to bring out the rich flavors. By combining flavors that are similar, you may avoid conflicting flavors. Reduce your search to only include wines with residual sugar contents between 50 and 150 g/L.
White Wine
Pinot Grigio is a drier wine that is not typically paired with heavier sweets because of its astringency. For those who cannot get enough of their favorite Pinot, we recommend pairing it with sweets that are not too sweet. This will prevent your dessert from overpowering the complex tastes in your wine. This implies that most chocolate-based sweets should be avoided. Instead, opt for lighter, fruitier desserts.Favorite Christner’s Dessert Pairings
Pair With Crème Brûlée
A lighter wine than Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio is often served with lighter sweets such as sorbet or crème brûlée. For those who cannot get enough of their favorite Pinot, we recommend pairing it with sweets that aren’t overly sugary or cloying. This will prevent your dessert from overpowering the complex tastes in your wine. As a result, most chocolate-based sweets should be avoided. instead of heavy desserts, go for lighter, fruitier options.Favorite Christner’s Dessert Pairing
Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, light white wine that may be delectable when served with the appropriate sweet treat. Pair it with sweets that include fruits and hazelnuts to complete the meal. Moreover, white chocolate is preferable than milk or dark chocolate when pairing with this dish. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Southern Style Bread Pudding
Our southern style breading pudding, served with a whiskey butter sauce, is the ideal accompaniment to a glass of Moscato. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc has a wide spectrum of flavors, ranging from fruity and mild to tart and citrusy. The flavors of peach, lime, and green apple are prominent in this dry wine. The fact that it is a dry wine means that it is best served with lighter dessert alternatives. This prevents the white from appearing as bitter or sour in the mouth. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Sorbet
Christner’s delectable sorbet, presented in a fruit shell, is the perfect complement to your Sauvignon Blanc. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Riesling
Riesling can be either sweet or dry, but it always has citrus and green apple overtones to it, no matter how wine is served. With its fruity aromas and bright acidity, this is a sophisticated wine that calls for a dessert that complements its tastes. Desserts containing fruits, such as cobblers and pies, can benefit from the delicate sweetness that Riesling brings to the table. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Strawberries Romanoff
Our delectable and refreshing Strawberries Romanoff is a dessert that includes vanilla ice cream covered with strawberries that have been marinated in Grand Marnier and powdered sugar before being baked.
A fantastic pairing for both sweet and dry Rieslings. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Red Wine
Our delectable and revitalizing concoction Strawberries Romanoff is a dessert that includes vanilla ice cream covered with strawberries that have been marinated in Grand Marnier and powdered sugar before being served. Sweet and dry Rieslings go together like peanut butter and jelly. Christner’s is a great place to try it.
Pair With Chocolate Cake
A slice of our enormous three-layer chocolate cake with thick chocolate frosting is the perfect pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine with a fruity and spicy taste profile, as well as smells of luscious red fruits. This dry red wine with a fruity flavor is best served with dark chocolate. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Chocolate Mousse
Do you want to go with Pinot Noir? Combining it with our luscious chocolate mousse topped with a big dollop of whipped cream is a winning combination. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Sparkling Wine
A lot of proseccos are extra-dry or Brut in style. You should be cautious about the sorts of sweets you serve with these wines. Keep in mind that sweeter sweets necessitate sweeter wines. If you’re planning a lavish dessert, a ‘demi-sec’ or a ‘doux’ Prosecco might be a good choice. Fruit tarts combine well with less sweet Proseccos, whilst cheesecakes pair well with sweet Proseccos of all kinds. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Mandarin Orange Cake
Our three-layer mandarin orange cake is the perfect dessert to pair with a glass of Prosecco. It is iced with a delicious tropical pineapple-orange whipped cream frosting and served a la mode with orange sauce on the side. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Rosé
This light pink wine, with its refreshing taste, has quickly gained popularity among wine enthusiasts. Dessert pairings are numerous, but one thing you must keep in mind is that they must be served immediately after the main course. Rosés are often dry wines, which makes them inappropriate for sweets that contain cream. However, combining Rosé with chocolate makes for a delightful combination. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With New York Style Cheesecake
A glass of Rosé and a slice of our New York style cheesecake are the perfect pairing. This delicacy is accompanied by berries that have been flavored with Chambord. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Dessert Wine
Sherries are often made from the Palomino grape, which is then fortified through a process of maturing, cask-aging, and blending to change it into its final form, which can range from light to dark and dry to sweet depending on the producer. While the nature of Sherries is diverse, and this will inspire your dessert pairings, you’ll want to keep one crucial matching tip in mind: When it comes to Sherry pairings, you can’t go wrong with nuts. Sherries’ distinct salty and nutty characteristics make them an excellent match for desserts such as vanilla ice cream, tiramisu, and carrot cake.
Pair With Carrot Cake
Our three-layer carrot cake is decorated with Philly cream cheese and goes well with a glass of Sherry, as you can see in the photos. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Port
Port is a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal (it cannot be produced anyplace else or it will not be considered authentic Port). Port wines are available in a range of types, ranging from vintage to ruby, white to tawny. If you’re searching for a general dessert combination that goes well with Port, we recommend rich desserts. Christner’s Favorite Wine and Food Pairing
Pair With Praline Parfait
This dessert, which includes caramelized pecas, is a fantastic pairing with a glass of Port. Christner’s is a good place to try it.
Selecting a Versatile Wine for Dessert
Do you need something that can be used for a variety of desserts or just something that is versatile? When it comes to dessert pairings, Port and Champagne are our top picks. These wines are excellent choices when you’re not sure what to serve with a meal or when you’re not sure what dessert you’ll be serving.
Try a Glass at Christner’s
Visit our store in Orlando if you’d like to sample some fine wine. The selection of wine at Christner’s is extensive, with more than 4,500 bottles to pick from. If you want assistance in making a wine selection, our in-house sommelier would be pleased to provide you with suggestions for wine pairings. Take a look at our wine list
14 Wine-Infused Desserts You Need to Try
You can stop by our Orlando location to sample some wine if you’d like. Our wine selection at Christner’s includes more than 4,500 different bottles. When it comes to wine selection, our in-house sommelier will be pleased to assist you with identifying appropriate pairings to go with your meal. View our wine list for more information.
Red Wine Poached Pears with Vanilla Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Only fruit that has been cooked in red wine will be served to us from now forth. Find out how to make the recipe
Merlot Hot Fudge Sauce
Make a significant improvement to your ice cream sundae. Find out how to make the recipe
Chocolate Red Wine Chiffon Cake
A perfect example of how chocolate and red wine are a marriage made in heaven is demonstrated by this dish. Find out how to make the recipe
Strawberries and Champagne Cake Balls
The preparation of this exquisite crowd-pleaser is surprisingly easy. Find out how to make the recipe
Blackberry Cabernet Cupcakes
Keep it a secret, but consume the leftovers for morning. We’re not going to tell. Find out how to make the recipe
Dark Chocolate Red Wine Truffles
Well, don’t you think you’re pretty? Find out how to make the recipe
Drunken Pear Gingerbread
Make a note of this one for the holidays. Find out how to make the recipe
Pavlova With Red Wine Cherry Compote
This Russian meringue delicacy has a crunchy exterior but is light and airy on the interior, thanks to the use of egg whites. Find out how to make the recipe
Sangria Cupcakes
We’re trying all we can to keep summer around as long as possible. Find out how to make the recipe
Strawberry Moscato Layer Cake
This cake screams “girls’ night out” in every way possible. It should be served with rosé, of course. Find out how to make the recipe
Roasted Wine Soaked Peaches and Plums With Whipped Aquafaba
Isn’t this really a fruit salad in disguise? Find out how to make the recipe
What can I make with dessert wine?
What can I do with a few unopened bottles of dessert wine that I have lying around? I’m just not intelligent enough to be interested in consuming them. Jean,Solihull “First and foremost, I would challenge the notion that someone isn’t educated enough to enjoy dessert wine,” writes Fiona Beckett of the Guardian newspaper. That is not to argue that Jean would be foolish to investigate alternative applications for her mounted collection. Zero-waste chef Tom Hunt, who is also not a huge lover of the sweet stuff (“Why would I want an extra sweet item on top of dessert?”), uses dessert wine to “bring sweetness and flavor to sweet and savoury meals alike,” such as braised meats or stews, according to the Zero-Waste Chefs Association (just use in moderation).
- Use any leftover marsala to make a sauce for chicken, such as the 1970s classic chicken marsala or Nigel Slater’s cream-and-herb sauce, which is delicious with grilled chicken.
- He then adds crème fraiche, grainy and dijon mustards, cornichons, and capers and stirs everything together.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan after adding a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Alternatively, follow the lead of Nigella Lawson, who in Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen finishes an oven-roasted squash and sweet potato soup with the fortified wine.
- Then there are chocolate truffles, which are as follows: To make the truffles, Hunt suggests mixing the wine with some leftover stale cake, rolling them in melted white chocolate (which would be quite nice), and baking them till golden brown.
- The flavor would be pleasant and complex as a result of this.” Cake, trifles, panforte (heat with the honey and sugar before pouring over your fruit and nut mix), and syllabubs all benefit from dessert wine, and that includes zabaglione, which happens to be a fantastic holiday treat.
“Beat in four tablespoons of dessert wine, one tablespoon of brandy (optional), and a teaspoon of salt, one spoonful at a time.” Place the bowl over (but not touching) a pan of simmering water and continue whisking until the bowl “drops a reasonably substantial ribbon trail on the surface” when taken from the water.
Then there are cocktails, which may be found anywhere there is dessert wine to be found.
“If that doesn’t work, give it as a present.” And, fortunately – *whispers* – the time for it is rapidly approaching.