It comes as no surprise to some of you that there are lots of desserts out there that wine simply will not pair well with. However, there are also plenty of wines that can pair extremely well with desserts.
Of course, there’s various desserts and various wines out there, so there’s a lot to think about. However, one of the best rules of thumb is to pick a wine that shares the same or similar flavors as the dessert.
Indeed, while dessert is commonly overlooked when it comes to wine pairings, we’ve come up with six of the best dessert and wine pairings for you to take a look at. So, if you’re hungry to learn more – then read below for much more information!
Dessert And Wine – The Basics
Unlike many savory dishes, choosing the right wine to pair with a dessert isn’t as clear-cut or straightforward as it might sound. As we mentioned briefly, the best rule of thumb is to consider a wine that shares the same flavors as the dessert you are hoping to pair.
When you get this right, the flavors, aromas and textures of your dessert will shine through and the overall experience will be enhanced and elevated. Of course, conversely, if you choose the wrong wine – you can ruin the dessert!
Examine The Color
One of the common errors that people make when it comes to choosing the right dessert and wine pairing is the reluctance to branch out and avoid creativity. The fact is, you do not need to simply stick to a dessert wine.
Wines like Pinot Noir, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet, Moscato and Syrah are all some superb choices you can make. However, it’s also important to remain mindful of the wine you are going to choose.
Be aware of the color of the wine against your dessert. For example, you can typically eliminate the wines that are much darker or much lighter than the dessert option you have gone for.
Let’s give you an example. If you choose a chocolate cake for a dessert, you should rule out choosing a Reisling. The same would apply if you were going to consume a peach cobbler, because you would rule out a Merlot.
Examine The Flavor Notes
The next most important thing to consider is the flavor notes. If the flavors match the dessert you are going to choose, then you’re in luck. For example, you can find tropical flavors in a lot of different white wines, and these would pair well with tropical desserts.
Examples of tropical desserts are things like key lime pie or a good sorbet. Conversely, if you were going to consume a dark chocolate dessert which has overtones of coffee, then there are plenty of red wines which can pair fantastically well with them.
With all of these tips in mind, it does not matter if your dessert choice normally sways to cookies, chocolate, ice cream or fruity puddings – there will always be the right wine out there that can enhance the overall experience.
6 Dessert And Wine Pairings
Let’s now take a look at some of the best dessert and wine pairings that you may wish to consider next time you are out for dinner or cooking up a feast at home.
1. Brownies
If you are someone that loves brownies, then one of the best options is Côtes du Rhône.
2. Lemon Cake
Lemon cake is a popular dessert choice and the citric notes pair amazingly well with Riesling.
3. Vanilla Cake
Vanilla cake is much more complex than some other desserts, and as a result, you should look at a flavorful and light white wine like orange Muscato.
4. Berry Crisp
Berry crisp is a dessert choice for those who love fruit after their meal. To complement the fruitiness, you may wish to choose a wine like Vinsanto.
5. Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake is definitely one of the most popular choices for dessert lovers, and you’ll want a wine with overtones of chocolate and coffee (Also check out Does Red Wine Have Caffeine In It?). Therefore, you might want to turn your attention to a lovely Merlot.
6. Cheese Board
Cheese is a very difficult dessert selection to pair with due to how complex each cheese can be. However, strong cheeses can be paired with a Agostina Pieri Brunello di Montalcino, whereas more subtle cheeses can be paired with a Pinot Grigio.
The Bottom Line
Pairing desserts and wines can be difficult but it can make all the difference with your dining experience. In reality, it’s a case of examining the flavor, color and somewhat of trial and error!
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
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