Wine and dessert are delectable on their own, but with the right pairing, they can elevate your dining experience to new heights. A good dessert and wine pairing is one that enhances the flavor of both components. The wine shouldn’t be too strong or acidic with the dessert you’re having.
Here’s our guide on the wines you can pair with popular desserts:
Dark chocolate desserts
Dark chocolate is known for its deep flavor and hint of bitterness. Desserts made out of dark chocolate are incredibly rich and decadent. These desserts are often served up in smaller portions due to this quality. Chocolate desserts like mousse, truffles, dark chocolate torte, etc. pair really well with a number of wines:
Berry wines
Most wineries prepare wines with raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, and other berries that are in season. Due to their strong berry flavor, they pair beautifully with a dark chocolate dessert. Chocolate and berries are a match made in heaven! Berry wines are sweet and complement the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
Shiraz
Shiraz is one of the more popular wines that originate from Australia. It possesses a bold and dry flavor with a hint of berries and the tartness of jam. The background fruit flavors of this wine make it the perfect accompaniment for chocolate desserts.
Chocolate wine
Many people have never heard of chocolate wine, but it exists! Chocolate wine is creamy and has a light chocolaty flavor that acts as a palate cleanser. It tones down the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
Crème Brulee
Crème Brulee is a light and creamy vanilla custard topped with a crisp sugary top. The better the vanilla used, the better the dessert tastes. Crème Brulee pairs well with sweet wines that don’t overpower the vanilla flavor.
Sauternes or Barsac
Crème Brulee is best served with a white dessert wine. Wines from the Bordeaux region are perfect! Sauternes and Barsac are made with green grapes like the Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The specific fungus added to these grapes helps it develop its complex layers of flavors. These wines have a much higher sugar content and therefore it won’t clash with the flavors of the dessert.
Muscat
Another white wine that pairs well with the delicate flavors of a Crème Brulee is Muscat. This white wine has a slightly sweet flavor that isn’t too obvious. This wine is made from apricots and almonds which bring out the flavors of the Crème Brulee. It also balances the sweetness of the custard and caramel.
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