Wine and Dessert Pairings

Wine is commonly thought of as the perfect accompaniment to fish, meat, pasta, cheese, and so on. But many people do not realize that it can also be superbly paired with desserts. The right, or rather suitable wine brings out the good taste of the after-dinner treat. A classic coffee to go with dessert can very well be replaced by a glass of wine that complements the sweet dish. A glass of sweet wine can often replace dessert if hunger has already been satisfied by the main dish.

The wine is the dessert

When the wine is the dessert, it can be quite sweet. In this case, one might choose a Trockenbeerenauslese or an ice wine, which round off any dessert with their noble sweetness. Thus, after the meal, one can still drink a little wine instead of a liqueur, as a tasteful alternative.

Tiramisu, the noble dessert from Bella Italia, is often accompanied by a Spätburgunderauslese, Creme Brûlée only finds its full expression on the palate with a sweet wine from the Bordeaux region, Creme Caramel can also be tried with powerful wines from Alsace or the Loire region. Bavarian cream, panna cotta or red berry pudding harmonize with Moscato d’Asti or a subtle red wine with cherry aromas. If you want to finish an apple tart with a glass of wine, we recommend a sweet Riesling, and Zabaione goes well with Scheurebe or Gewürztraminer.

Also Read: Best Appetizer Pairings for Red Wine

The mousse and its perfect wine accompaniment

An elegant chocolate mousse or nougat mousse is accompanied by a Zweigelt with noble residual sweetness, while a light quark mousse can also be paired with an elegant Champagne. A mousse stands out for its creamy consistency, which should harmonize with the wine served with it. Strawberry mousse is eaten with Champagne or sparkling wine like strawberries. Strawberries are also often served alone as dessert and perfectly harmonize with a sparkling glass of Champagne.

Chocolate and wine – a chapter in itself

Chocolate and wine form a wonderful combination that can be felt on the palate and is one of the best dessert combinations. Here is our list of the best chocolate wines. White chocolate can be paired with a sweet Riesling or even an ice wine, while milk chocolate goes well with Pinot Noir, Merlot, sweet Riesling, and possibly ice wine. Dark milk chocolate tastes particularly good with Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Port, while only Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, Shiraz, or Port is recommended for very dark chocolate.

Conclusion

Those who want to end the meal on a sweet note and try something new, should not shy away from combining wine and dessert. With a little sensitivity and the right choice, a successful and unusual taste experience can be created.

Of course, many wines go excellently with various desserts. Port wine in particular is a favorite for many, while others prefer different wines. Even classic Christmas baking tastes much better with a glass of Port, and a glass of sparkling wine can liven up simple cakes. It is important that everyone finds the wine that suits them perfectly.