From White to Red: A Beginner's Guide to Dessert Wine Pairings
Dessert wines are often overlooked when it comes to wine pairings. However, they can be the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note. Whether you’re a new or seasoned wine drinker, dessert wines can be intimidating with their sweeter taste and higher alcohol content. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this beginner’s guide to dessert wine pairings.
Understanding Dessert Wines
Dessert wines are sweet wines that are usually served after dinner to complement a dessert or as a dessert themselves. Unlike regular table wines, dessert wines are typically sweeter and have a higher alcohol content. Dessert wines are made by stopping the fermentation process before all the sugar in the grape juice is converted into alcohol. This leaves extra sugar in the wine and leads to the sweet flavor.
Types of Dessert Wines
There are several types of dessert wines, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types of dessert wines:
Port
Port is a fortified wine from Portugal that is typically served at the end of a meal. It has a rich, sweet flavor with notes of fruit and spice.
Sherry
Sherry is another fortified wine that comes from Spain. It has a nutty flavor and is typically served as an aperitif or after dinner drink.
Madeira
Madeira is a fortified wine from the Madeira Islands of Portugal. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is often paired with chocolate.
Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region of France. It has a honey flavor with a hint of apricot and is often paired with foie gras or blue cheese.
Late Harvest
Late harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine longer than usual, causing them to become sweeter. They can be made from a variety of grape types and are often paired with fruit-based desserts.
Pairing Dessert Wines
Pairing dessert wines can be tricky, but there are a few general rules to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you pair dessert wines with your sweet treats:
Pair sweet wines with sweet desserts
When it comes to dessert wine pairings, the general rule of thumb is to pair sweet wines with sweet desserts. This means that port and chocolate, for example, are a great pairing because they both have rich, sweet flavors.
Pair acidic wines with fruity desserts
If you’re serving a dessert that’s fruity or has a citrus flavor, consider pairing it with an acidic wine like sauternes. The acidity in the wine will complement the flavors of the dessert.
Consider the intensity of the dessert
The intensity of the dessert should also be taken into consideration when pairing with dessert wines. For example, a light, airy dessert like angel food cake would pair better with a light wine like Moscato d’Asti, while a heavy chocolate cake would pair better with a more full-bodied wine like port.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of dessert wines and how to pair them, it’s time to impress your guests with a sweet end to your meal. Remember to always have fun experimenting with different pairings to find the perfect match for your taste buds.
