Harnessing the Magic of Pairing Wine and Desserts
Most evenings centers around enjoying a sweet dessert after dinner. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, it's hard to turn down a dessert. The blissful enjoyment of a well thought out dessert is unparalleled. In order to fully appreciate and savor the sweetness of a dessert, you may want to think of adding some liquid sweetness in the form of wine. When you pair the perfect wine with the dessert you can create a symphony of flavors and textures that will add a wonderful aftertaste that lingers for hours.
Finding the Perfect Match
With the hundreds of possible wine and dessert combinations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some tips on how to match the correct wine with the correct dessert.
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Strong Flavors: Strong or bold flavored desserts such as dark chocolate or coffee will enhance the flavors of a tannic red or sweet dessert wines.
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Fruity Flavors: The tartness of a fruit dessert will benefit from the fruit acidity of white wines, while their sweetness will be emphasized when paired with a sweeter dessert wine.
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Light Flavors: Lighter desserts will pair better with lighter wines such as Riesling or Moscato.
Types of Dessert Wines
In order to find the ideal wine for pairing with a dessert, it's best to first understand the various types of dessert wines available.
Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are created by the addition of brandy to the wine after the fermentation process has already started. This is done to increase the wine's alcohol content, but it also gives the wine unique aromas and flavors. Examples of fortified wines include port, Madeira, sherry, and Marsala.
Sweet Wines
Sweet wines are wines that have had a portion of their grape juice fermented, producing naturally sweet wines. These tend to have a lower alcohol content than other dessert wines since the fermentation was stopped before all of the sugar was converted into alcohol. Examples of sweet wines include Riesling and Moscato.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are Champagne or other sparkling wines such as Cava or Prosecco. These are usually served chilled and are slightly carbonated. Sparkling wines tend to balance well with creamy and dense desserts.
Popular Desserts and Their Wine Pairings
So you've familiarized yourself with the different dessert and wine pairings, now it's time to choose the perfect dessert and accompanying wine to make the most of your meal.
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Chocolate Truffles: The cocoa and sweetness of truffles is intensified by the intense tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon. The richer flavor of this wine complements the creaminess of the chocolate truffle.
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Cobbler: With its sweet and acidic flavors, cobbler pairs well with a dry Riesling. The tart flavors of the cobbler will contrast beautifully with the subtle sweetness the Riesling has to offer.
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Cheesecake: A classic favorite, cheesecake is best complemented with a Moscato which provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
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Ice Cream: For a creamier option, try enjoying a sweet Port or some champagne with your ice cream. The sweetness and effervescence of the wine will balance the richness of the ice cream.
Enjoying Your Dessert and Wine Together
Once you have selected your perfect match, it's time to sit back and enjoy your dessert and wine. To make the most of your pairing, follow these few steps:
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Sight: Look at the two liquids, their colors and the way they interact. The colors can tell you a lot about the type of wine and the type of dessert.
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Smell: Take a moment to appreciate the smells of each item. This is where you notice the complexity of the flavors and the beauty of the pairing.
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Taste: Take a bite of the dessert, follow it with a sip of the wine and feel the flavors unfold in your mouth.
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Feel: Relax and feel the sweetness of the dessert and the flavors of the wine linger on your tongue. Notice which flavors last the longest and how they change in intensity.
The Perfect Finish to Your Meal
Nothing is better than a perfectly matched dessert and wine pairing. It is the perfect ending to your evening and a great way to show appreciation for the people you are spending your time with. With a little practice and research, you can be sure to find the perfect match for any occasion. Enjoy!