Don’t Miss These Wine and Dessert Pairings
When it comes to Valentine’s Day, it is hard not to celebrate with wine and dessert. The go-to is always wine and chocolate, which are no doubt divine. But, there are many other fabulous desserts out there that taste oh so delicious when enjoyed with just the right wine. Plus, as surprising as it is, not everyone loves chocolate. So, why not go for one of these epic wine and dessert pairings that will make your Valentine’s Day swoon?
Don’t miss these mouthwatering wine and dessert pairings!
Chardonnay with Strawberry Shortcake
The richness and acidity of Chardonnay make it the perfect match for desserts with fruit and fresh cream. Strawberry shortcake has all of that, and more. This dessert’s sweet biscuits compliment the butteriness of a lightly oaked Chardonnay while the wine’s acidity balances out the creaminess of the cake’s layers. Not to mention how the bright zing of fresh strawberries loves Chardonnay’s acidity. It’s a dessert-wine match made in heaven.
Sauvignon Blanc with Mango Sorbet
The zesty, citrus-driven character of Sauvignon Blanc just loves a tropical-fruit dessert. And, mango sorbet does just the trick.
Mangos have a fleshy pulp almost buttery in texture. This makes mango sorbet richer than, let’s say, a lemon or berry sorbet. That’s why it’s a no-brainer pick for Sauvignon Blanc – this wine has a gorgeous acidity that loves both freshness and richness. Mango sorbet is just that.
Late Harvest Riesling with Apple Pie à la Mode
A sweet riesling really loves pie. One kind of pie that it absolutely pairs blissfully with is apple pie, especially if you put a nice scoop of ice cream on top (more fancifully known as à la mode.)
Late harvest rieslings, also known as spätless riesling in German, are definitely sweet, but still, have this wonderful citrusy acidity. This means that a late harvest riesling calls for a dessert that is sweet like the wine but also has a little bit of zest. Look no further than an apple pie. It has the acidity of the apples, the sweetness of the sugar, and an irresistible crust that needs a zippy wine to cut through its richness. Pairing apple pie with a late harvest riesling will enhance the wine’s beautiful citrus and honey flavors. Then, throw that ice cream on top and watch your tastebuds go wild.
Pinot Noir with Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Desserts
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied wine that needs to be paired delicately. Enjoying Pinot with big and bold foods might just overpower the wine. When it comes to dessert, you have to find the right middle-ground for Pinot. The answer: salted caramel and dark chocolate desserts.
The earthiness and red fruit in Pinot is a no-brainer match for dark chocolate. Paired with a little salted caramel, you add a little more body and complexity, something that Pinot Noir’s acidity will gracefully handle.
When it comes to lighter-bodied Pinot Noirs, you want to go for simple, dark chocolate desserts that aren’t over-abundant in caramel. On the other hand, larger-bodied Pinots that undergo more oak aging can handle a sweeter salted caramel dessert. The spice notes from the oak-aging and caramel are a brilliant flavor combination!
Zinfandel with Blackberry or Blueberry Pie
When it comes to wine pairings, one important thing to do is match wine intensity and food intensity. Zinfandel and blackberry pie are great examples of just that.
Zinfandel’s plump and almost jammy fruit is a match for berry pies, particularly blackberry and blueberry pie. Both the wine and the food carry a similar acidity and sweetness in their character. Plus, Zinfandel’s toffee and baking spice notes only enhance the flavors of the pie.
Cabernet Sauvignon with Dark Chocolate Desserts (70% or more)
As we know, Cabernet Sauvignon is a fuller-bodied wine that boasts some pretty structured tannins. That said, you don’t necessarily want to pair this wine with anything mild or super sweet. The pairing just won’t be good.
To make for Cabernet Sauvignon shine in a dessert pairing, go for any dessert with very dark chocolate. The bitterness of dark chocolate harmonizes with Cabernet Sauvignon’s intensity. Flourless dark chocolate cake, fancy dark chocolate truffles, or even a simple dark chocolate mousse are all fantastic dessert options. What we really love, though, are Honey Mamma’s Chocolates. Their coffee nib crunch or chocolate cake makes a dazzling pair with Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, they also have created a Valentine’s Day 4 Pack, so you can try multiple chocolates and maybe even pair them with different wines!
Port with Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Of all wine and dessert pairings, there really is nothing like port and dark chocolate-raspberry desserts. Of course, there are a few types of ports out there. Ruby port and chocolate make an iconic pairing for a reason. Make it a dark chocolate raspberry tart, and you’ll see how the port’s natural berry flavors come alive and sparkle on your palate.
From classic American desserts to rich chocolate treats, there are plenty of desserts out there that have a wine to match. For this Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, try out one of these wine and dessert pairings. You’ll see just how a simple food and wine combination can make your celebration a little extra special!
