The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. It's the perfect time to treat your customers to some exceptional dessert wines that can elevate your holiday menus to new heights. Whether planning a festive group dinner or a special holiday menu offering, here's a guide to pairing dessert wines with holiday delicacies for a truly sweet experience.
Port Wine
Pair with: Chocolate desserts, nuts, and strong cheeses.
Port wine, with its rich, sweet, and fortified character, is a classic choice for the holiday season. Its robust flavors complement chocolate-based desserts like brownies, truffles, and flourless cakes. The nutty undertones in port also make it a great match for roasted nuts and pair exceptionally well with strong cheeses, such as blue cheese or cheddar.
Late Harvest Riesling
Pair with: Apple pie, fruit tarts, and caramel desserts.
Late Harvest Riesling is known for its vibrant acidity and intense sweetness. It pairs beautifully with fruity desserts, making it an ideal companion for apple pie, fruit tarts, and anything drizzled with caramel sauce. The wine's acidity balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Sauternes
Pair with: Foie gras, crème brûlée, and apricot-based desserts.
Sauternes, a luxurious French dessert wine, boasts a luscious sweetness with notes of honey, apricot, and citrus. It's a natural match for foie gras, as the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. For dessert, consider pairing it with crème brûlée or apricot-infused sweets to highlight its fruity nuances.
Sherry (Pedro Ximénez or Cream Sherry)
Pair with: Pecan pie, bread pudding, and blue cheese.
Sherry, particularly Pedro Ximénez or Cream Sherry, is characterized by its deep sweetness and complex flavors. It's an excellent choice for pairing with pecan pie, as the nutty flavors in both the wine and dessert harmonize beautifully. Additionally, it complements bread pudding and acts as a counterpoint to the boldness of blue cheese.
Moscato d'Asti
Pair with: Fresh fruit, light pastries, and cheesecake.
Moscato d'Asti is a sparkling and sweet Italian wine known for its floral and fruity aromas. It's an ideal partner for fresh fruit platters, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruits. This wine also pairs wonderfully with light pastries and the creamy decadence of cheesecake.
Ice Wine
Pair with: Peach cobbler, lemon tarts, and soft cheeses.
Ice wine (Eiswein in Germany and Austria) is made from grapes frozen on the vine, and offers intense sweetness and vibrant acidity. It's perfect for balancing the tartness of lemon desserts like tarts or lemon bars. Additionally, it complements the warm flavors of peach cobbler and creates a delightful contrast with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Tokaji Aszú
Pair with: Honeyed desserts, baklava, and crème anglaise.
Tokaji Aszú from Hungary is renowned for its complex sweetness and honeyed character. It's an excellent match for desserts drizzled with honey, such as baklava. The wine also enhances the creamy textures of crème anglaise or custard-based sweets.
These dessert wine pairings can turn your holiday gatherings into memorable culinary experiences. Whether you're enjoying a traditional holiday meal or savoring a sweet treat by the fire, these combinations will delight your taste buds and add an extra layer of festive indulgence to your celebrations.
