5 White Wine And Dessert Pairings You Should Know About
If you're like many wine lovers, you understand the value of a good dessert wine. However, culinary tastes have shifted in recent years toward lighter, healthier dessert options, and some of the rich red alternatives simply don't work with lighter fare. Fortunately, even though white wines are generally associated with dry, acidic flavor profiles, there are some that contain the necessary sweetness to make excellent dessert wines. Following are five white wine and dessert pairings to provide you with inspiration for your next elegant dinner party.
1. Pinot Grigio and Peach Melba
The combination of fresh peaches, vanilla, and lemon flavors offered by this classic dessert pair perfectly with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. This wine also works well with a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with freshly sliced peaches for those times when you've got to throw together a tasty dessert on the spur of the moment.
2. Riesling and a Bowl of Cherries
The most elegant desserts are often the ones with the most simplicity. For instance, you can't beat a bowl of freshly picked cherries to finish off a great meal on a warm summer evening. You can make it even more special by making a cold glass of Riesling a part of the picture and giving the cherries a light drizzle of dark chocolate sauce.
3. Sauternes and White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Sauternes wine was made to be enjoyed with delectable delights crafted with the sweet fruits of summer, and they're also robust enough to stand up to the flavor profile of relatively rich white chocolate. White chocolate raspberry cake and a glass of Sauternes make an elegant grande finale for any meal. You can also serve Sauterne with rustic berry cobbler, apple pie, poached pears, and anything that includes cinnamon among the ingredients.
4. Chardonnay and Vanilla Cake
Chardonnay's smooth, buttery texture makes it ideal for pairing with classic vanilla cake, especially if it's made with buttercream frosting. You can also serve Chardonnay with other vanilla based desserts such as rice pudding, tapioca, and vanilla flan.
5. Sauvignon Blanc and New York Cheesecake
Sauvignon Blanc is a great pairing option for anything prepared with cheese, and its smooth texture makes it particularly appropriate for serving a slice of classic New York cheesecake. You can also pair it with a warm cheese Danish topped with freshly whipped cream, or, if you want to keep dessert really simple, with a few squares of gourmet cheese and apple slices.
For more information on Barbaresco wine and other wines, contact your local winery.