If you have a major sweet tooth, you know it can’t be satisfied with cake, chocolate, or cookies alone. The good news? Your incurable love of all things sweet doesn’t need to stand in the way of fine dining. It’s time to embrace sweets and explore their culinary possibilities. This begins with pairing sweet wines to make gourmet meals even more memorable.
Dry wine is often viewed as more sophisticated, but this assumption is outdated. Sweet wine offers its own complex notes and aromas. Its character deserves respect. Sweet wine pairings may highlight the complex flavors in your favorite hors d’oeuvres or entrees. These wines could even show off the culinary depth of the sweetest desserts.
The secret lies in knowing the right wine for the occasion. Not so simple, right? In this wine pairing guide, we’ll show you how to choose blends or varietals that make every course feel extra indulgent.
Appetizers
Hors d’oeuvres and sweet wines celebrate all things light and refreshing. Salty bites are where it’s at; they add a much-needed jolt of contrast. Anything wrapped in bacon is a win, of course, but appetizers that feature olives, crackers, pretzels, or cured meats are bound to please.
Charcuterie seems like a natural fit. Still, you’ll need to get strategic about your cheese selection. Again, salty snacks excel, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, which pair well with fruit-infused wines, while Stilton cheese pairs well with chocolate port. Briny shrimp cocktail pairs nicely with light or crisp wines, so keep the moscato at the ready. If you’re all about fried appetizers, try prosecco, which can keep fried food from feeling too heavy.
Dinner
Don’t feel limited to dry table wine when planning a fancy dinner. Yes, a good cab is bound to please, but sweet wine pairings offer their own unique appeal: these tend to redirect focus towards the meal, bringing out spices that can easily feel overpowered by the boldest table wines.
Skip the usual steak pairings and try a rich ruby port or a red blend with a slightly bolder character. If you’re craving seafood, you’re in luck; seared scallops and crab cakes are at their best when they join forces with sweet blends.
This is also a great strategy for exploring spicier-than-usual curries. A sip of fruit-forward wine could be just the ticket after you’re hit with that early burst of heat.
Sangria is the go-to for street tacos, of course, but there’s something to be said for fruit-infused options featuring lime or pineapple flavors. It’s a nice alternative to the usual margarita. Chicken mole goes great with a quality ruby port, but birria is at its best with sweet red blends.
Dessert
Yes, you absolutely can pair sweet with sweet. In fact, that’s the point of the dessert wine: to make an already delectable dessert feel even more indulgent. What if you’re hoping to avoid an all-out sugar rush? Stick with sweet wines that have complex notes or aromas. These are more common than you might think. Red blends, for example, could feature appealing cherry, cinnamon, or vanilla notes. These sweet blends go well with chocolatey treats like truffles or black forest cake.
Fruit-based treats often go well with similarly fruity blends. Moscato can be a dream come true when served with meringues and angel food cake, especially topped with strawberries. White blends are also worth exploring. They’re often light enough to cut through rich or creamy desserts like cheesecake.
Discover the Sweeter Side of Wine Pairings
Sweet wine pairings are versatile, so you’re welcome to experiment. Have fun, embrace your sweet tooth, and shop around for all your wines here at Sweet Wine Club.