Dessert Wine and Cheese Pairings
Is there anything more satisfying (and comforting) than wine and cheese? No? Ok, now that we are all on the same page, let’s talk about some exceptional dessert wine and cheese pairings. As we always say, the best pairing is the one that you enjoy most! But if you want to explore new flavors and combinations, and find a combo that enhances the tastes, textures, and “wow” factor of each element, read on.
Classic dessert wines include Port, Sherry, and Madeira. We are also including some other sweet whites and reds. So, get out the cheeseboard and glasses, and prepare to find your new favorites.
Dessert Wines and Cheeses
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Port: With Port, fermentation is stopped so there is more residual sugar. Strong fruit notes.
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Try: Blue cheeses. More Nibbles: Raw or candied walnuts or pecans. |
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Sherry: Another fortified wine, Sherry leans from slightly sweet to very sweet. |
Try: Manchego, Cabrales, Mahon, Serra de Estrella, Amontillado (if these are too hard to find, try a nice Camembert, Parmigiano Reggiano, or blue cheese). More Nibbles: Again, nuts offer a great contrast to the sweet wine and salty cheese. |
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Madeira: More acidic than Sherry with a slightly nutty flavor. |
Try: Blue cheeses, gruyere. More Nibbles: Dark chocolate, nuts, or even better, dark chocolate-covered nuts. |
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Moscato: Light bodied and off-dry, Moscato is becoming a household favorite. |
Try: Pepperjack, brie, muenster. More Nibbles: Cured meats (e.g. prosciutto) and nuts. |
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Riesling: Similar to Moscato, Riesling is sweet and off-dry. Fruity and light. |
Try: Strong and/or salty cheeses like blue cheese, aged gouda, and feta. More Nibbles: Spicy foods (e.g. Thai appetizers), dried fruits, nuts. |
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Sparkling Wines/Champagne: Bubbly and delicious! |
Try: Fatty cheeses, like brie and camembert. More Nibbles: Crudites and breadsticks with olive tapenade. |
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Merlot: Chocolatey and smooth, Merlot is an interesting choice for a dessert wine - and we love it. |
Try: Gouda, gruyere, jarlsberg, or gorgonzola. More Nibbles: Mini meatballs. |
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Syrah/Shiraz: Intense and full of personality. Syrah is typically lighter, while Shiraz is bold and rich. |
Try: Sharp cheddar, gouda, parmesan. More Nibbles: Black olives, smoked meat bites. |
Which dessert wines and cheeses make your must-have or must-try list?