Wine and Dessert Pairings

Indulging your sweet tooth is one of the most satisfying ways to end a meal, but it can be tricky to find a wine to match your chosen dessert—and that’s where our wine and dessert pairings guide can help.

Pairing wine with dessert involves finding a harmonious balance between the flavors, sweetness levels and textures of the wine and the dessert.

We’ve broken down the basics for wine and dessert pairings—and even suggested a few of our favorite combinations for you.

Wine and Dessert Pairings: The Rules

When looking for the perfect wine and dessert pairings, there are a few house rules you should know:

Match sweetness levels: Choose a wine that’s as sweet as, or sweeter, than the dessert. For example, a rich chocolate cake pairs well with a sweet wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a Port. By contrast, a dessert that’s sweeter than the wine can make the wine taste sour or dull.
Complement flavors: Look for wines that complement the flavors in the dessert. A fruity dessert might pair well with a wine with similar fruit notes. Meanwhile, a citrusy dessert, such as a lemon tart, could be matched with a wine that has citrusy undertones.
Contrast intensity: If the dessert is rich and intense, consider a wine with higher acidity to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors. By contrast, lighter desserts can be paired with lighter-bodied wines.
Consider textures: Look for a wine with a texture that enhances the dessert experience. A creamy dessert might go well with a wine with a velvety mouthfeel, while a dessert with crunch or crispness could be matched with a wine with lively effervescence.
Acidity matters: Wines with higher acidity can balance the sweetness of a dessert and provide a refreshing contrast. Opt for a sweet Riesling with traditional apple pie or sparkling wine with fresh fruit.
Don’t overwhelm: Avoid highly tannic red wines, as their astringency can clash with many desserts. Similarly, overly sweet wines can overpower delicate desserts.
Regional pairings: Pairing desserts with wines from the same region can often yield great results. For example, an Italian dessert, such as tiramisu, pairs well with Italian dessert wines like Vin Santo.
Temperature matching: Finally, serve wines and desserts at the appropriate temperatures. Cold desserts might be best with chilled dessert wines, whereas warm desserts can be matched with room-temperature or slightly chilled wines.

Best Wines to Serve with Popular Desserts

Tiramisu

Coffee and chocolate are among the most frequently requested flavor combos in the world—and a freshly made tiramisu is heaven on a plate. A red wine with mocha and juicy fruit flavors will hold its own against the bold espresso taste. A smooth, medium-bodied Merlot like Château Duprat 2019 would pair perfectly.

Key Lime Pie

A zesty key lime pie offers three delicious layers—a buttery shortcrust pastry base, a creamy filling bursting with key lime flavor and a light-whipped cream topping. To complement this dessert’s delicate citrus flavors, while cutting through its heavy acidity, you might opt for a medium-sweet Italian sparkling wine like Alessandro Gallici Prosecco Anniversario 2021.

Crème brûlée

This classic custard dessert topped with caramelized sugar is an elegant way to round off a meal. Its strong burnt sugar and vanilla flavors complement a slightly acidic wine like a Moscato. We suggest Petticoat Moscato 2021.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a popular dessert—it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit anyone’s taste. An off-dry White Zinfandel like Petticoat White Zinfandel 2020 is perfect when serving a classic vanilla cheesecake. Not only does its pale-pink shade sit pretty next to your plate, but its sweet red berry flavors will take your dessert to another level.

Peach Cobbler

This Southern staple of stewed peaches topped with a crispy, sweet crumble is best served hot with either ice cream or crème anglaise. For this dessert and wine pairing, you’ll want something that can cut through the syrupy sweetness without overpowering the dish’s juicy fruitiness. An off-dry, acidic Riesling with plenty of complementary fruit flavors, like this Green Darner 2019 vintage, will do the job.

Strawberry Shortcake

Sweet and creamy, strawberry shortcake is as easy to make as it is to eat. You’ll want a light wine for this light and dessert. Opt for an Italian sparkling red blend with a gentle sweetness like L’Occhiolino Sparkling Red 2021.

Pecan Pie

A pecan pie is a non-negotiable part of a holiday table, but who says you can’t enjoy a slice of this shortcrust pastry filled with pecans, butter and sugar all year round? This pie deserves an equally spectacular wine pairing. Look for a wine that’s not too sweet and has enough body to offset this indulgent dessert—you might try one of our favorites, Julien Revillon Fleurie 2020.

Brownies

Who can resist a warm, fudgy brownie? But finding the right wine to pair with all that chocolate can be difficult. Rich chocolate desserts like brownies need an equally rich wine—ideally one with plenty of body and fruit flavors to avoid either being overpowered. One of our favorites is RedHeads’ Red Sedan Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz blend.

Apple Pie

Maybe the most wholesome American dessert on the menu, apple pie combines a delicious blend of stewed apples and sweet spices with a buttery, crumbly pastry. It’s a warming and hearty dessert, perfect for cold autumnal days. American Gewürztraminers, like our Sealicious Gewürztraminer 2020, have the same blend of flavors, making them our top choice for this wine and dessert pairing.

Chocolate Mousse

Thick, decadent, chocolate mousse hits a sweet tooth in the best ways. A unique, semi-sparkling Italian Brachetto with its delicate bubbles and red apple notes will cut through the mousse’s heavy texture while complementing the chocolate flavor.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eileen, Wine Advisor Team Manager

I have always enjoyed working with passionate people that I can learn from. Most importantly, we are all partners in wine who continue to grow, challenge and share our knowledge daily. What could be better?

WSET – Level Wines & Spirits Certified
Sake Level 1 Certified

Red Burgundy • Barolo • Rhone Red • I’ve never met a Rosé I didn’t like!

eileen@laithwaites.com | (203) 523-2161

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Wine and Dessert Pairings