Wine Pairing with Crème Brûlée and Other Light Desserts

Looking for what wine to serve with Crème Brûlée? When choosing a companion to desserts, crisp wines that compliment the acidity level of the recipe are best. A standby for sweet dishes is sparkling wine or champagne; the frothy consistency augments flavor without being overpowering.

Creme Brulee wine pairings

Crème Brûlée Wine Pairings

Sauternes
Although it is sliding off the list of trendy wines, Sauternes is a delicious partner to the crunchy custard texture of Crème Brûlée. Ethereal in luscious sweetness, it rounds out the quality of dessert in an equally delicious digestif. Recommended wine glasses: Riedel Sommeliers Sauternes

Moscato
Pairing best with fluffy deserts that have a bite to them, moscato has a richness within fruity aromas. It adapts beautifully to spiced Crème Brûlée, which is popular during the holiday season.

Profiteroles Wine Pairings

Pinot Blanc
A quiet pairing that allows the subtle flavors of cream and chocolate to shine, pinot blanc from Alsace is a gentle accompaniment to this elegant dessert. Recommended wine glasses: Riedel Vinum Montrachet/Chardonnay

Banyuls
This sumptuous sweet wine originates in southern France, with a strict grenache base that resembles young port. It brings out the richer flavor of profiteroles, grounding them in a strong pairing.

Lemon Meringue Pie with Wine

Lemon Meringue Pie Wine Pairings

Due to the tartness of lemon, any wine that is served with it should be excessively chilled to avoid leeching the sweetness.

Moscato d’Asti
This lively, well-balanced semi-sparkling wine will not be overwhelmed by an acidic dish such as lemon meringue. It’s airy, light bubbles maintain the creamy dessert’s soft texture.

Riesling
New world riesling has a sweet flavor that complements the lemon; avoid using a dry riesling, which will clash with the dessert and confuse taste receptacles. Recommended wine glasses: Riedel Vinum Riesling/Zinfandel

Trifle Cake Wine Pairing

Trifle Wine Pairings

Cream Sherry
A carefully blended sweet sherry that generally uses Fino or Amontillados as a base, its complexity holds its own with the mixed flavors in a trifle. Serve it over ice or quite chilled. Recommended wine glasses: Riedel Vinum Port/Sherry

Moscato
Low in alcohol, it is a lovely finale wine with refreshing notes of apricot and peaches that mingle well in a fruit based trifle. It is traditionally used with spicier dishes, but it can become a centerpiece pairing with lighter fare and pairs well with sweets for wine.

Angel Food Cake Wine Pairings

Sparkling Rosé
The fluffy texture of the cake melts into a sparkling wine, creating a match made in heaven, while rosé pairs well with fruits that are traditionally served with it, such as strawberries. If you are not fond of sparkling, choose a dry rosé from the Sonoma Valley to avoid an overpowering sweetness in the pairing.

Gewürztraminer
The delicate flavors are parallel to angel food cake, while its often flowery aroma is relaxing and airy. When serving with fruit such as peaches or apricots, its tropical flavors will mingle well with a bite of the dessert.