English dessert wine is a true gem in the world of wines, known for its unique sweetness, complexity, and remarkable ability to complement a wide variety of foods. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a beginner, understanding how to pair English dessert wines with food can elevate your tasting experience and bring out the best in both the wine and the dish.
At Colemere Vineyard in Shropshire, we take pride in producing exquisite English dessert wines, which are made from grapes carefully nurtured in our local terroir. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best food pairings for English dessert wine, highlighting how these wines can enhance your culinary experience.
What Makes English Dessert Wine Unique?
English dessert wines, often made from late-harvested or noble rot-affected grapes, offer a balance of rich sweetness and bright acidity. Varieties like Bacchus, Riesling, and Pinot Gris lend themselves well to dessert wines, offering a honeyed richness with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and floral undertones. These wines are often lower in alcohol, making them a perfect choice for pairing with both sweet and savoury dishes.
1. Cheese Pairings for English Dessert Wine
One of the most sophisticated ways to enjoy English dessert wine is by pairing it with cheese. The rich, creamy textures of certain cheeses complement the sweetness of the wine, creating a beautifully balanced contrast of flavours.
- Blue Cheese: The bold, tangy flavours of blue cheese, such as Stilton or Roquefort, pair wonderfully with the sweetness of an English dessert wine. The sweetness cuts through the saltiness and creaminess, enhancing both the wine and the cheese.
- Brie or Camembert: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert pair well with dessert wines that have bright acidity and fruit notes. The smooth texture of the cheese and the honeyed sweetness of the wine create a delightful contrast.
- Goat’s Cheese: Fresh, tangy Goat’s cheese is another fantastic option. The acidity in the wine balances out the sharpness of the cheese, while the sweetness brings out the earthy undertones of the cheese.
Pro Tip: For a truly indulgent experience, try pairing your English dessert wine with a cheese board featuring a variety of textures and flavours. The combination of cheeses with different intensity levels will complement the wine beautifully.
2. Fruit-Based Desserts
English dessert wines are a natural fit for fruit-based desserts, as their acidity and sweetness enhance the flavours of the fruit. From fresh berries to baked apple pies, these wines bring out the best in fruit dishes.
- Tarts and Pies: A lemon tart or apple pie is a perfect match for an English dessert wine. The citrusy and buttery notes in the wine work well with the rich, tangy fruit in tarts, while its sweetness balances the tartness of the fruit.
- Poached Pears: The subtlety of poached pears is beautifully enhanced by the rich fruit and honey notes of dessert wine. A wine made from Riesling or Bacchus will accentuate the delicate sweetness of the pears.
- Berry-Based Sweets: Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries make an excellent pairing with dessert wines that have berry or citrus undertones. A simple mixed berry compote or chocolate-dipped strawberries can be the perfect dessert for your wine.
Pro Tip: Consider pairing your dessert wine with seasonal fruits. For example, a late-harvest Pinot Gris pairs wonderfully with autumn fruits like figs or blackberries, highlighting the natural sweetness of the fruit.
3. Chocolate Pairings with Dessert Wine
Chocolate and dessert wine are a match made in heaven. The richness of chocolate and the sweetness of the wine create a luxurious pairing, with the wine’s acidity cutting through the richness of the chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate: If you prefer dark chocolate, look for an English dessert wine with good acidity, such as Riesling or a late-harvest Pinot Gris. The complexity of the chocolate enhances the wine’s flavours, and the acidity helps balance the richness.
- Milk Chocolate: A milk chocolate dessert, such as chocolate mousse or chocolate truffles, pairs beautifully with a slightly sweeter English dessert wine. The round, honeyed sweetness of the wine complements the creamy texture of the milk chocolate.
- Chocolate and Berries: Combining chocolate with berries, such as in a chocolate raspberry torte, is a winning pairing with an English dessert wine. The wine will bring out the berry notes in the dessert while complementing the richness of the chocolate.
Pro Tip: Opt for a chocolate fondue paired with a dessert wine to create a decadent, shareable treat. This will highlight the smooth texture of the chocolate while allowing the wine to shine through with each dip.
4. Spicy and Savoury Pairings
While dessert wines are often associated with sweet treats, they can also pair well with savoury dishes, particularly those with a bit of spice. The sweetness and acidity of English dessert wines can help balance out the heat in spicy dishes.
- Spicy Asian Cuisine: Dishes like Thai green curry or Chinese five-spice chicken are fantastic when paired with a dessert wine like Bacchus. The wine’s fruity sweetness and acidity help to mellow the spice, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
- Foie Gras: For a truly indulgent pairing, try serving a rich, buttery dish like foie gras with English dessert wine. The combination of the rich, savoury flavours of the foie gras and the sweet wine is a luxurious experience.
- Savoury Baked Goods: Think about pairing your dessert wine with savoury baked goods such as cheese scones or bacon-wrapped dates. The sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of these treats.
Pro Tip: When pairing wine with spicy food, be sure to look for a wine with balanced sweetness and acidity. This helps to neutralise the heat and enhances the flavours of both the food and the wine.
5. Nuts and Caramel Desserts
Nuts and caramel offer rich, nutty, and toasty flavours that are the perfect complement to the complexity of English dessert wines. Caramel-based desserts bring out the warm, honeyed notes in dessert wines.
- Tarte Tatin: This classic French caramelised apple tart pairs wonderfully with an English dessert wine, especially one made from late-harvest Pinot Gris or Bacchus, which offers rich fruit and honeyed flavours.
- Nut-Based Cakes: Cakes made with almonds or hazelnuts, such as an almond cake or hazelnut meringue, complement the rich, nutty flavours of dessert wines, especially those with toasty or caramelised notes.
Pro Tip: Try pairing a nutty dessert like baklava or pecan pie with an English dessert wine to accentuate the nutty, rich flavours of the dish.
Conclusion: Perfect Pairings with English Dessert Wine
English dessert wines are a delightful way to elevate any dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a sweet treat, a rich cheese, or a savoury dish with a bit of heat. The versatility of these wines allows you to experiment with a range of pairings, from classic cheese boards to decadent chocolate desserts, and even spicy or savoury dishes.
At Colemere Vineyard, we pride ourselves on crafting a delicious English dessert wine that pairs perfectly with a variety of foods. Whether you’re a fan of classic wine pairings or you like to experiment with new combinations, we hope these tips help you explore the world of English dessert wines and discover your perfect pairing.