Christmas Dessert Wines, Sweet Treats To End The Meal
When the festive feast is winding down and the dessert table is unveiled, the perfect wine can take the experience to a whole new level. Dessert wines are a delightful way to cap off Christmas dinner, adding a touch of indulgence that complements the richness of Christmas sweets. Whether you’re pairing with a traditional Christmas pudding, a slice of fruitcake, or simply enjoying a glass on its own, there’s a dessert wine to suit every palate.
Here’s your guide to some of the best Christmas dessert wines and how to pair them with classic holiday treats.
Port: A Rich And Robust Classic
Port is one of the most iconic dessert wines and a traditional favourite during Christmas. Hailing from Portugal, it’s rich, sweet, and full of bold flavours like dark berries, chocolate, and dried fruits. Port comes in several varieties, but for the festive season, ruby port or tawny port are excellent choices.
Pairing Suggestion: Tawny port pairs beautifully with a slice of Christmas pudding or fruitcake, enhancing the dried fruit and spice flavours in these desserts. Ruby port, with its fresher fruit flavours, goes wonderfully with chocolate-based desserts or a rich Yule log.
Sauternes: A French Luxury
For a touch of French elegance, consider Sauternes, a luscious, sweet wine from the Bordeaux region. Its honeyed notes of apricot, peach, and citrus zest make it a luxurious addition to any dessert table.
Pairing Suggestion: Sauternes shines when paired with creamy desserts like a traditional Christmas trifle or a vanilla panna cotta. The acidity of Sauternes cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance.
Ice Wine: Sweet And Silky
Ice wine, often from Canada or Germany, is made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, concentrating their sugars. This results in an intensely sweet yet refreshing wine with flavours of tropical fruits, honey, and citrus.
Pairing Suggestion: The refreshing sweetness of ice wine is a perfect match for lighter desserts like fruit tarts, or it can be served alongside a selection of fresh berries and cream for a simple but decadent finish.
Sherry: A Versatile Spanish Favourite
Spain’s sherry offers a range of styles, but for Christmas dessert, pedro ximenez (PX) sherry is a standout. Thick, syrupy, and intensely sweet, PX sherry delivers notes of raisins, figs, and caramel, making it the perfect indulgence for the holidays.
Pairing Suggestion: Pour a glass of PX sherry alongside sticky toffee pudding or Christmas cookies. Its raisin and fig flavours also make it a delightful match for mince pies.
Moscato D’Asti: Light And Sparkling
For those who prefer something light and bubbly, Moscato d’Asti from Italy is a perfect dessert wine. This semi-sparkling, low-alcohol wine is aromatic with notes of peach, orange blossom, and honeysuckle, offering a sweet but refreshing way to end a rich meal.
Pairing Suggestion: Moscato d’Asti pairs beautifully with lighter, fruity desserts like a lemon tart or sorbets. Its gentle fizz and sweetness also make it an excellent pairing for Panettone, the traditional Italian Christmas bread.
Tokaji: Hungary’s Golden Treasure
Tokaji Aszu, often called the "wine of kings," is a Hungarian dessert wine made from grapes affected by noble rot, which gives it a complex sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Its flavour profile includes apricots, honey, orange peel, and spice, making it an exceptional choice for holiday meals.
Pairing Suggestion: Tokaji pairs wonderfully with spiced desserts such as gingerbread, apple pie, or a Christmas spice cake. Its acidity also helps cut through the richness of more indulgent desserts like cheesecake.
Tips For Serving Dessert Wines
- Serve Chilled: Most dessert wines are best served slightly chilled (around 50–55°F or 10–13°C). Except for red varieties like port, which can be served at room temperature.
- Smaller Portions: Since dessert wines are typically sweeter and more intense than table wines. They are usually enjoyed in smaller quantities - around 2-3 ounces per serving is plenty.
- Don’t Forget The Glassware: Dessert wines are best served in smaller, tulip-shaped glasses. They allow the aromas to concentrate while still providing a pleasant drinking experience.
Conclusion
Christmas dessert wines are the perfect way to add an extra layer of indulgence to your holiday festivities. Whether you’re enjoying a classic glass of port by the fire or pairing Sauternes with a creamy dessert, these wines are sure to leave your guests with sweet memories of the season.
So, this Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to one of these delightful dessert wines - it’s the perfect ending to a festive feast!