Ice cream and wine are two beloved indulgences, but pairing them might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, with the right combinations, you can elevate your dessert experience to new heights. Below, we explore the art of pairing wine and ice cream, offering a detailed guide on which wines complement different ice cream flavors. This delightful fusion not only brings out the best in each but also provides a charming way to end any meal. Let's dive into the world of wine and ice cream pairing.
Vanilla Ice Cream and Ice Wine
Ice Wine: Ice wine is a luscious, sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been naturally frozen while still on the vine. The extreme sweetness and high acidity of ice wine beautifully complement the creamy and rich profile of vanilla ice cream. The chill from the ice cream helps balance the wine’s intense sweetness.
Serve: Slightly chilled in a dessert wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Look for ice wines from Canada or Germany, particularly those made from Vidal or Riesling grapes.
Chocolate Ice Cream and Brachetto d’Acqui
Brachetto d'Acqui: Brachetto d'Acqui is a light, slightly sparkling red wine from the Piedmont region in Italy, known for its pronounced fruity flavors and delicate sweetness. The wine's vibrant red fruit flavors, such as strawberries and raspberries, perfectly highlight the deep, rich flavors of chocolate ice cream.
Serve: Chilled but not ice-cold, around 50-55°F, in a tulip-shaped glass.
Recommended Choice: Seek out the DOCG labeled bottles from Piedmont for authenticity and quality.
Coffee or Nut-Based Ice Cream and Oloroso Sherry
Oloroso Sherry: Oloroso Sherry is a richly flavored, dry sherry from Spain, with notes of roasted nuts, caramel, and dried fruit. These complex flavors enhance the nutty and coffee profiles of ice creams, adding depth and maturity to your dessert.
Serve: Slightly chilled in a small wine glass or copita.
Recommended Choice: Look for aged Oloroso Sherries that offer deeper, more concentrated flavors.
Ben & Jerry's Half Baked and Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port
Late-Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: LBV Port is a fortified wine from Portugal known for its rich flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. This wine has the intensity to stand up to the robust and varied flavors of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked, which combines chocolate and vanilla ice creams with chunks of fudge brownie and gobs of chocolate chip cookie dough.
Serve: Slightly cool, around 60°F, in a small wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Opt for LBV Ports from recognized Port houses like Dow's, Graham's, or Taylor Fladgate.
Strawberry Ice Cream and Sparkling Gamay
Sparkling Gamay: This wine is a bubbly variant of the fruity Gamay grape, typically found in Beaujolais in France. Its natural acidity and effervescence provide a refreshing contrast and highlight the sweet, tart flavors of strawberry ice cream.
Serve: Well-chilled, in a champagne flute or white wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Seek out sparkling Gamay from regions like Beaujolais or Loire Valley.
Lemon Sorbet and Off-Dry Riesling
Off-Dry Riesling: An off-dry Riesling offers a hint of sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity and refreshing citrus notes. This balance makes it an excellent companion to the tart and tangy profile of lemon sorbet, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Serve: Well-chilled, in a white wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Look for off-dry Rieslings from regions like Mosel in Germany or the Finger Lakes in New York.
Pistachio Ice Cream and Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti: Moscato d’Asti is a lightly sparkling, sweet white wine from Piedmont, Italy, with flavors of peaches, apricots, and citrus. The mild sweetness and effervescence enhance the nutty and creamy flavors of pistachio ice cream, offering a refreshing and well-balanced dessert option.
Serve: Well-chilled, in a white wine glass or a flute.
Recommended Choice: Quality Moscato d’Asti typically comes from producers in the Asti region of Piedmont, like La Spinetta or Vietti.
Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Rainwater Madeira
Rainwater Madeira: Rainwater Madeira is a light, slightly sweet fortified wine from Madeira, Portugal, with notes of caramel, nuts, and toffee. Its sweet and nutty profile makes it perfect for pairing with the indulgent flavors of cookie dough ice cream.
Serve: Slightly chilled, in a small wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Look for authentic Rainwater Madeiras from reputable Madeira producers like Blandy’s or Henriques & Henriques.
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and Semisweet Dornfelder
Semisweet Dornfelder: Dornfelder is a German red wine known for its deep color, fruity flavors, and balanced sweetness. The subtle sweetness and fruity notes of the semisweet Dornfelder enhance the refreshing mint and rich chocolate flavors in mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Serve: Slightly cool, around 55-60°F, in a red wine glass.
Recommended Choice: Seek out Dornfelders from notable producers in the Rheinhessen or Pfalz regions of Germany.
Conclusion
Pairing wine with ice cream might seem unconventional at first, but the right combinations can truly turn your dessert experience into a gourmet delight. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply indulging at home, experimenting with the pairings above can bring out the best in both the wine and the ice cream. Next time you’re planning your dessert menu, why not try one of these pairings and enjoy a harmonious blend of flavors and textures? Cheers to sweet discoveries!