Some sweet wines are almost a dessert in themselves, but pair them with the right dish and you have a great treat. Just as there is a big difference between a simple fruit salad and a wonderfully wicked Boston custard pie, there is also a difference in the types of wines that can go with them.
There is nothing like an intoxicating glass of sweet wine with the perfect dessert. Finding the right combination isn't too difficult, as long as you remember a few simple rules.
Remember two things when looking for the perfect dessert partner and you won't go wrong. First, just as desserts vary considerably in sweetness, so do sweet wines, and the perfect dessert pairing should be at least as sweet as the dish; otherwise, it will be overwhelmed. Second, is the dessert tangy and fruity or rich and creamy? Tangier desserts call for a wine with fresh acidity, like Riesling or Chenin Blanc, while the richer ones prefer something sweeter, like this sweet Muscat or Semillon with chocolate.
Restaurants are a good place to experiment with different styles, as many offer a variety of wines by the glass. And don't be afraid to try fortified wines, such as tawny ports and chilled sweet sherry with dessert.
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