Wine with cheesecake is a wonderful way to enjoy dessert. The classic pairing is Riesling (a white wine) and Port (a fortified dessert wine). Start with those cheesecake pairings, and you’ll have a great time.
What if you want something different with your wine with cheesecake? To answer that question, there are a few simple guidelines to remember.
White Wine
White grapes can make the perfect dessert wine. The following fruity wine options are a good choice if you want to balance the sweet taste of your cake.
1 Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, known for its vibrant acidity and refreshing character, pairs well with lighter, fruit-based cheesecakes. The bright, zesty notes of the wine harmonize beautifully with flavors such as lemon, lime, or tropical fruits. A classic New York-style cheesecake with a zingy citrus or passionfruit topping would be an excellent choice to accompany a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
2 Riesling
With its balance of acidity and sweetness, Riesling is a versatile choice for cheesecake pairings. This wine shines alongside creamy and fruity cheesecakes. The slight sweetness of Riesling complements flavors like strawberry, peach, or raspberry, making it an ideal match for a strawberry swirl or peach cobbler cheesecake.
3 Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc, a versatile white wine with various styles, can be a delightful companion to sweet and savory cheesecakes. Its crisp acidity and fruity undertones make it a fantastic choice for cheesecakes with unique flavors, such as honey lavender, goat cheese, and fig. The bright, aromatic nature of Chenin Blanc enhances the delicate balance of flavors in these unconventional cheesecake options.
Red Wine Cheesecake Pairing
4 Zinfandel
Zinfandel, a bold and fruity red wine, pairs well with rich and decadent cheesecakes. Its jammy fruit flavors and spicy notes make it an excellent choice for chocolate-based cheesecakes. The intensity of Zinfandel can balance the sweetness of a chocolate cheesecake and add a hint of complexity. A luscious chocolate raspberry cheesecake or a dark chocolate truffle cheesecake would be a delightful match for Zinfandel.
5 Shiraz
Shiraz, known for its full-bodied nature and peppery undertones, complements cheesecakes with strong flavors and textures. The robustness of Shiraz can stand up to rich and savory cheesecakes, such as blue cheese or caramelized onion cheesecakes. The wine’s dark fruit flavors and spice provide a harmonious contrast to the savory elements in the cheesecake, creating a memorable pairing.
6 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic red wine with firm tannins and dark fruit flavors, pairs well with cheesecakes with a fruity or nutty character. The wine’s structure and depth can complement cheesecakes featuring flavors like cherry, blackberry, or almond. A classic cherry cheesecake or a toasted almond cheesecake would be an excellent choice with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
7 Rose Wine With Cheesecake
Cheesecake pairs exceptionally well with rose wine due to the wine’s fruity profile. Rose wines often boast vibrant notes of strawberries, raspberries, and peaches, which harmonize with the luscious flavors of cheesecake. The fruity undertones add a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the dessert, creating a harmonious union of flavors.
For the best experience, try a cheesecake bite followed by a rose wine sip. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. Additionally, the rose wine’s subtle tannins provide a gentle structure that complements the creamy texture of the dessert.
The pairing of rose wine with cheesecake also offers the opportunity to explore additional layers of flavor. For instance, a rose wine with a hint of citrus can accentuate the tangy notes in a lemon cheesecake, while a floral rose can beautifully enhance a delicate strawberry cheesecake.
Sparkling and Fortified Wine Pairings For Cheesecake
Sparkling wines can add a touch of elegance and effervescence to cheesecake pairings. Their crisp acidity and lively bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of cheesecake. Here are three examples of specific sparkling wines and their ideal cheesecake pairings:
8 Prosecco Wine With Cheesecake
Prosecco: With its fruity and floral notes, this Italian sparkling wine is a fantastic match for light and fruity cheesecakes. Prosecco’s lively bubbles and delicate flavors would wonderfully complement a refreshing lemon or mixed berry cheesecake.
9 Champagne
Champagne: The epitome of luxury, Champagne is a versatile sparkling wine that can enhance various cheesecake flavors. A classic vanilla or caramel cheesecake can benefit from the Champagne’s toasty undertones and bubbles, adding a touch of sophistication to the pairing.
If Champagne isn’t in your budget, check out this guide to champagne alternatives.
10 Moscato d’Asti
Moscato d’Asti: Known for its sweetness and aromatic qualities, Moscato d’Asti is a delightful choice for pairing with sweeter, dessert-like cheesecakes. A rich and indulgent chocolate or salted caramel cheesecake can be beautifully balanced by the light, fruity sweetness and gentle fizz of Moscato d’Asti.
11 Fortified Wine (Port)
A fortified wine like tawny port, one of the most popular dessert wines, is a wonderful pairing for several types of cheesecakes. The sweet flavor of a port is more than enough to keep up with fruit-topped cheesecakes, chocolate sauce, and other sweet ingredients.
Keep Experimenting: 5 Last Tips For Cheesecake Wine Pairings
The art of choosing food pairings for your next bottle of wine isn’t an exact science. You might not like sweet wine (or dessert wine) right now. Or you might prefer plain cheesecake without any additional toppings.
Providing wine-pairing tips for every type of cheesecake would take a long time! The solution is easy and fun: experiment! Use these tips to make national cheesecake day (July 30) memorable.
Consider the sweetness levels: Match the sweetness of the wine with the sweetness of the cheesecake. A sweeter dessert may benefit from a slightly sweeter wine, while a less sweet cheesecake can be paired with a wine with lower residual sugar.
Balance flavors: Look for wines that complement or contrast the flavors in the cheesecake. For example, a fruity cheesecake can be enhanced by a wine with similar fruit notes, or a creamy cheesecake can be balanced with good acidity.
Pay attention to textures: Consider the texture of both the cheesecake and the wine. Creamy, rich cheesecakes can be nicely contrasted by wines with crisp acidity or effervescence that can cleanse the palate.
Match intensity: Consider the intensity of flavors in both the cheesecake and the wine. Lighter, delicate cheesecakes can be paired with lighter-bodied wines, while heavier, more robust cheesecakes can stand up to fuller-bodied wines.
Experiment and personalize: There are no hard and fast rules for wine and cheesecake pairing, so feel free to experiment and discover your preferences. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations, and trust your taste buds to find what works best for you.
