As we are in the throws of the summer season, it’s likely that more of us will be incorporating lighter fare for entrees; salads, fish and vegetables will intermingle with the classic summer barbecue.  And the usual assortment of whites will be paired with the lighter fare while heavier reds will balance the muscle of a steak or burgers.  But somehow, the concept of pairing a summer dessert with wine seems to be relegated to the “after thought” bin, coffee often the drink of choice.  I think that sometimes we become so lost in focusing upon pairing the right wine with the entrée, the dessert and partner wine gets left behind.  I know that I am as guilty as anyone in this regard, not to mention the challenge of allotting some space at the end of the meal.

Pairing a dessert with wine may seem a bit uncomfortable at first, only because you have not played with it often.  But if you follow many of the same principals as you do in pairing an entrée with wine, you’ll begin to unlock some new and exciting partners.  As fruit based desserts offer sugar and varying acidity, it’s helpful to pair a wine that is as sweet or sweeter than the dessert.  Otherwise, the wine flavors may suffer from comparative tartness.  For example, pairing a Sauvignon Blanc with apple pie or apricot tort may exaggerate the natural tartness of the wine making it taste a bitter (however, it would work with raw apples).  My preference would be a late harvest Gewurztraminer, a late harvest Riesling, a Chenin Blanc, Muscat or a Sauternes.  All of these wines are characterized by a delightful sweetness in addition to individual nuances.  The central theme in pairing here is to match the weights and sugar intensity of both.  Also note that most of the wines that pair so well with summery fruit desserts are white and often off dry to sweet.  Now…..on with show.

Apples:  Not surprisingly, acid loves acid so if raw, think Sauvignon Blanc.   If topped with honey, think sweeter wines such as Gewurztraminer, off dry to sweet German Riesling,  Chenin Blanc  or Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or Sparkling Wine.