As a wine enthusiast and lover of cheesecake (who isn’t!), I have spent countless hours experimenting with different wine and cheesecake pairings. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect match for your next dessert.
Pairing Cheesecake with Wine
- Pinot Noir: A red wine with a low tannin content and fruity notes that pair well with lighter cheesecakes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A dry white wine with a high acidity level that pairs well with lemon cheesecake.
- Chardonnay: A white wine with a buttery and oaky flavor that pairs well with cheesecake.
- Riesling: A sweet and fruity white wine with a high acidity level that pairs well with cheesecake.
- Moscato: A sweet and light white wine with fruity notes that pairs well with cheesecake.
- Prosecco: A sparkling wine with a fruity and floral aroma that pairs well with cheesecake.
- Port: A fortified wine with a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with cheesecake.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A red wine with a high tannin content and fruity notes that pair well with chocolate cheesecake.
Other wine options to consider include sherry, zinfandel, merlot, shiraz, gewürztraminer, beaujolais, late harvest sauvignon blanc, and cabernet franc ice wine.
Cheesecake and Wine
When pairing wine with cheesecake, it is important to consider the sweetness level. A wine that is too dry will clash with the creamy sweetness of the cheesecake. On the other hand, a wine that is too sweet will overpower the dessert.
For a classic cheesecake, I recommend pairing it with a sweet and fruity white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines have enough sweetness to complement the dessert without overwhelming it. If you prefer red wines, try Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Matching Flavors
Another important factor to consider when pairing wine with cheesecake is the flavor. A wine with flavors that complement the cheesecake will enhance the overall experience.
For a lemon or orange cheesecake, try a Moscato d’Asti or an ‘extra dry’ prosecco. These wines have a light and refreshing flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the citrus. For a creamy dessert like a New York-style cheesecake, I recommend a lightly oaked Chardonnay. The creamy flavor of the wine complements the cheesecake perfectly.
Matching Richness and Texture
Matching the richness and texture of the wine with the cheesecake is also important. A light-bodied wine will be overwhelmed by a dense and creamy cheesecake, while a full-bodied wine will overpower a light and delicate cheesecake.
For a rich and velvety cheesecake, try a Merlot or a Pinot Noir. These wines have a smooth and silky texture that pairs well with the creamy texture of the cheesecake. For a lighter cheesecake, like a ricotta cheesecake, try a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has a crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the dessert.
Types of Cheesecake
Cheesecake comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular types of cheesecake include:
- Classic New York-style cheesecake: This rich and creamy cheesecake is made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, and has a graham cracker crust.
- Fruit-based cheesecake: This type of cheesecake is made with fresh fruit or fruit puree, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Chocolate cheesecake: This decadent cheesecake is made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Pumpkin cheesecake: This fall-inspired cheesecake is made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Red velvet cake: This colorful cake is made with cocoa powder and buttermilk, giving it a unique flavor that pairs well with cream cheese frosting.
When selecting a wine to pair with cheesecake, it’s important to consider the flavor profile of the cheesecake. For example, a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port would pair well with a fruit-based cheesecake, while a bold red wine like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon would pair well with a chocolate cheesecake.
In addition to the type of cheesecake, it’s also important to consider the toppings and other flavors in the recipe. For example, a berry-topped cheesecake would pair well with a light and fruity white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, while a pumpkin cheesecake with a graham cracker crust would pair well with a sparkling wine like Prosecco.
Types of Wine
Wine can be broadly categorized into two types: red and white. Red wine is made from red or black grapes and has a higher tannin content, which gives it a dry and bitter taste. White wine, on the other hand, is made from green grapes and has a lower tannin content, making it lighter and more refreshing.
Sweetness and Acidity
Wine can also be categorized based on its sweetness and acidity. Sweetness is determined by the amount of residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. Wines can range from bone dry to very sweet. Acidity is the tartness or sourness in the wine. High-acidity wines are refreshing and pair well with rich and fatty foods.
Aromas and Notes
Wines also have a variety of aromas and notes, which are influenced by the grape variety, terroir, and winemaking techniques. Some common aromas and notes in wines include fruit, floral, spice, oak, and earthy.
Wine Pairing with Cheesecake – What I learned
In my opinion, the best wine to pair with cheesecake for a lighter cheesecake, a sweet and fruity white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. These wines complement the sweetness of the cheesecake without overpowering it. For a richer and creamier cheesecake, a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot is a good choice. The bold flavors of these wines will stand up to the richness of the cheesecake.
If you’re looking for a dessert wine to pair with your cheesecake, Moscato or Porto are great options. These sweet wines complement the sweetness of the cheesecake and add a touch of elegance to the meal. Sparkling wine and champagne are also excellent choices. They add a festive touch to any occasion and pair well with the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Coffee is another option to consider when pairing wine with cheesecake. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cheesecake and helps to balance the flavors. Muscat is a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter wine. Its fruity and floral notes pair well with the flavors of the cheesecake.
With regards to toppings, caramel, and raspberry are popular choices. These flavors pair well with a variety of wines, including dessert wines and liqueurs. Cream cheese is another popular ingredient in cheesecake. Its tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of wines, including white wines and sparkling wines.
