As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change color, we know that Halloween is just around the corner. And what goes better with Halloween than a glass (or two) of wine? If you're looking for something a little different this year, why not try a Spanish wine? Here are three of our favorite dessert wines from Spain that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
What better way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year than with a glass (or two) of delicious Spanish dessert wine? Read on for our top picks.
Moscatel
Moscatel is a type of fortified wine made from the Muscat grape. It's produced in a variety of styles, from bone-dry to syrupy sweet, and its flavors can range from floral and citrusy to rich and raisiny. Moscatel wines are produced all over the world, but they're particularly popular in Spain, Portugal, and South America.
Moscatel wines are made in one of two ways: the grape must can be fermented with the skins contact or without skin contact. The first method results in what's called a vino de agua, or "water wine," which is a light-bodied wine with little to no color. The second method produces what's called a vino dulce natural, or "natural sweet wine," which is darker in color and richer in flavor.
Pedro Ximenez
Pedro Ximenez is made from Pedro Ximenez grapes that are dried in the sun before being fermented. This process concentrates the sugars in the grape juice, resulting in a wine with an incredibly high sugar content.Pedro Ximenez wines are usually fortified with brandy, which further adds to their sweetness.
If you are looking for a special gift, try pairing PX with chocolate. The sweetness of the wine will counteract the bitterness of the chocolate, making for a delicious and decadent combination. Believe me, it is worth spending on a good bottle of PX for this pairing.
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine made in Andalusia, Spain. It ranges in color from light golden to deep amber and has a nutty flavor with notes of raisins and dried fruit. Sherry is perfect for pairing with Halloween candy like chocolate bars or candy corn.
How to pair wine and dessert
Ah, wine and dessert. Is there anything more heavenly? The rich, creamy texture of a well-made cheesecake. The delicate sweetness of a strawberry tart. The decadent indulgence of a chocolate lava cake. And let's not forget the pièce de résistance: a nice glass of wine to wash it all down.
But what kind of wine should you pair with your dessert? A sweet wine? A dry wine? A red wine? A white wine? So many choices, so little time! Never fear, my fellow wine lovers. I'm here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of wine and dessert pairings. Read on for my top tips on how to make your next wine and dessert pairing something truly special.
1. Choose the right wine for your dessert.
The first step in any good pairing is to choose the right wine for your dessert. You wouldn't pair a Merlot with a chocolate cake, would you? (If you would, more power to you. You do you, boo.) In general, you want to match the sweetness of your dessert with the sweetness of your wine. So, if you're having a light, fruity dessert like a strawberry tart or peach cobbler, go for a light, fruity wine like a Riesling or Moscato. If you're having a rich, decadent dessert like chocolate cake or cheesecake, go for a fuller-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you're having an extra-sweet dessert like crème brûlée or tiramisu, go for an even sweeter wine like Port or Sauternes.
2. Consider the other flavors in your dessert.
In addition to matching the sweetness of your dessert with the sweetness of your wine, you also want to take into account the other flavors in your dish. For example, if your dessert contains citrusy flavors like lemon or lime, you might want to pair it with a sparkling wine like Cava. If it contains nutty flavors like hazelnut or almond, you might want to go for a Chardonnay. And if it contains smoky notes like coffee or chocolate, you might want to try a Syrah or Zinfandel. Basically, you want your wine to complement the flavors in your dessert—not compete with them.
3. Let the weather be your guide.
Warm weather calls for lighter wines while cold weather calls for fuller-bodied wines. So, if you're enjoying your dessert on a hot summer day ,you might want to try a grower-producer Spanish Cava an off-dry Riesling from Germany .On the other hand ,if you're savoring your sweet treat by the fireplace on a chilly winter night ,you might want to get cozy with a sweet Sauternes from France or an ruby Port from Portugal .Pairing your wine with the season will help bring out the best flavors in both your wine and your desser.
4. Don't be afraidto experiment .
The best wayto find out what kind of wine pairs best with your favorite desserts is to try different combinations until you find ones that you enjoy .So what say we get started ,shall we ? Bon appétit!
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to pairing wine and dessert. It's all about finding what combination YOU enjoy the most! So grab your favorite bottle of vino and dig into that chocolate cake - I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy tastings!
But if you're looking for something a little different this year, why not try a Spanish wine? Here are some of our favorite dessert wines from Spain that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit! Salud!
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