Ice wine, often called “liquid gold,” is one of the most special and delicious types of wine. It’s known for being very sweet, having a bright acidity, and a smooth, rich texture. To fully enjoy ice wine, it’s important to pair it with the right foods. Not sure what foods go well with ice wine? This guide will show you the best ice wine food pairing ideas, including cheese, desserts, savoury dishes, and the different types of ice wine.
Ice Wine Food Pairing: Cheese Matches
Pairing cheese with wine is always a classic choice, and ice wine works wonderfully with a variety of flavours. The idea is to match the wine’s sweetness and acidity with cheeses that bring out the best in it, whether they’re salty, creamy, or aged.
- Salty Cheeses: Salty options like blue cheese, Roquefort, or Gorgonzola go perfectly with the sweet notes of ice wine. The wine’s sweetness balances the bold, salty flavours of the cheese for a delicious combination.
- Creamy Cheeses: Creamy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or triple cream are another excellent option. Their rich, buttery textures soften the sweetness and acidity of the wine, creating a smooth, satisfying pairing.
- Aged Cheeses: Cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda add an extra layer of depth. Their nuttiness and bold flavours highlight some of the more complex notes in the wine, making for a rich and flavourful experience.
Pro Tip: To elevate the pairing, serve the cheese at room temperature and the ice wine chilled. This contrast in temperature enhances both the flavours and the overall experience.
Ice Wine and Blue Cheese
I really enjoy pairing ice wine with blue cheese because the flavours work so well together. The wine is very sweet, which balances the salty and tangy taste of the cheese perfectly. The creamy texture of the blue cheese also goes nicely with the smoothness of the wine. It’s a favourite treat of mine for special occasions or when I want to impress guests at a gathering.
Dessert Pairings with Ice Wine
Desserts and ice wine are a perfect pair, but getting the balance right is important. If a dessert is too sweet, it can overpower the wine’s delicate flavours. Choosing desserts that work with the wine’s natural acidity will make the pairing shine.
- Fruit Desserts: Desserts like apple tarts, pear crisps, or apricot galettes are great choices. They bring out the fruity flavours in ice wine, such as peach or citrus.
- Creamy Desserts: Custards like crème brûlée or panna cotta pair perfectly. Their smooth texture and light sweetness let the wine’s flavours stand out.
- Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate can be too strong, but milk chocolate or white chocolate work beautifully. For example, try a milk chocolate mousse with a fruity topping.
Tip: A dessert with a little citrus or acidity, like a lemon tart, can make the wine taste even brighter and more refreshing!
Ice Wine Food Pairing: Savoury Dishes
You might be surprised to learn that ice wine pairs well with savoury dishes. Its sweet and tangy flavour makes it a great match for some unexpected combinations.
- Foie Gras: This is a classic pairing. The rich, buttery flavour of foie gras is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of ice wine, creating a truly decadent combination.
- Spicy Dishes: Ice wine’s sweetness helps cool down the heat of spicy food, making it a great match for dishes like Thai curry or Szechuan chicken.
- Meat Dishes: The fruity flavours of ice wine pair beautifully with meats like roasted duck breast, especially when served with a fruit glaze. Its acidity also helps cut through the richness of fatty meats.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix sweet and savoury flavours. Finding the right balance is the key to delicious pairings!
Food Pairing by Ice Wine Type
Not all ice wines are the same, and each type pairs best with certain foods. Here’s an easy guide to help you match different ice wines with the right dishes.
Riesling Ice Wine
Riesling ice wine is known for its high acidity and bright fruit flavours like citrus, peach, and apricot. It’s one of the most versatile ice wines for pairing with food.
What to pair with: Fruity desserts like apple tarts, creamy cheeses such as Brie, or savoury dishes like Thai green curry.
Vidal Ice Wine
Vidal ice wine has tropical fruit flavours like mango, lychee, and pineapple. It’s slightly less acidic than Riesling, making it ideal for pairing with sweeter and creamier foods.
What to pair with: Desserts like panna cotta, soft cheeses like Camembert, or seafood with a sweet fruit glaze.
Cabernet Franc Ice Wine
Cabernet Franc ice wine is unique because it’s made from red grapes. It has bold flavours like strawberry and raspberry, sometimes with herbal notes.
What to pair with: Milk chocolate mousse, aged gouda, or richer savoury dishes like crispy duck.
Gewürztraminer Ice Wine
Gewürztraminer ice wine stands out for its floral and spicy aroma, often with flavours of lychee and rose.
What to pair with: Spicy foods like Indian or Moroccan dishes, or fruit-filled desserts like apricot tarts.
The magic of ice wine is how it surprises and delights when paired with the right foods. Now that you know some great pairing ideas, why not try them out? Explore, taste, and enjoy the art of pairing ice wine with delicious bites.
To learn more about ice wine, how to serve it, and pairing ideas, check out our ice wine pairing & serving guide. This guide will help you make the most of this delicious treat!
