Everyone knows a crisp glass of rosé shines in the summertime. It’s chilly, it’s gentle, it’s pink—what’s to not love? It appears the half, tastes refreshing, and makes one of the best patio companion. However whereas I’ve acquired no drawback pouring a glass to go along with a salad, some cheese, or by itself, there’s one factor I spotted I had no clue how you can pair it with: dessert.
Rosé is fruity, a bit floral, generally dry, generally bubbly. However does that imply it goes with chocolate? Citrus? Cake? Seems, rosé doesn’t at all times wish to be paired with sweets—particularly if we’re speaking about cream-heavy or chocolate-drenched choices. The acidity simply doesn’t play properly with wealthy, mouth-coating fat. However with the fitting pairing? It may really elevate the dessert—and vice versa.
So I talked to individuals who actually know their stuff: a chocolatier, a consulting winemaker, and a wine bar proprietor. Right here’s what they needed to say about making your favourite pink drink play good with sweets.
Whether or not you are sipping one thing glowing or cracking open your favourite $12 bottle from Dealer Joe’s, right here’s what works—and what doesn’t.
So, What Sort of Rosé Ought to You Be Ingesting?
Earlier than we get to dessert, let’s discuss concerning the wine. Nearly each professional I spoke with emphasised Earlier than we get to the sweets, let’s discuss wine. Each professional I spoke with emphasised the identical factor: when unsure, go French. Particularly, Provence.
“These rosés have a crisp, fruity profile that’s completely refreshing for a summer season sip,” says Ashley Herzberg, consulting winemaker at Avaline. “Search for natural wines with no components (added sugars, colours, concentrates, and so forth.) so you possibly can really feel assured about what’s in your glass.”
Wines from Provence are typically dry, vibrant, and fruit-forward—aka perfect in the event you’re pairing with contemporary seasonal fruit or lighter baked items.
Nonetheless vs. Glowing
Nonetheless rosés often shine brightest with fruit-forward desserts, tarts, or citrusy bakes—nothing too wealthy or chocolate-heavy. Glowing rosés, then again, carry a vibrant acidity and effervescence that opens the door to bolder pairings.
“The vigorous bubbles act as a palate cleanser, permitting every chew of chocolate to shine,” says chocolatier Nicole Patel of Delysia Chocolatier. She loves glowing rosé with chocolate-dipped strawberries, ruby chocolate, or berry-infused truffles.
The TL;DR: Glowing = can go a bit bolder. Nonetheless = preserve it gentle and contemporary.
Chocolate + Rosé: It’s Sophisticated
Chocolate and rosé aren’t a match made in heaven—except you get a bit strategic. Nicole broke it down:
• Match the depth: Be certain the rosé is as candy (or sweeter) than the chocolate.
• Stick to take advantage of or white chocolate: These gained’t overpower rosé’s delicate physique.
• Strive ruby chocolate: Particularly if the wine has berry notes.
• Pair glowing rosé with bittersweet or darkish chocolate: The bubbles preserve it gentle and balanced.
• Search for floral/citrus tones: Pair these wines with candies infused with rose petals, lemon, or orange blossom.
• If it’s Syrah-based? Add spice. Chocolate with clove, chipotle, or cinnamon can work fantastically.
When unsure, go along with Fruit
Each professional I talked to agreed on one factor: rosé loves fruit. The general consensus? Go gentle, go fruity, and don’t go too creamy or wealthy.
“I like issues which have contemporary summer season fruits: strawberry dishes, melon salads, something with peaches,” says Brian Mitchell, supervisor at Brooklyn’s Brookvin.
He avoids something too creamy or overly chocolatey, preferring desserts with gentle pastry texture and brightness.
“I do not really feel just like the mouth coating fat work properly with the fragile minerality of a standard Provence Rose,” he defined.
Ashley had an analogous take. Her go-tos for rosé dessert pairings?
• Tangy goat cheese cheesecake
• Recent berry tart
• Lemon olive oil cake
She finds that these stability the wine’s pure acidity and complement the flavour. In fact, her decide of the summer season is Avaline Rosé (which I’ll say I just lately tried and liked).
Even richer bakes work finest once they’re infused with fruit or citrus to echo the wine’s pure notes. Nicole added, “Rosé usually has flavors like strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, or stone fruit, making it good for pairing with fruit-infused chocolate truffles.”
The Rosé Rotation
Right here’s what I’ve acquired in my rosé rotation these days, primarily based on suggestions and tastings.
Photograph by Avaline
Avaline Rosé, $24
Tremendous contemporary, natural, and light-weight—assume citrus and melon. It’s a dream with lemony desserts like an olive oil cake or lemon curd tart.
Photograph by La Vieille Ferme
La Vieille Ferme Rosé, $9
The long-lasting Dealer Joe’s bottle (aka “hen wine”). Dry and stone-fruity. Greatest with peach galette or strawberry shortcake.
Photograph by Studio Acquire
Moët & Chandon x Pharrell Williams Nectar Impérial Rosé, $42+
Wealthy, bubbly, and barely candy. A little bit of a splurge decide that makes a enjoyable reward. I like this bottle and assume it will pair nice with chocolate-covered strawberries or a berry crumble.
Photograph by Prophecy
Prophecy Rosé, $11
A watermelon-y vibe with a cute bottle to match. Goat cheese cheesecake with berries or a shortbread tart is the transfer.
Photograph by Hampton Water Wine Co.
Hampton Water Rosé, $20
Elegant, dry, and enjoyable. Nice with almond cake or a citrusy pavlova with numerous texture.
Photograph by Wölffer Property
Wölffer Property Summer time in a Bottle Rosé, $16
Basic Provence with a burst of fruit and minerality. Strive it with contemporary berries and whipped cream or something with peaches.
Photograph by Minuty Status
Chateau Minuty Status, $27
One other Provence decide. Crisp and clear with notes of orchard fruits and florals. I might see paring this with an apricot tart or peach galette (see recipes beneath).
Right here’s what to serve (or simply snack on) along with your subsequent glass:
Glowing Rosé
Pair with: berry crumble, chocolate-dipped strawberries, bittersweet truffles
Dry Nonetheless Rosé
Pair with: lemon cake, olive oil cake, strawberry shortcake, almond pastries
Rosés with a touch of sweetness
Pair with: apricot galette, goat cheese cheesecake with berries, shortbread fruit tarts
