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 seems to be the half, tastes refreshing, and makes the most effective patio companion. However whereas I’ve bought no downside pouring a glass to go together 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, just a little floral, typically dry, typically bubbly. However does that imply it goes with chocolate? Citrus? Cake? Seems, rosé doesn’t at all times need to be paired with sweets—particularly if we’re speaking about cream-heavy or chocolate-drenched choices. The acidity simply doesn’t play nicely with wealthy, mouth-coating fat. However with the precise pairing? It could possibly truly 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 Form of Rosé Ought to You Be Consuming?
Earlier than we get to dessert, let’s discuss in regards to the wine. Virtually each skilled I spoke with emphasised Earlier than we get to the sweets, let’s discuss wine. Each skilled I spoke with emphasised the identical factor: when doubtful, go French. Particularly, Provence.
“These rosés have a crisp, fruity profile that’s completely refreshing for a summer time sip,” says Ashley Herzberg, consulting winemaker at Avaline. “Search for natural wines with no components (added sugars, colours, concentrates, and many others.) so you’ll be able to really feel assured about what’s in your glass.”
Wines from Provence are typically dry, vibrant, and fruit-forward—aka best when you’re pairing with contemporary seasonal fruit or lighter baked items.
Nonetheless vs. Glowing
Nonetheless rosés normally shine brightest with fruit-forward desserts, tarts, or citrusy bakes—nothing too wealthy or chocolate-heavy. Glowing rosés, then again, convey a vibrant acidity and effervescence that opens the door to bolder pairings.
“The full of life 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 = hold it gentle and contemporary.
Chocolate + Rosé: It’s Difficult
Chocolate and rosé aren’t a match made in heaven—until you get just a little strategic. Nicole broke it down:
• Match the depth: Be certain that the rosé is as candy (or sweeter) than the chocolate.
• Stick to exploit or white chocolate: These gained’t overpower rosé’s delicate physique.
• Attempt ruby chocolate: Particularly if the wine has berry notes.
• Pair glowing rosé with bittersweet or darkish chocolate: The bubbles hold it gentle and balanced.
• Search for floral/citrus tones: Pair these wines with sweets 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 doubtful, go together with Fruit
Each skilled 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 time 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 nicely with the fragile minerality of a conventional Provence Rose,” he defined.
Ashley had the same take. Her go-tos for rosé dessert pairings?
• Tangy goat cheese cheesecake
• Contemporary 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 time is Avaline Rosé (which I’ll say I just lately tried and cherished).
Even richer bakes work finest after they’re infused with fruit or citrus to echo the wine’s pure notes. Nicole added, “Rosé typically 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 bought in my rosé rotation currently, based mostly on suggestions and tastings.
Picture by Avaline
Avaline Rosé, $24
Tremendous contemporary, natural, and lightweight—suppose citrus and melon. It’s a dream with lemony desserts like an olive oil cake or lemon curd tart.
Picture by La Vieille Ferme
La Vieille Ferme Rosé, $9
The enduring Dealer Joe’s bottle (aka “rooster wine”). Dry and stone-fruity. Finest with peach galette or strawberry shortcake.
Picture 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 present. I like this bottle and suppose it might pair nice with chocolate-covered strawberries or a berry crumble.
Picture 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.
Picture by Hampton Water Wine Co.
Hampton Water Rosé, $20
Elegant, dry, and enjoyable. Nice with almond cake or a citrusy pavlova with a lot of texture.
Picture by Wölffer Property
Wölffer Property Summer season in a Bottle Rosé, $16
Traditional Provence with a burst of fruit and minerality. Attempt it with contemporary berries and whipped cream or something with peaches.
Picture 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 under).
Right here’s what to serve (or simply snack on) together 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
