The holidays are a time to treat ourselves, and few things pair better with festive desserts than sparkling wine. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or a cozy gathering, the right wine can elevate your holiday sweets to a whole new level. From the bright citrusy notes of Crémant to the luxurious bubbles of Champagne, sparkling wines offer a versatile and celebratory touch to any dessert table.
Before we dive into specific pairings, let’s cover a few essential tips to help you choose the perfect sparkling wine for your favorite treats:
Match Sweetness Levels: The wine’s sweetness should match the dessert’s sweetness. For very sweet desserts, choose a sweeter sparkling wine like a Demi-Sec Champagne.
Balance Flavors: Rich, dense desserts pair well with complex, full-bodied sparkling wines, while light, citrusy desserts shine with crisp, dry options like Brut or Crémant.
Timing is Key: If a dessert is overly sweet (like a frosted cake), consider serving coffee first and sparkling wine afterward.
Flexibility Rules: Sparkling wines, with their versatility and palate-cleansing bubbles, can handle a wide variety of flavors—so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Now that you know the basics, let’s get into some pairings that will make your holiday season sparkle.
Holiday Treats & Sparkling Wine Pairings
1. Sugar Cookies & Prosecco
The light sweetness and festive bubbles of Prosecco highlight the buttery, delicate flavors of sugar cookies. This pairing screams holiday cheer and is perfect for any cookie exchange.
2. Lemon Bars & Crémant
The bright citrus notes in Crémant d’Alsace amplify the tangy zest of lemon bars. With its Champagne-like quality at a more approachable price, Crémant makes this pairing both elegant and budget-friendly.
3. Pecan Pie & Demi-Sec Champagne
The nutty richness of pecan pie pairs beautifully with the balanced sweetness of Demi-Sec Champagne. For an elevated experience, try a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Demi-Sec—a luxurious complement to this decadent dessert.
4. Chocolate Cake & Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Rare 2013
Deep, rich, and complex, Piper-Heidsieck’s Cuvée Rare stands up to the intense flavors of chocolate cake. The wine’s refined bubbles and dark fruit notes enhance every bite of this classic dessert.
5. Gingerbread & Cava
The earthy spices in gingerbread cookies pair seamlessly with the crisp, slightly toasty flavors of a quality Cava. Its affordability and versatility make it a great addition to your holiday spread.
6. Candy Canes & Brut Champagne
The refreshing mint of candy canes or peppermint cookies pairs surprisingly well with a dry Brut Champagne like Piper-Heidsieck Extra Dry. The crisp bubbles cut through the sweetness, creating a balanced and festive pairing.
7. Snickerdoodles & Crémant Rosé
For a twist, pair these cinnamon-sugar delights with a Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut. Its fruity undertones and refreshing acidity elevate the warm spice of snickerdoodles.
8. Fruit Tart & Louis Roederer Cristal 2014
The crisp acidity and citrus notes in Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2014 beautifully complement the vibrant fruitiness of a holiday tart. This luxurious pairing is sure to impress at any gathering.
Stock Up on Sparkling Wines for the Holidays
As you plan your holiday dessert table, don’t forget to stock up on the perfect sparkling wines to complement your treats. From indulgent Champagne like Louis Roederer Cristal to affordable yet elegant options like Crémant or Cava, WTSO has you covered with a wide selection to fit every taste and budget.
Explore our Holiday Wine Collection at wtso.com and make this season one to remember.
Have questions or need help finding the right bottle? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 866-957-2795.