Is your favorite red wine suddenly undrinkable when you pair it with dessert? You’re not alone. Sugar in wine and food is one of the biggest sources of wine pairing fails—and most people have no idea why!
In this episode of Everyday Sommelier, expert Sommelier, Richard King, joins host Kristi Mayfield. The goal? To decode the complexities of sweet wine pairing and how sugar changes everything you thought you knew about enjoying wine with food.
Ever wonder why that big, bold red you loved with steak turns to “tree bark” when paired with cake, how hidden sugars in sauces and cuisines can throw your wine off balance, and why embracing dessert wines is the game changer your palate craves? We've got you covered!
Kristi and Richard break down the differences between entry-level sweet wines and complex, intentionally crafted dessert wines, reveal how to choose the right sweet wine (even on a budget), and share why acidity is the unsung hero of the best dessert wines.
Plus, get practical tips for trying new wine styles, avoid the classic wine-with-dessert disaster, and discover why dessert wines can be both the finale and the star of your meal.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- Why pairing dry red wines with sweet desserts is a recipe for disappointment—and the science behind it
- The difference between everyday sweet wines and true dessert wines (and why it matters for your pairing)
- How acidity and balance in dessert wines keep them from being sugar bombs
- fProven strategies to find your favorite dessert wine—and make every pairing a memorable one
TIMESTAMPS & KEY TITLES
00:00 – Avoiding Wine and Dessert Fails: Why Your Red Wine Tastes Terrible with Sugar
04:00 – Why Most People Hate Sweet Wines (and How to Rethink Them for Food Pairing)
11:00 – The Truth About Dessert Wines vs. Sweet Table Wines: What Sets Them Apart
17:00 – Top 3 Dessert Wines You Should Know for Perfect End-of-Meal Pairings
24:15 – Rule #1 for Pairing Sweet Wines with Food: How to Never Ruin a Dessert Pairing Again
27:14 – Unexpected Pairings: Sweet Wines with Spicy and Savory Dishes for Advanced Foodies
Updated Menu Match by WINE WIZE content to solve wine pairing challenges at restaurants
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