Wine is a versatile beverage that can be paired with many different types of foods, including cheesecake.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic New York-style cheesecake or a fresh no-bake cheesecake, wine pairing with cheesecake can enhance the flavors and textures of your dessert.
Basics of Wine Pairing With Cheesecake
When choosing a wine for your cheesecake match light and subtle wines with lighter, subtler cheesecakes, and bolder, richer wines with heavier, denser cheesecakes.
For example, if you’re serving a tangy goat cheese cheesecake topped with fresh fruit, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would work well.
Conversely, if you’re preparing an indulgent chocolate cheesecake topped with toasted hazelnuts, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon would be the perfect pairing for a truly memorable dessert.
Wine Pairing With Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a popular dessert among wine lovers, and there are many different wine pairings that can be used to enhance the flavors of the treat while enjoying the unique flavors and aromas of the wine.
Port Wine
Port wine is a popular dessert wine, and it’s not only delicious and sweet, but it’s typically salty enough to complement sweet foods without overpowering them.
The flavor of port wine is commonly associated with blackberries, caramel, raspberry, cinnamon, and chocolate sauce.
These subtle flavors pair delectably with any cheesecake that has a similar topping.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a wine that is light, bubbly, and refreshing. It has notes of peach, nectarine, and honeysuckle.
This wine goes great with lighter cheesecakes that have fruit toppings.
The sweetness in the wine will accentuate the sweetness of the fruit while the acidity will cut through the richness of the cheesecake.
Rosé Wine
If you are looking for a wine that can pair with any type of cheesecake, try a glass of dry rosé wine. Rosés typically have notes of strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon.
These bright fruit flavors will complement the richness and sweetness of the cheesecake while also cutting through the fat and sugar.
Additionally, the acidity in rosé wine can help to balance out all of those indulgent flavors.
Whether you prefer fruity or creamy cheesecakes, rosé wine is the perfect wine pairing for any type of cheesecake!
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that is light-bodied and has notes of citrus, gooseberry, and grapefruit.
This wine is the perfect pairing for lighter cheesecakes, such as those made with goat cheese or ricotta.
The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc will help to balance out the richness of the cheesecake while also accentuating the sweetness of the dessert and toppings.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that is full-bodied and has flavors of blackberry, cassis, and chocolate.
This wine is the perfect pairing for richer and denser cheesecakes, such as those made with cream cheese or mascarpone.
The bold flavors of the wine will complement the sweetness of the cheesecake while accentuating the bold flavors of dark fruits, caramel, sea salt, and dark chocolate.
See our related article on Wine and Chocolate Pairings for more deliciously sweet (and bitter) ideas!
Moscato
The peach, orange blossom, and nectarine aromas from the white wine are well-known.
Moscato’s sweet taste and light alcohol content make it an excellent dessert wine that complements a rich cheesecake.
Be aware that Moscato is produced around the world with varying flavor profiles dependent on the region in which it is produced.
Still, a good Moscato and a delicious cheesecake go perfectly together.
Read More: What Wine Goes Best With Scallops? Here are our favorite wine pairings for your next seafood dinner!
Sherry wine
You might also consider pairing your cheesecake with a glass of sherry wine. Sherry wine is typically made from fortified wine and has notes of nuts, caramel, and butterscotch.
This wine pairs well with any type of cheesecake, but especially those made with more savory flavors like Bleu Cheese or Gorgonzola.
The sweetness and richness of the wine will complement the cheesecake while also tempering its bolder, more savory flavors.
Read More: Sherry vs Brandy: What’s the Difference? This complete guide discusses everything you need to know to find your best beverage!
Shiraz wine
If you’re looking for a wine that can pair perfectly with any type of cheesecake, look no further than Shiraz wine.
This bold red wine is full-bodied and has notes of cherry, plum, and blackberry.
The rich flavor of the wine pairs beautifully with the richness and sweetness of cheesecake, while also cutting through its dense texture.
Whether you prefer fruity or creamy cheesecakes, Shiraz wine will bring out the best in any type of cheesecake!
See our related article, What Does Shiraz Red Wine Taste Like? Is it right for you? Discover food pairings, Sharaz’s flavor profile, and MORE here.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel wine is a great choice for those who enjoy a bolder wine. It has flavors of black cherry, spice, and pepper.
This wine can stand up to the richest and heaviest cheesecakes. The sweetness of the wine will also accentuate any fruit toppings that you may have on your cheesecake.
Zinfandel is also a great wine to pair with chocolate cheesecakes for an incredibly decadent experience.
Riesling
Riesling wine is another wine that can be paired with virtually any type of cheesecake. It has flavors of peach, apricot, and honey.
This wine pairs especially well with fruity cheesecakes due to the sweetness and acidity of the wine.
Additionally, Riesling wine can help to cut through the richness and saltiness of savory cheesecakes.
Whether you are looking for a sweet or savory wine pairing, pull the cork on a great Riesling wine because it’s a great choice for any cheesecake!
Read our related article on Riesling vs Moscato. We provide a complete comparison and in-depth look at these two wine favorites!
Wrap Up
When it comes to wine pairing with cheesecake, there are many different wines that can be used to enhance the flavors of the dessert.
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy indulging in a slice of cheesecake every now and then, there is no denying that wine makes the perfect pairing for this delicious dessert.
From sweet port wine to light and refreshing prosecco, there are many different wine pairings that can be used to enhance the flavors of your favorite cheesecake, each bringing a new flavor experience.