Our pick: Yellow Tail Merlot ($5.99) Speaking in the broadest of terms with Zinfandel (as there are so many nuances from one to the next) you’re working with berry flavors, jam, spice box, cigar, black pepper, plum, and licorice. As it ages, this sweet wine takes on a deep, almost caramelized flavor — which is why it’s a natural pairing for caramel- and nut-based desserts. Consider trying these foods with the Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc. And of course there’s the famous sweet White Zins of California, that in tandem with the Port-styled Late Harvest Zins, are much better fare for dessert pairings. White zinfandel always is served cold and is commonly consumed as an aperitif before the meal. White zinfandel should be served cold and with light meats, spicy sauces, cheeses and desserts. Tokaji has notes of citrus and apricot that make it pleasantly fruity, but also features mineral notes that play perfectly off the savory flavor of a cheese plate. Zinfandel also pairs well with roast beef, beef stroganoff, braised short ribs of beef and other cuts for braising and barbecuing such as brisket, skirt steak or flank steak. Its bold flavor can stand up to stronger cheeses, so make sure to include at least one blue cheese on your plate. Most of the port you’ll find at the liquor store is ruby port, and this is also the most budget-friendly option. Pork Beef Lamb Italian Sausage Spare ribs Brisket Venison. Sweet wines are generally served with dessert, where their honeyed flavours find plenty of suitable matches. The crisp, fruity flavors of the wine make it an ideal accompaniment to fresh fruits, jams, custards, cheesecakes, puddings, crème brûlée and simple vanilla or lemon cakes and cookies. This wine's style is quite varied, but certain regions have made their mark. Please verify your email address by going to your email and retrieving the 6 digit confirmation code and submitting below. If you want a satisfying dessert that’s not too decadent, pair it with homemade caramel-and-almond popcorn or cinnamon-caramel swirl bars. They make red wines taste bitter. She recommends serving at 9°C-10°C, but suggests, ‘a cooler temperature when wines are served with a spicy dish or a sweet dessert. Pair white zinfandel with light meat, including chicken, pork and lamb. White Wine; Wine & Food Pairings; Wine Terms; Wine and Cheese Pairing; Best of Lists. In the current cheese-pairing climate, which favors whites and lighter reds, zinfandel gets short shrift. If you’re looking for a savory dessert, pick up Tokaji — a sweet Hungarian wine — as your accompaniment. Tawny port has a golden-red hue to match its name, thanks to the barrels it's aged in. Wine made from the late-harvest grapes is the sweetest and boasts rich figgy notes that complement creamy caramel and vanilla flavors in your dessert. Port goes best with strong cheese such as mature cheddar or stilton, while Rioja complements hard cheeses including Manchego. Both are best with white wines. When picking out a Zinfandel to pair with dinner, take a peek at the wine's alcohol level. If you want a sweet-tart dessert, pair your sparkling wine with raspberry lemon bar s'more parfaits for a perfectly balanced final course. This wine … Pair Off-Dry Riesling with Spicy Thai Takeout But a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality. Too much alcohol can sometimes make a wine less food friendly, particularly when paired with spicy foods. Serve white zinfandel with curry, creole stews, spicy Mexican salsa, tandoori chicken, pad Thai and countless other dishes. Hint of red color plenty of suitable matches dishes are better accompanied by white wines and food Pairings wine... Raisiny Pedro Ximenez sherries are all perfect choices rich Madeira as a sweet Hungarian wine — your... 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