Pairing with puds – This little holiday wine pairing guide will help you decide what to pour into your guests’ glasses alongside the classic celebration desserts.
Two of the three kings of Bethlehem gave gifts of spices – spices were valued as much as gold. But, you don’t have to go to the East for it, as hardworking farmers make their wines with the greatest dedication in 14 wine regions of Portugal. Let’s love them a little on the holiday of love and taste the fruits of their labor. Smells and tastes make our holidays more beautiful, exciting and memorable, so let’s enjoy one of the best spices, wine.
And, so that you don’t have to look for the right wines for the celebration menu at the last minute this year, it’s good to have a small list in your pocket right now: a festive dessert and wine pairing guide. With the help of this, you won’t have to think for a second about what to pour into your guests’ glasses in Portugal with the most delicious festive treats.
But first of all, get to know the main rules for a good pairing!
When it comes to desserts or sugary snacks, not just at Christmas, but at any time of the year – the wine should always be sweeter than the dish you enjoy.
Remember that the perfect Christmas pairing is made of smiles, good chats, and a lot of complicity at the table. So, do not get too attached to the rules and dare to try different combinations.
And when midnight comes on the 31st, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months. One raisin is traditionally eaten at each stroke of the clock. And for those who want to accompany the raisins with sparkling wine, here are also some super delicious suggestions to start the new year.
This little holiday Portuguese wine pairing guide will help you decide what to pour into your guests’ glasses alongside the classic celebration desserts.
I am happy to share that my new article has been already published in the November issue of the Algarve Plus Magazine in Portugal.
The magazine is readable online or downloaded for free here.
Happy reading!
Or read here my whole article:
Spice up the holidays with wine!
Who hasn’t been in the shoes of coming up with a Christmas menu with great difficulty that is not only delicious individually, but also goes well with each other, but the question of “What should we drink with the treats?” had already struck a nail in our head. Since, when Christmas is here, of course, toasting cannot be left out.
Two of the three kings of Bethlehem gave gifts of spices – spices were valued as much as gold. But, you don’t have to go to the East for it, as hardworking farmers make their wines with the greatest dedication in 14 wine regions of Portugal. Let’s love them a little on the holiday of love and taste the fruits of their labor. Smells and tastes make our holidays more beautiful, exciting and memorable, so let’s enjoy one of the best spices, wine.
And, so that you don’t have to look for the right wines for the celebration menu at the last minute this year, it’s good to have a small list in your pocket right now: a festive dessert and wine pairing guide. With the help of this, you won’t have to think for a second about what to pour into your guests’ glasses with the most delicious festive treats.
First of all, get to know the main rules for a good pairing!
When tasting a dish, our taste buds adapt to the characteristics of that food, changing the perception of the components of the wine. In general terms, food has a greater impact on how we feel the wine than vice versa.
And when it comes to treats, the basic rule is that the wine should always be sweeter than the dessert. The sweetness of a dish increases the perception of bitterness, astringency, and acidity in the wine. At the same time, it reduces the perception of its body, sweetness, and the presence of fruit. Thus, to pair dishes with a high level of sugar, a good rule to follow is to choose a wine that has a higher degree of sweetness than the dish.
But remember that the perfect Christmas pairing is made of smiles, good chats, and a lot of complicity at the table. So, do not get too attached to the rules and dare to try different combinations.
1. Pacheca 30 Year Old Tawny, Douro
Quinta da Pacheca is famous for knowing how to make fortified wines such as Port wine. This orange tawny is soft but very persistent on the palate. It is especially suitable for accompanying desserts with dried fruits, figs, chocolate, or eggs. Its aroma is marked by the sweet aftertaste of caramelized almonds and the spices used in traditional sweets such as Bolo Rei.
2. Falcoaria Colheita Tardia 2018, Tejo
With Viognier and Fernão Pires, this white wine from Quinta do Casal immediately stands out due to its amber color. It is marked by an aromatic exuberance and the intense fruit notes that characterize it. In addition to the tangerine, it is impossible not to feel the aftertaste of fig, dried apricot and orange blossom, which is very present. Its enormous aromatic complexity and lively acidity are perfectly harmonious with the complex aromatic notes of fruits. The wine finishes fresh and very persistent, sublimating the sugar of the seasonal desserts, many of them seasoned with strong and hot spices.
Pairs well with Broas de Natal, the Christmas version of Broa, a traditional Portuguese cornbread. These are small oval biscuits made with sweet potatoes, corn- or almond flour, sugar, and spices like aniseed and cinnamon.
3. Boeira Porto White Diamond, Douro
One of the references in the portfolio of Quinta da Boeira is much more than a mere wine. This nectar is sold in a unique bottle, which combines the shape of a Franconian bottle, shaken and flattened, with the shape of a fiasco bottle, enhancing the essence of Port wine that exquisitely fills its interior, thus reinforcing the characteristics associated with this nectar of choice, luxury, elegance and authenticity. This wine, produced with the Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Gouveio and Côdega de Larinho grape varieties is a clear-coloured wine that inspires with its intense aroma of citrus fruits, tangerine peel and peach jam and honey.
Pairs well with fruits or chocolate-based desserts such as the Chocolate mousse.
4. Dalva Porto Colheita White 2011, Douro
With a golden orange color, this wine has a sophisticated aroma, with notes of honey elegantly combined with vanilla, stone fruit and tangerine. On the palate, molasses stands out, elegantly combined with spices and apricot. Balanced, with an intense finish and excellent acidity, this Port wine from C. Da Silva Vinhos is another option you should consider.
Perfect pairing with Crumble de Frutos Vermelhos (Red Fruit Crumble).
5. Quinta da Atela Reserve Licoroso 2017, Tejo
Highly terpenic in aroma, marked by notes of orange and candied orange peel, one of the ingredients used in the decoration of the gastronomic specialties of the season. This is a floral, light and elegant wine. On the palate, spirituous notes can also be distinguished. Some of them refer to fruit cakes and even some honey. It finishes long and delicious, just like the spooned sweets and puddings that are served at this time of year.
Perfect pairing with Pudim de Ovos (Egg Pudding).
6. Ravasqueira Late Harvest 2022, Alentejo
This wine is the result of a selection of bunches and a slow and gentle pressing, which lasts for more than 24 hours, with the grapes frozen. Only 2,500 liters were produced, which makes it an even more special nectar. Yellow lemon in color, with greenish tones. On the nose, it reveals notes of ripe citrus fruits with guava, tangerine peel, marmalade, honey and pineapple in syrup. The sweetness in constant balance with the acidity and without overpowering, together with a minerality with an unusual texture, make this release from Monte da Ravasqueira the perfect combination for fruit-based desserts.
Try it with the Algarvian Carob, Almond and Fig cake. However, it can also be drunk on its own or with raisins for New Year’s wishes.
7. Quinta da Alorna Abafado 5 Years 2016, Tejo
With a straw color and intense notes of honey, figs and almonds, this Ribatejo wine glides with a smooth and elegant texture. The natural sweetness of this golden nectar is balanced by a fresh acidity, making it a versatile wine that can complement many of the desserts that are traditionally served during this festive season. The final taste is long-lasting, marked by a hint of dried fruits.
Pairs perfectly with Crème brûlée or Pastel de Nata.
8. Barbeito Boal Old Reserve 10 Years, Madeira
This semi-sweet, single-varietal wine is made with the Boal grape variety. The grapes come from several quality vineyards planted in various areas of Madeira island. Fermentation was interrupted by adding wine alcohol with an alcohol content of 96%. Aged in barrels and bottled in its purest state, the wine has a bright golden color and notes of dried fruits, caramel, figs and wood, well integrated, with a touch of iodine. With a smooth and honeyed taste, with flavors of caramelized nuts, it has a spicy and fresh finish.
Excellent as a digestive, but it pairs well with Bolo de Mel, the traditional cake from Madeira.
9. CTX – Licoroso Abafado Branco 2019, Tejo
This intense and fruity fortified wine from Adega do Cartaxo surprises with its amber hue that is evident from the first glance. With notes of dried fruits, fig raisins and honey, it is produced with Fernão Pires grapes. Sweet and unctuous, it has a hint of jam and fig. The finish is pleasant and persistent.
It goes well with very sweet festive desserts such as Rabanadas or Sonhos.
10. Quinta dos Muros Vintage Port 2018, Douro
This fortified wine is a blend that results from the combination of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. It is initially velvety and well-balanced on the palate, but then the tannins show all their strength, helped by a beautiful acidity that leaves a long and intense finish. After a year of aging in old barrels, it has become a high-quality wine, suitable for accompanying many sweets that mark the Christmas season.
It perfectly goes well with fruit desserts steamed in wine such as the Peras Bêbedas (Drunken Pears).
And not forgetting the sparkling wines! As we enter the New Year, the celebratory table is given a special touch with desserts designed especially for this festive occasion.
Probably the most popular tradition in Portugal to celebrate New Year’s Eve revolves around a tiny dried grape. At the stroke of midnight, the Portuguese begin eating their 12 raisins to represent the 12 months. One raisin is traditionally eaten at each stroke of the clock.
And for those who want to accompany the raisins with sparkling wine, I have some super delicious, sweet suggestions to start the new year in the best way.
1. Marquês De Marialva Espumante Blanc Des Blancs Doce, Bairrada
Citrus appearance with defined and persistent bubbles. Fresh aromas with nuances of toast and dried fruits. A fruity, fresh and soft sparkling with crispy mousse and good persistence. Perfect pairing with any kind of dessert.
2. Raposeira Reserva Doce, Távora-Varosa
A light straw-colored, crystal-clear sparkling wine with fine and persistent bubbles, it has fruity, fresh, and delicate aromas. It has a characteristic sweet flavor with balanced acidity. With its soft and fresh taste, it is ideal to accompany cakes and sweets.
3. Murganheira Reserva Doce, Távora-Varosa
Sparkling wine made with the grape varieties Malvasia Fina, Chardonnay, Cerceal, Pinot, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional. Produced according to the traditional method – second fermentation in the bottle. With a citrine color, aroma of cooked fruits and a fresh flavor with floral notes, it is an ideal sparkling wine for events, paired with cakes and sweets.
4. Alianca Danúbio Doce,Bairrada
This sweet sparkling wine has a pale citrine color. Fruity aromas on the nose, where notes of white fruits (pear and apple) predominate. On the palate, it is persistent, soft, and with a slightly acidic finish that gives it a balanced freshness. It is the perfect pairing in moments of conviviality and as an aperitif, or ideally with desserts.
5. QMF (Quinta da Mata Fidalga) Tinto, Bairrada
Ruby color, clear appearance, fine bubbles, and a very persistent foam. Intense aromas are dominated by vegetal and fruity notes. On the palate, it reveals fruity aromatic sensations with persistent taste with a soft and well-integrated mousse. Smooth and balanced sparkling wine for the festive season.
6. Fita Azul Celebration Reserva Meio Seco, Douro
Straw yellow in color, with fine bubbles. On the nose, you can feel notes of evolution from aging in the cellar, pastries, and dried fruits. On the palate, it has a delicate acidity and a velvety flavor, surrounded by a fresh sweetness. Pairs well with the festive treats.
7. Vinhas de Monção Rosé Sparkling, Vinho Verde
Elegance and exuberance live hand in hand in this sparkling wine whose creaminess is captivating. Dense bubbles and complex aromas with notes of red fruits and flowers. Balanced acidity and freshness on the palate. It deserves to be passionately discovered on New Year’s Eve.
8. São Domingos Select Sweet Sparkling, Bairrada
This sparkling’s delicate and sweet fruity aromas leave a pleasant sensation on the palate, continuously in a persistent finish. Perfect pairing with pies, and also fruits wrapped in chantily.
9. Monte da Ravasqueira Alfrocheiro Grande Reserva, Alentejo
This sparkling wine is the result of an exercise of dedication, passion and art, as is the case with the ancient Arraiolos carpets, existing in Monte da Ravasqueira since the beginning of the 16th century.
It was made exclusively from grapes of the Alfrocheiro variety, harvested by hand. When tasting, it is complex, with very fine bubbles and lively acidity, with notes of candied fruit and biscuit.
10. Espumante Luis Pato Vinha Formal, Bairrada
Made with Bical and Touriga Nacional, it has a light pink tone. Delicate bubbles open the door to the palate, followed by elegant aromas and hints of fresh fruits. A gourmet sparkling wine. The time in the cellar gave this elegant sparkling great sophistication.
May it be a sweet year for everyone! Happy 2025 to all of you sweet tooths!
No Comments Found