Matching wine with food is a science and an art in France. Here we provide some guidelines to get you started, pairing common French dishes with wines from across the country. Of course, meals in France can last hours and consist of many courses; before dessert be sure to check out pairings for the first and main courses.
Dessert Course
Champagne is sometimes served with dessert. But only a demi-sec (or equivalent Crémant de Loire) can stand up to a sweet pudding.
Fruits (strawberries, raspberries, peaches and apricots)
Sauternes, Monbazillac and the Vins Doux Naturels (Muscat wines from Beaumes de Venise, Rivesaltes and Frontignan) are all delicious with non citrus fruits and tarts or mousses made from these fruits.
Custard or Crème Brûlée
Sauternes or Barsac
Chocolate Desserts
Try Liqueurs or brandy. That said, a Banyuls or Muscat de Beaumes de Venise stands up to a not-too-intense chocolate mousse.
Bitter Chocolate Cakes and Soufflés
Red wine such as a Pomerol works well. Or, try a Red Bubbly from the Loire Valley with chocolate—it’s divine!
Did you know…?
It is customary in France to serve the finest wine of the meal with the cheese course.
