The Sweet Symphony: Pairing Wine and Candy
Pairing wine and candy is an exciting and indulgent way to elevate your taste experience.
Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or just someone with a sweet tooth, discovering the perfect wine and candy combinations can be a delightful adventure.
Let’s explore the world of wine and candy pairings to satisfy your curiosity and palate.
Why Pair Wine and Candy?
Wine and candy may seem like an unconventional duo, but they share a common goal: to bring joy and pleasure to our senses.
When these two indulgences are paired thoughtfully, they can create an extraordinary sensory experience.
The rich, complex flavors of wine can complement and enhance the sweet, vibrant tastes of candy, resulting in a symphony of flavors that delights the taste buds.
The right pairing can elevate both the wine and the candy, revealing new and unexpected dimensions in their flavors.
For instance, the tannins in a bold red wine can balance the sweetness of dark chocolate, while the bright acidity of a crisp white wine can highlight the tangy notes of sour candies.
Similarly, the effervescence of sparkling wine can cleanse the palate and prepare it for the next bite of creamy caramel.
Pairing wine and candy also adds an element of fun and creativity to the tasting experience.
It invites you to experiment with different combinations, discovering which flavors resonate with your personal preferences.
This playful exploration can transform a simple indulgence into a delightful adventure, whether you’re enjoying it alone, with a partner, or at a festive gathering.
Moreover, the art of pairing wine and candy is not just about taste but also about texture and aroma.
The smooth, velvety texture of wine can contrast beautifully with the chewy or crunchy textures of various candies, creating a more dynamic and enjoyable experience.
The aromas of wine, ranging from fruity and floral to earthy and spicy, can enhance the overall sensory experience when paired with the right candy.
In essence, pairing wine and candy is about more than just combining two treats; it’s about creating a harmonious balance that elevates the entire tasting experience.
It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that brings joy and pleasure to our senses, making each sip and bite more enjoyable and memorable.
Whether you’re new to wine and candy pairings or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s always something new and delightful to discover in this sweet and sophisticated pairing.
Top Wine and Candy Pairings
Chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark chocolate’s rich, bittersweet flavor complements the robust, tannic notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
This classic pairing brings out the best in both the wine and the chocolate.
Example:
Chocolate: Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate
Wine: Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon
When you bite into the dark chocolate, the intense cocoa flavor mellows the tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a balanced and smooth taste.
The wine’s dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, are accentuated by the chocolate, making each sip and bite a harmonious experience.
Serving Temperature for Wine
Temperature: Serve at room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
Tip: If the wine has been stored in a cooler place, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to reach the ideal temperature.
Use a decanter to aerate the wine, enhancing its flavors and aromas.
Serving Tips for Candy
Temperature: Serve at cool room temperature, around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Tip: Avoid refrigerating dark chocolate as it can cause condensation and affect the texture.
If stored in a cooler environment, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to release its full flavor.
Rosé and Gummy Bears
The fruity, slightly acidic profile of rosé wine pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors of gummy bears.
This playful combination is perfect for a light-hearted gathering.
Example:
Candy: Haribo Goldbears
Wine: Whispering Angel Rosé
The rosé wine’s refreshing acidity and delicate strawberry and raspberry flavors are enhanced by the sweet and chewy gummy bears.
This pairing is light, fun, and ideal for summer parties or casual get-togethers. The wine cleanses the palate between bites, making the gummy bears taste even more delightful.
Serving Temperature for Wine
Temperature: Serve chilled, around 45-55°F (7-13°C).
Tip: Chill the rosé in the refrigerator for about two hours before serving.
If you’re in a hurry, place the bottle in an ice bucket with water and ice for 20-30 minutes. Serve in a glass that allows the wine to stay cool.
Serving Tips for Candy
Temperature: Serve slightly chilled, around 55-65°F (13-18°C).
Tip: Chill the gummy bears in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
This slight chill enhances their chewy texture and keeps them from getting too sticky.
Port and Caramel
The syrupy sweetness of port wine enhances the buttery, rich flavors of caramel candies.
This decadent pairing is a match made in dessert heaven.
Example:
Candy: Werther’s Original Caramel
Wine: Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port
The port’s rich, nutty, and caramelized fruit flavors blend seamlessly with the creamy, buttery texture of caramel candies.
Each sip of the Tawny Port brings out the deep, caramelized sugar notes in the candy, creating a luxurious and indulgent treat.
This pairing is perfect for ending a meal on a sweet and satisfying note.
Serving Temperature for Wine
Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature, around 55-60°F (13-15°C).
Tip: Store the port in a cool place and take it out about 30 minutes before serving.
This temperature helps to enhance the rich, sweet flavors without overpowering the palate.
Serving Tips for Candy
Temperature: Serve at room temperature, around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Tip: Keep caramel candies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as they can become too hard. If they do harden, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
General Serving Tips
Presentation
Arrange the candies on a beautiful platter or in individual bowls to make them visually appealing.
Serve the wine in appropriate glasses: use a wide-bowl glass for Cabernet Sauvignon, a stemmed glass for rosé, and a small, rounded glass for port.
I JUST LOVE THESE PORT GLASSES!
Pairing
Place the wine and corresponding candy pairings together to make it easy for guests to know which combinations to try.
Provide small tasting notes or cards explaining the pairings and why they work well together.
Tasting Order
Start with lighter wines and candies and move towards richer, more intense flavors.
For example, begin with rosé and gummy bears, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and dark chocolate, and end with port and caramel.
By paying attention to serving temperatures and presentation, you can create an unforgettable wine and candy pairing experience that enhances the flavors and enjoyment of both the wine and the candy.
10 More Interesting Wine and Candy Pairing Suggestions
Sauvignon Blanc and Sour Patch Kids
Wine: Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
Candy: Sour Patch Kids
Reason: The bright acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc balance the sweet and sour flavors of the candy, creating a refreshing combination.
Chardonnay and White Chocolate
Wine: Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay
Candy: Lindt White Chocolate
Reason: The creamy texture and buttery notes of Chardonnay complement the rich, sweet flavor of white chocolate, making a luxurious pairing.
Zinfandel and Red Licorice
Wine: Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel
Candy: Twizzlers or Red Vines
Reason: The fruity, berry flavors of Zinfandel enhance the sweet, chewy taste of red licorice, creating a fun and enjoyable pairing.
Prosecco and Jelly Beans
Wine: La Marca Prosecco
Candy: Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Reason: The bubbles and light, fruity notes of Prosecco pair well with the assorted flavors of jelly beans, making each sip and bite a playful adventure.
Riesling and Peach Rings
Wine: Dr. Loosen Riesling
Candy: Peach Rings
Reason: The sweetness and stone fruit flavors of Riesling match perfectly with the sugary, fruity taste of peach rings, enhancing their natural flavors.
Malbec and Milk Chocolate
Wine: Catena Malbec
Candy: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
Reason: The rich, dark fruit notes and velvety texture of Malbec pair wonderfully with the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate, creating a balanced and indulgent treat.
Champagne and Rock Candy
Wine: Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne
Candy: Rock Candy
Reason: The crisp acidity and effervescence of Champagne pair well with the crunchy, sugary texture of rock candy, making a sparkling and festive combination.
Pinot Noir and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Wine: Meiomi Pinot Noir
Candy: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Reason: The berry and spice notes of Pinot Noir complement the sweet, juicy flavor of chocolate-covered strawberries, creating a romantic and delicious pairing.
Merlot and Toffee
Wine: Duckhorn Merlot
Candy: Heath Bar Toffee
Reason: The smooth, velvety texture and dark fruit flavors of Merlot pair well with the buttery, crunchy taste of toffee, creating a rich and satisfying experience.
Moscato and Cotton Candy
Wine: Barefoot Moscato
Candy: Cotton Candy
Reason: The sweet, fruity notes of Moscato enhance the light, airy sweetness of cotton candy, making a whimsical and delightful pairing perfect for a fun occasion.
These pairings not only introduce unique and delicious flavor combinations but also add an element of fun and creativity to your wine and candy tasting experience.
Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions to find your perfect match!
5 Unconventional Wine and Candy Pairings
Gewürztraminer and Cinnamon Candy
Wine: Trimbach Gewürztraminer
Candy: Hot Tamales
Reason: The aromatic, slightly sweet, and spicy notes of Gewürztraminer can balance the intense cinnamon flavor of Hot Tamales, creating a warm and intriguing pairing.
Sparkling Red Wine and Dark Chocolate with Chili
Wine: Banfi Rosa Regale
Candy: Lindt Dark Chocolate with Chili
Reason: The effervescence and berry flavors of sparkling red wine complement the bittersweet dark chocolate and the heat of chili, offering a complex and exciting taste experience.
Chenin Blanc and Lemon Drops
Wine: Vouvray Chenin Blanc
Candy: Lemon Drops
Reason: The high acidity and apple-citrus notes of Chenin Blanc enhance the tangy, sweet flavor of lemon drops, resulting in a refreshing and zesty pairing.
Sherry and Salted Licorice
Wine: Lustau Amontillado Sherry
Candy: Salted Licorice (Salmiak)
Reason: The nutty, caramelized flavors of Amontillado Sherry pair well with the intense, salty taste of licorice, creating a savory-sweet combination that is both unique and delicious.
Ice Wine and Sour Gummy Worms
Wine: Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine
Candy: Sour Gummy Worms
Reason: The luscious sweetness and tropical fruit notes of ice wine balance the tart, fruity flavors of sour gummy worms, providing a fun and unexpected contrast that delights the palate.
These unconventional pairings push the boundaries of traditional wine and candy combinations, offering exciting and adventurous taste experiences for those willing to explore beyond the usual choices.
Exploring wine and candy pairings can bring a new level of enjoyment to your culinary adventures.
The combination of wine and candy offers endless possibilities. Start experimenting with these suggestions, and soon you’ll discover your favorite pairings.
Enjoy the journey of taste and indulge in the sweet symphony of wine and candy!
FAQs:
1. Can I pair wine with any type of candy?
Yes, but some pairings work better than others.
Consider the flavor profiles, sweetness, and texture to create a balanced experience.
2. How do I store wine and candy for optimal freshness?
Store wine in a cool, dark place. Keep candy in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.
3. Can I use candy in wine-based cocktails?
Absolutely! Candy can be a fun and creative addition to wine cocktails.
Try using gummy bears or rock candy as garnishes.
4. What wines work best with fruity candies?
Light, fruity wines like rosé, Riesling, and Moscato pair well with fruity candies due to their complementary flavors.
5. Are there specific candies to avoid when pairing with wine?
Very sour or extremely sweet candies can overwhelm certain wines.
It’s best to experiment and find what works for your palate.
6. How should I clean my palate between different wine and candy pairings?
Drink water or eat a plain cracker to cleanse your palate between different pairings, ensuring you can fully appreciate each combination.
7. Can I host a wine and candy tasting event at home?
Yes! Set up a tasting station with various wines and candies, provide pairing notes, and let guests experiment and enjoy.
8. What glassware should I use for serving wine with candy?
Use appropriate wine glasses for each type of wine: wide-bowl glasses for reds, stemmed glasses for whites and rosés, and smaller glasses for dessert wines like port.
9. Are there any health considerations to keep in mind?
Enjoy wine and candy in moderation. Be mindful of sugar content in candies and alcohol intake, especially for those with dietary restrictions.
10. Can children participate in a wine and candy tasting event?
While children should not consume wine, you can create a parallel candy tasting experience for them, using non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water or juice.
