This is my first dessert blog post. I figured it was about time I did one. For most people, the after dinner dessert of choice is ice cream. It’s quick, easy, and yummy! Of course, we all have our favorite flavors. So, I will do my best to “paint with a broad stroke” as I cover ice cream & wine. In attempting to cover the three main flavors, I will start with my favorite, which is Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake. It (sort of) covers vanilla & strawberry. As always, whatever your favorite flavor is, I’m sure it can be had cheaply at the Clinton Hannaford.
With either Vanilla or Strawberry ice cream, I would recommend Icewine; specifically, Inniskillin Vidal or Cabernet Franc. With vanilla, I would go with the Vidal and with strawberry I would go with the Cab Franc. Since my dessert has both (sort of), I would recommend the Cab Franc. Either can be had at Clinton Wine & Spirits, but they’re in Reggie’s price range. If you are a “chocoholic” (like my wife), then I would recommend a Port or a good Cabernet Sauvignon. If you tend towards plain & simple chocolate, then go for the port (Taylor Fladgate). If your chocolate has lots of “stuff” in it or is “fruity”, then I would go for a Cab (Krug, Napa Valley). Both can be had at the Clinton store and are in Steve’s price range.
So, why icewine or port with dessert & what is icewine? For most desserts, you will want a “sweet” dessert wine. The 3 major options are icewine, port, or a sauterne. Unless you are having something that might pair well with a good Cab Sauv or Merlot (like chololate). Icewines come from Germany or Canada, Ports come mostly from Portugal, and Sauternes come from France (primarily Bordeaux). The sugar content (measured in “brix”) is very high for all three of these wines and the process by which they are made takes time & is very labor intensive, hence the high price. Between the three, my personal favorite (BY FAR) is Canadian Icewine. It is a great dessert wine that goes with so many different dishes. Most wine stores will carry Inniskillin Icewine, usually both the Vidal & Cab Franc.
Now that I’ve teased you a bit about dessert wines, I’m guessing you would like to hear more? Well you’re in luck, because next week’s blog is the Wine of the Month for February and it’s one of these three dessert wines. Can you guess which one it will be? Come back next week and find out for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Cheers!