Gallagher's Travels: Wine and Other Libations

Living the Good Life

by Jim Bogaty

Just Desserts

The French word "désservir" is the root word for "dessert" which means, "to clear away". For centuries, desserts were considered a luxury because sugar was both scarce and expensive. Only the exceedingly wealthy could afford sugar. Dessert wines are those wines which are typically served with dessert, although they can also be drunk on their own.

What is a dessert wine? These are normally sweet wines that are served with or instead of dessert. Some examples include port and sherry, and late harvest wines. They come in small bottles and are served in tiny glasses; an average pour is 2 ounces. Therefore, you notice that most dessert wines are sold in the smaller 375ml bottles. So, what is it that makes a decent dessert wine? The secret, as with any wine, lies in the balance. It needs a luscious, sweet flavor but, in order for the wine not to appear cloying, it must also have balancing acidity - that's the citrus-like tang you taste on the finish of a good sweet wine.

Like regular wines, white dessert wines are generally served chilled and red dessert wines are served at cellar temperature. Dessert wines are especially good with bakery sweets and fruits. Traditionally, people only drank sweet wines with desserts. But they are far more versatile than that. They taste delicious as an aperitif with all sorts of starters such as pâté or smoked salmon, and they're superb with foie gras. Surprisingly, certain sweet wines also taste good with some spicy meals.

Veramar Wines

By the way you can also use any wine as a dessert wine if you like it. For example Cabernet Franc is a great choice with Chocolates. Or if you want the unusual dessert try this--- A Veramar Sparkling Wine FLOAT. French vanilla ice cream, berry puree, fresh berries & the bubbly (a Sparkling wine), could there be ANY better way to end your dinner! At your next dinner or holiday party, make sure your guests save room for dessert...dessert wine, that is.

Cheers from Veramar Vineyard!

About the Author

James C. Bogaty is Founder, Owner/Operator of Veramar Vineyard, President of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Grower Association, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association for Clarke County, Advisor to the Virginia Wine and Food Society and is a published writer and event speaker on Wine, Food, Travel and Agritourism with a Virginia focus. www.veramar.com 540-955-5510

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