Food Pairings that Go Well with Ice Wine

Feb 24, 202411 min read

Updated: Jan 24

Ice wine, with its intense sweetness and rich flavors, is often considered a dessert in itself, but it can also be a versatile partner for a variety of foods. When pairing ice wine with food, the goal is to balance the sweetness and acidity of the wine with the flavors of the dish. Here are some specific food pairings that harmonize beautifully with ice wine:

Updated: January 23, 2025

Food Pairings with Ice Wine

1. Best Cheese Pairings with Ice Wine

When pairing cheese with ice wine, it's essential to consider the wine's sweetness and acidity. Here are some excellent cheese options that complement various types of ice wine:

1. Blue Cheeses

Roquefort: This French blue cheese has a strong, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ice wine, creating a delightful contrast.
Gorgonzola: Another excellent choice, Gorgonzola's creamy texture and bold taste enhance the wine's complexity.

2. Aged Cheeses

Parmigiano Reggiano: This hard cheese offers a nutty flavor and granular texture that works well with the rich sweetness of ice wine.
Aged Sharp Cheddar: The sharpness and depth of flavor in aged cheddar can stand up to the wine's sweetness, making it a great pairing option.

3. Creamy Cheeses

Baked Brie: When warmed, baked brie becomes creamy and rich, providing a luxurious mouthfeel that complements the acidity of ice wine.
Camembert: Similar to brie, camembert's soft texture and earthy flavor can enhance the tasting experience when paired with ice wine.

4. Goat Cheese

Fresh Goat Cheese: The tangy and slightly tart flavor of fresh goat cheese can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of ice wine, especially when drizzled with honey or paired with fruit.

5. Other Notable Pairings

Gorgonzola Dolce: A milder blue cheese, Gorgonzola Dolce offers a creamier texture and less pungency, making it a versatile option for ice wine pairings.
Taleggio: This semi-soft cheese has a strong aroma but a mild flavor, which can complement the sweetness of ice wine without overwhelming it.

Tips for Pairing

Balance is Key: Choose cheeses that have enough flavor to stand up to the sweetness of the ice wine. Strong and pungent cheeses often work best.
Experiment with Textures: Consider pairing creamy cheeses with crisp ice wines for a delightful contrast in texture.
Consider Accompaniments: Pair your cheese with fruits, nuts, or honey to enhance the overall tasting experience and create a more complex flavor profile.

By selecting the right cheeses, you can elevate your ice wine experience and enjoy a harmonious balance of flavors.

2. Ice Wine and Foie Gras Pairing

When it comes to pairing ice wine with foie gras, the combination is a classic that highlights the rich, buttery flavors of the foie gras while balancing it with the sweetness and acidity of the ice wine. Here are some of the best food pairings to consider:

Best Food Pairings with Ice Wine and Foie Gras

Fruit Compotes: A berry compote or fig jam can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the richness of foie gras, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Toasted Breads: Mini toasts or brioche provide a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of foie gras. They also serve as a neutral base that allows the flavors of the foie gras and ice wine to shine.
Onion Confit: The sweetness of caramelized onions can enhance the savory notes of foie gras, creating a delightful balance when paired with ice wine.
Nuts: Roasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, can add a crunchy texture and a hint of saltiness that contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of the ice wine.
Salty Meats: Charcuterie items like prosciutto or mild salami can provide a salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the ice wine and the richness of the foie gras.
Cheese: Pairing with rich cheeses, such as a creamy blue cheese or aged cheddar, can also work well, as their flavors can stand up to the intensity of both the foie gras and the ice wine.

The key to a successful pairing is to balance the richness of the foie gras with the sweetness and acidity of the ice wine. By incorporating these complementary flavors and textures, you can create a memorable dining experience.

3. Ice Wine and Desserts Pairings

Ice wine is a sweet dessert wine that pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts. Here are some of the best food pairings with ice wine and desserts:

Fruit-Based Desserts

Fruit Tarts: Ice wine complements the sweetness and acidity of fruit tarts, especially those made with stone fruits like peaches and nectarines.
Citrus Desserts: Desserts featuring citrus fruits, such as lemon tarts or orange sorbet, work well with ice wine, particularly Riesling ice wine, which enhances the bright flavors.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The tropical sweetness of pineapple pairs nicely with the rich sweetness of ice wine.

Creamy Desserts

Crème Brûlée: The creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping of crème brûlée create a delightful contrast with the acidity of ice wine.
Coconut Cream Pie: The richness of coconut cream pie is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of ice wine, making it a perfect match.

Chocolate Desserts

Flourless Chocolate Cake: The intense chocolate flavor of a flourless chocolate cake pairs well with the sweetness of ice wine, particularly Cabernet ice wine.
Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy chocolate mousse can also be a great pairing, as the sweetness of the wine complements the richness of the chocolate.

Other Notable Pairings

Apple Pie: The warm spices and sweetness of apple pie are enhanced by the fruity notes of ice wine, making it a classic pairing.
German Cheesecake: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of German cheesecake work well with the acidity and sweetness of ice wine.

In summary, ice wine pairs excellently with a variety of desserts, particularly those that are fruity, creamy, or chocolate-based. The key is to find a balance between the sweetness of the wine and the flavors of the dessert.

4. Ice Wine and Spicy Foods Pairings

Ice wine is an excellent pairing for spicy foods due to its sweetness, which helps to balance and counteract the heat. Here are some of the best food pairings with ice wine and spicy dishes:

Best Food Pairings with Ice Wine and Spicy Foods

Thai Cuisine: Dishes like spicy Pad Thai or green curry benefit from the sweetness of ice wine, which complements the heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Indian Dishes: Spicy curries, such as chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo, pair well with ice wine. The wine's sweetness can help mellow the spices while still allowing the complex flavors of the dish to shine.
Sichuan Cuisine: Dishes that feature Sichuan peppercorns, known for their numbing heat, can be beautifully balanced with the sweetness of ice wine, making it a delightful pairing.
Mexican Food: Spicy tacos or enchiladas, especially those with a fruity salsa, can be enhanced by the sweetness of ice wine, creating a harmonious balance between heat and sweetness.
Spicy Asian Dishes: Foods like spicy Korean fried chicken or hot and sour soup also work well with ice wine, as the wine's acidity and sweetness can cut through the richness and heat of these dishes.

In summary, the sweetness and acidity of ice wine make it a fantastic companion for a variety of spicy foods, enhancing the dining experience by balancing the heat and complementing the flavors.

5. Ice Wine and Seafood Pairing

Ice wine can be a delightful pairing with various seafood dishes, thanks to its sweetness and acidity, which can enhance the flavors of the seafood. Here are some of the best food pairings with ice wine and seafood:

Best Seafood Pairings with Ice Wine

Fatty Fish: Rich fish like salmon or mackerel can pair well with ice wine. The wine's sweetness complements the natural oils in the fish, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Sashimi: Certain cuts of sashimi, particularly those that are slightly fatty, can be enhanced by the sweetness of ice wine, making for a surprising and enjoyable pairing.
Grilled Eel: The smoky and rich flavors of grilled eel work harmoniously with ice wine, as the wine's sweetness can cut through the richness of the dish.
Spicy Seafood Dishes: Spicy seafood dishes, such as shrimp tacos or spicy crab, can benefit from the sweetness of ice wine, which helps to balance the heat and enhance the overall flavor experience.
Seafood Pasta: Dishes like linguine with clams or shrimp scampi can also pair well with ice wine, as the wine's acidity complements the richness of the pasta and seafood.
Ceviche: The bright, citrusy flavors of ceviche can be beautifully complemented by the sweetness of ice wine, making it a refreshing pairing.

In summary, ice wine pairs excellently with a variety of seafood dishes, particularly those that are rich, fatty, or spicy. The wine's sweetness and acidity enhance the flavors of the seafood, creating a delightful dining experience.

6. Ice Wine and Charcuterie and Pâtés Pairing

Ice wine pairs exceptionally well with charcuterie and pâtés, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Here are some of the best food pairings to consider:

Charcuterie Pairings

Cured Meats: Salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo complement the sweetness of ice wine, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Pâté: Rich and savory pâtés, such as duck or chicken liver pâté, work beautifully with ice wine. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness, making each bite more enjoyable.
Terrines: Similar to pâtés, terrines made from various meats and spices can be enhanced by the sweetness of ice wine, providing a delightful contrast.
Cheeses: Pairing ice wine with strong cheeses, such as blue cheese or aged cheddar, can create a harmonious balance with the charcuterie selection.

Accompaniments

Nuts: Roasted or candied nuts can add a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the ice wine.
Fruits: Fresh fruits like figs, grapes, or apples can enhance the pairing, as their natural sweetness echoes the flavors of the wine.
Pickles: The acidity of pickles can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats and pâtés, making the pairing even more dynamic.

In summary, the combination of ice wine with charcuterie and pâtés offers a rich and flavorful experience, with the wine's sweetness balancing the savory and salty elements of the food.

7. Ice Wine and Roasted Nuts Pairings

Ice wine pairs wonderfully with roasted nuts, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here are some of the best food pairings to consider when enjoying ice wine with roasted nuts:

Best Pairings with Ice Wine and Roasted Nuts

Almonds: Roasted almonds, whether salted or spiced, complement the sweetness of ice wine beautifully. Their crunchiness adds a nice texture contrast.
Hazelnuts: The rich, buttery flavor of roasted hazelnuts pairs well with the fruity notes of ice wine, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Pecans: Sweet and slightly caramelized pecans can enhance the sweetness of the ice wine, making for a harmonious pairing.
Walnuts: Roasted walnuts, with their slightly bitter flavor, can provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the wine, creating an interesting flavor profile.
Mixed Nuts: A combination of various roasted nuts can offer a range of flavors and textures that work well with the complexity of ice wine.

Additional Pairing Suggestions

Cheeses: Pairing roasted nuts with mild cheeses can enhance the experience. Consider options like creamy brie or tangy goat cheese to complement the ice wine.
Dried Fruits: Adding dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, can create a sweet and savory contrast that pairs well with both the nuts and the ice wine.

In summary, roasted nuts are an excellent accompaniment to ice wine, and their various flavors can enhance the wine's sweetness and complexity.

8. Ice Wine and Salty Snacks Pairings

Ice wine pairs exceptionally well with a variety of salty snacks, creating a delightful contrast between the wine's sweetness and the savory flavors of the snacks. Here are some of the best food pairings with ice wine and salty snacks:

Best Salty Snack Pairings with Ice Wine

Pretzels: The classic combination of sweet and salty makes pretzels an excellent choice to enjoy with ice wine. Their crunchiness and saltiness enhance the wine's fruity notes.
Salted Nuts: Roasted salted nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or peanuts, provide a satisfying crunch and a salty flavor that complements the sweetness of ice wine.
Cheese Crackers: Savory cheese crackers can add a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of ice wine, creating a balanced tasting experience.
Olives: The briny flavor of olives can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of ice wine, making them a great addition to a snack platter.
Chips: Salted potato chips or tortilla chips can also work well, as their crunch and saltiness enhance the overall flavor profile when paired with ice wine.
Charcuterie: While not a traditional snack, including some cured meats like prosciutto or salami can elevate the pairing, as their saltiness complements the wine's sweetness.

In summary, the combination of ice wine with salty snacks creates a delightful balance of flavors, making for an enjoyable tasting experience.

9. Ice Wine and Sushi Pairings

Ice wine can be a surprisingly delightful pairing with sushi, thanks to its sweetness and acidity, which can complement various flavors found in sushi dishes. Here are some of the best food pairings with ice wine and sushi:

Best Sushi Pairings with Ice Wine

Eel (Unagi): The sweet and savory flavors of grilled eel work exceptionally well with the sweetness of ice wine, creating a harmonious balance.
Sashimi: Certain types of sashimi, particularly those with a bit of sweetness or richness, can pair nicely with ice wine. Fish like salmon or tuna can enhance the overall experience.
Spicy Rolls: Sushi rolls that include spicy elements, such as spicy tuna or spicy crab, can benefit from the sweetness of ice wine, which helps to cool the heat while enhancing the flavors.
Tempura: Lightly battered and fried tempura can also be a good match, as the crispiness and richness of the dish can be balanced by the wine's acidity and sweetness.
Maki Rolls with Sweet Sauces: Rolls that feature sweet sauces, such as eel sauce or teriyaki, can pair beautifully with ice wine, as the wine's sweetness complements the flavors of the sauce.

General Pairing Tips

Consider the Fat Content: Sushi with higher fat content, like toro (fatty tuna), can work well with ice wine, as the wine's sweetness can cut through the richness.
Serve Well-Chilled: Serving ice wine well-chilled can enhance its refreshing qualities, making it a versatile pairing partner for sushi.

In summary, ice wine can elevate the sushi experience by complementing the flavors and textures of various sushi dishes, particularly those with sweetness or richness.

When pairing ice wine with food, it is essential to consider the intensity of the wine's sweetness and the potential for it to overpower some foods. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the dish is not sweeter than the wine. Serving the wine well-chilled can also help to enhance its refreshing qualities and make it a more versatile pairing partner.