Pairing Fruit Wines and Food

Fruit wines are, as their name implies, wines made from fruit. A fruit wine is usually referred to by the name of the fruit that it is made from, i.e. Blueberry Wine, as the word wine alone usually indicates the use of grapes. Although fruit wines are often dismissed by “serious” wine drinkers (whatever that means), there are in fact many great wines that fall under the category of fruit wines. The blueberry wines of Maine are outstanding, as are the berry wines created in Alaska from native berries (raspberry wines from Alaska are outrageously good.) Fruit wines can be difficult to serve with food, however, as their fruit flavors compete with (and don’t always complement) the flavors of many foods. For tips and suggestions on how to pair your favorite fruit wines with different foods, see below.

Blueberry. Blueberry wines go very well with game, pork, duck or beef. For a dry, crisp and delicious blueberry wine made from wild Maine blueberries, try Blacksmiths Winery in Maine. (If you are going to drink blueberry wine, you must start with one from Maine.) This outstanding wine is especially good with comfort foods such as roast beef or pork chops. For more information on this winery and its fruit wines, click here.

Peach. This is the perfect fruit pairing for spicy foods, especially Thai cuisine. Bruno & George Winery in Texas makes a Signature Peach that will complement any spicy dish you choose to pair it with. The sweetness of fresh peaches is balanced nicely by the other notes of this fruit wine, making it a truly complementary wine for many foods, including spicy dips and curry dishes. For more information on this Texas winery, click here.

Cranberry. Cranberry fruit wines are an outstanding choice to serve with any pork, duck or poultry entrée. Three Lakes Winery in Wisconsin creates a fresh and distinct Cranberry with semi-sweet flavors you are sure to enjoy. Serve with port braised duck or pork tenderloin for mouth-watering food pairings. For more information on this Wisconsin winery, click here.

Strawberry. Looking for a good pairing for salmon, shellfish or just crisp, crunchy salads? Try a strawberry wine with that meal. Bruno & George Winery in Sour Lake, Texas, have an award winning Candlelight Strawberry that will go deliciously with your seafood choices or a simple Chef’s Salad. Also try serving these fruit wines with antipasto.

Apple. Serve this fruit wine with appetizers that have strong cheese flavors, such as fried Mozzarella, or simply cheese and crackers. Alba Vineyard has an apple wine that is made from locally pressed apple cider, a semi-sweet wine created in their own still. Apple wines also make the perfect mulled wines when heated and spiced, just right for all of your fall festivities. For more information on this New Jersey winery and its fruit wines, click here.

Apricot wine. Apricot wines are the perfect companion to spicy dishes, including Indian foods, spicy vegetarian dishes, or creamy soups. For a delicious choice for Apricot Wine (also known as their “Lady Gold”), try the Three Lakes Winery in Wisconsin. Their apricot wine is smooth and subtle, touched with the spiciness of ripe apricots. This will go especially well with a spicy lobster bisque.

Raspberry. Blacksmiths winery in Maine makes a delicious raspberry wine that serves as the perfect dessert wine with any chocolate dessert. This tart beverage has just enough sweetness to really liven up the taste of a dark chocolate cake, or any dessert topped with a rich fudge sauce. Also try serving this with a chocolate cheesecake.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://www.cranberrywine.com/index.html
http://www.albavineyard.com/apple.html
www.blacksmithswinery.com
http://brunoandgeorge.com/