Perfect Pairings: Wine and Sweet Treats

Wine and food have been cherished companions for centuries, elevating dining experiences for everyone to new heights. While we often associate wine with savoury dishes, it’s time we explore the delightful world of wine and spirits paired with sweet treats such as our brownies and cookies. In the following text, we will delve into the art of wine pairing while providing the ultimate guide on pairing our brownies and cookies with your favourite wines. 

The Historical Connection of Wine and Food

The main objective of pairing food with wine is to create synergy. The wine and food combined to create a superior gastronomic experience. Although it seems like a more modern approach to gastronomic experiences through professionals like sommeliers, the practice of wine pairing with food can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Wine has been an essential part of human history, dating as far back as 7000 BC in the Caucasus region. In the beginning, it was consumed as a beverage of choice but soon found its way onto dining tables. The Greeks and Romans are credited with being the first to develop the art of wine and food pairing, emphasising the harmonious relationship between flavours.

Throughout most of history, wine has been a common addition to meals. It is common for a region’s winemaking and culinary traditions to develop together, making the local wine and cuisine a perfect match. Historically, food has been accompanied by wine in winemaking traditions. Wine’s early history began as a different staple drink, that was frequently more hygienic than the local water. Thus, making wine is thoroughly enjoyed on any occasion. 

Historically, wine served multiple purposes at meals:

1. Preservation: In the absence of refrigeration, wine was used to preserve food and prevent it from getting spoiled. 
2. Digestive Aid: Ancient civilisation believed that wine aided digestion, making it a natural meal companion. 
3. Social and Ritualistic Purposes: Wine was often used in religious ceremonies and social gatherings, enhancing the communal experience of sharing food.

Culturally, many pairings that are considered iconic today are the main result of a region’s cuisine and winemaking, merging. Old wine beliefs like “red wine with red meat” and “white wine with fish” are no longer seen as the norm, since the subjective nature of wine drinking allows you to have any kind of food with any kind of wine, and have a great experience. Just remember, it is important to make sure they complement each other, bringing out the deep notes in both the food and the wine. 

Now, let’s dive into our recommended pairing with brownies and cookies, curated by our invited sommelier:

Lotus Biscuit Brownie with Tawny Port

The caramelised goodness of chunks of Lotus Biscoff in our brownie pairs harmoniously with the nutty sweetness of a Tawny Port. The Port’s caramel, toffee, and dried fruit notes complement the brownie’s flavours, creating a delightful contrast.

Triple Chocolate Cookie with Shiraz

A decadent triple chocolate cookie with dark, milk and white chocolate chips finds its match in a bold and spicy Shiraz. The wine’s dark berry and peppery notes provide a fascinating counterpoint to the cookie’s richness. 

White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookie with Moscato d’Asti

The bright and effervescent Moscato d’Asti harmonises beautifully with the white chocolate and raspberry cookie’s fruity and creamy flavours. The wine’s floral and peach notes create a delightful contrast.

Ferrero Rocher Brownie with Recioto della Valpolicella

The luxuriousness of our Ferrero Rocher brownie is enhanced by the sweet and complex Recioto della Valpolicella. The wine’s rich, dried fruit and chocolate undertones complement the hazelnut and chocolate flavours in the brownie. 

Nutella Cookie with a Merlot

A Nutella cookie’s indulgent hazelnut and smooth chocolate profile pairs seamlessly with a soft and fruity Merlot. The wine’s dark fruit notes and velvety texture create a delectable combination. 

Kinder Bueno Brownie with Bailey’s Original Irish Cream

Our Kinder Bueno brownie’s hazelnut and milk chocolate goodness get an Irish twist with Bailey’s Irish Cream. The liqueur’s creamy and slightly sweet profile complements the brownies’ flavours, making it a match made in dessert heaven. 

Salted Caramel Brownie with an Aged Bourbon

Aged bourbon’s oak and caramel brownie. The bourbon’s complexity and depth add a new dimension to this delicious pairing. 

Chocolate Chip Cookie with a Ruby Port

A classic chocolate chip cookie finds a perfect partner in a Ruby Port. The wine’s fruity and vibrant character enhances the cookie’s chocolate chips, creating a delightful blend of flavours.

As we delight ourselves in these sweet wine pairings with our very own brownies and cookies, we can appreciate how the ancient art of wine pairing with food has now evolved into an art that continues to elevate our dining experiences. So, next time you order your Chummys box, don’t hesitate to enhance the experience with the perfect wine or alcohol to accompany it. Cheers!