Craft & Cork >> Winemaking

When the weather warms up, frozen desserts become the perfect way to end a meal. If you’ve never tried pairing wine with ice cream or other frozen treats, you’re missing out on a surprisingly delicious combination. The key is finding a balance between sweetness, flavour, and texture so neither the dessert nor the wine overpowers the other.

Here are three simple tips to help you create perfect pairings:

1. Match the Intensity

A rich dessert calls for a wine with enough body to stand up to it. Chocolate ice cream, brownies à la mode, or dark chocolate gelato pair best with full-bodied red wines, while lighter frozen treats like vanilla bean or fruit sorbet work well with lighter styles.

2. Complement the Flavours

Look for wines that share similar flavour notes with your dessert. Berry-forward wines pair beautifully with strawberry or mixed berry ice cream, while wines with spice or oak notes can enhance chocolate, caramel, coffee, or toasted nut flavours.

3. Don’t Shy Away from Contrast

Some of the best pairings come from contrast. A bold, fruit-driven red can balance the sweetness of a creamy dessert, creating a smoother finish and bringing out new layers of flavour in both the wine and the ice cream.

If you’re looking for a bottle to give this dessert pairing a try, the Cru International Chile Malbec Style is an excellent choice. This bold red offers warm spice aromas alongside ripe blackberry and blackcurrant flavours, making it a natural companion to rich frozen desserts.

Try pairing it with:

• Chocolate ice cream or chocolate fudge brownie sundaes
• Black cherry or mixed berry ice cream
• Vanilla ice cream topped with warm berry compote

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself after dinner, pairing wine with frozen desserts is an easy way to elevate an everyday indulgence. Grab your favourite ice cream, pour a glass, and discover a new favourite pairing.