The best wines to drink with nougat: perfect pairings for the holidays

Nougat is one of Italy's most beloved desserts, especially during the holiday season. Its sweetness and crunchiness make it a perfect choice for those looking for a traditional, full-flavored dessert.

However, pairing it with the right wine can further enhance its flavor. In this article, we will explore the best wines to drink with nougat, from the most classic passiti wines to regional sweet wines that pair beautifully with the different variations of nougat

Which wine to pair with nougat?

To choose the ideal wine to accompany nougat, a few factors must be considered:

• sweetness and texture of the nougat: softer nougats require less structured wines, while hard, crisp nougats go better with fuller-bodied wines.
• ingredients: almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios or chocolate. Each main ingredient can influence the choice of wine.

Here are the wines that best enhance the characteristics of this traditional dessert.

• Moscato d'Asti

One of Italy's most famous sweet wines, the Moscato d'Asti is light, aromatic and naturally sweet. Its fruity and floral notes make it the perfect match for classic almond or hazelnut nougat.

Thanks to its low alcohol content and light effervescence, the Moscato d'Asti provides a pleasant contrast to the crunchy texture of nougat, without overpowering its flavor.

• Vin Santo

Vin Santo is a sweet wine typical of Tuscany, known for its intense flavor and velvety texture. This wine is made from dried grapes, which impart aromas of dried fruit and honey.

Vin Santo is particularly good with soft nougat or chocolate nougat, as its notes of caramel and ripe fruit blend well with the sweetness of nougat.

• Passito of Pantelleria

The Passito of Pantelleria is a sweet and full-bodied wine, produced on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria. Made from zibibbo grapes, this wine is famous for its intense aromas of apricot, citrus and honey.

The Passito di Pantelleria is perfect for richer nougats, such as pistachio or chocolate nougats, because its lingering, enveloping taste manages to balance the sweetness of the nougat without being too heavy.

• Recioto della Valpolicella

The Recioto della Valpolicella is a Red wine sweet, from the Veneto region of Italy, that goes well with nougat because of its aromatic complexity. With notes of cherry, plum and spice, this wine is ideal to accompany nougats with chocolate or those containing roasted nuts.

Its balanced structure and sweetness make it perfect for enhancing the more intense flavors of nougat, particularly hard, crunchy nougat.

• Brachetto d'Acqui

For those who like slightly sparkling wines, Brachetto d'Acqui is an excellent choice. This Red wine sweet from Piedmont is characterized by notes of strawberries, roses and raspberries.

Brachetto d'Acqui is ideal for the chocolate or soft nougats, since its Sparkling wine delicate and fruity taste manage to cleanse the palate, offering a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness.

• Lipari Malvasia

Malvasia delle Lipari is another sweet Sicilian wine that pairs perfectly with nougat, thanks to its rich and intense flavor, with notes of honey, apricot and almond. This Malvasia is an excellent choice for those who want a pairing that enhances the sweetness of nougat without weighing down the palate.

Ideal for almond and honey nougat, this wine creates a symphony of flavors that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

• Sauternes

For those seeking an international pairing, Sauternes is one of the best choices. This French wine, made from botrytized grapes, is famous for its notes of honey, apricot and candied fruit.

Sauternes is particularly well suited to accompany soft nougats, especially those with a honey base. Its sweet and complex flavor adds depth to the taste of nougat, making it a gourmet pairing.

• Superior Marsala

Another Sicilian option, Marsala Superiore is a fortified wine characterized by intense flavors of caramel, dried fruit and spices. This wine is perfect for more structured nougats, such as those containing chocolate or roasted nuts.

Its aromatic complexity harmonizes with the flavors of nougat, creating a contrast of sweetness and slightly toasted notes.

Final tips for best tasting nougat with wine

The pairing wine-nougat is a matter of balance. It is important to choose wines that are not too dry or acidic, as they may overpower the sweetness of the nougat.

Here are some suggestions for a complete tasting experience:

• serve the wine at the correct temperature: sweet wines are generally best enjoyed between 10°C and 14°C, while the Red wines sweet, such as Recioto, can be enjoyed slightly warmer.
• matches different types of nougat: If you offer different types of nougat, experiment with multiple wines so you can find the perfect marriage of flavors.
• tasting: savor a small bite of nougat, sip the wine, and notice how the flavors develop together.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wine to accompany nougat can turn a simple dessert into a memorable taste experience. From the aromatic Moscato d'Asti to the full-bodied Passito of Pantelleria, each wine offers a journey into Italian flavors and traditions.

Experiment with the suggested pairings to find the perfect match for your tastes and make the holidays even more special.