Wine and ice cream: 3 gourmet pairings

WHAT WINE TO SERVE WITH ICE CREAM?

Whether you prefer sorbet or ice cream, it would be a shame to miss out on a good glass of wine to accompany them. Here are three perfect pairings with the winning trio: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.

1) With Vanilla Ice Cream

Creamy and rich in flavor, vanilla ice cream is delightful on its own or with some cookies. It requires a sweet wine with a robust structure to match its richness. We recommend a powerful and full-bodied white wine such as a Sauternes (Bordeaux), Monbazillac (South-West), or Rivesaltes (Languedoc-Roussillon).

THE PERFECT PAIRING: Château de Lacroix- "Cuvée Réserve Ambré Hors d'Age" - AOC Rivesaltes

This amber-colored natural sweet wine offers a burst of aromas on the nose, including citrus, candied fruits, and subtle vanilla notes. Its power and volume will compete beautifully with the rich and creamy texture of vanilla ice cream.

2) With Strawberry Sorbet

Switching gears a bit, strawberry sorbet is made from fruit syrup and pulp, unlike the creamy vanilla and chocolate ice creams, which are made from milk and egg yolks. The cold sensation of the sorbet will enhance the fruity notes of the wine, so you should opt for a fresh and tangy wine. For strawberry sorbet, a rosé champagne or a rosé crémant with pronounced red fruit notes is ideal.

THE PERFECT PAIRING: Champagne Serveaux Fils- "Cuvée Rosé de Saignée" 2013 - AOC Champagne

Made from Pinot Meunier (a specialty of the house), this rosé champagne reveals a fresh and balanced palate. Its red fruit aromas will blend perfectly with the flavor of strawberry sorbet.

3) With Chocolate Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love chocolate ice cream? Often a favorite among children, but we bet you still have a childlike taste for it. Its flavor is rich and powerful. To accompany it, a natural sweet wine like a Banyuls or a Maury will be perfect.

THE PERFECT PAIRING: Les Vignerons de Maury- "Tuilé Vieille Réserve" 2006 - AOC Rivesaltes

With its toasted and caramelized aromas, this natural sweet wine from Les Vignerons de Maury, with notes of candied fruits, is creamy on the palate. Its strong aromatic persistence will perfectly complement the rich and lingering taste of chocolate.

Our Selection Wines and Dessert : the right pairing, direct from the winemaker. See the wines →

FAQ - Wine and ice cream

Why does champagne pair well with sorbet?

Sorbet is made from fruit syrup and pulp with no dairy, which leaves room for a lively, tangy wine. Champagne's bubbles and acidity refresh the palate between spoonfuls without overpowering the fruit.

What serving temperature suits a natural sweet wine with ice cream?

A natural sweet wine such as Rivesaltes or Maury is best served chilled, around 8 to 10°C, slightly cooler than a classic red. Served too warm, it loses freshness and can overwhelm the dessert instead of complementing it.

Can red wine be served with chocolate ice cream?

A tannic red often clashes with cold and sugar, which make the tannins taste more bitter. A natural sweet wine like Banyuls, both rich and fresh, is a safer match for the intensity of chocolate.

What is the difference between sorbet and ice cream when choosing a wine?

Sorbet, made from fruit pulp and syrup, highlights acidity and fruit, while ice cream, made with milk and egg yolks, brings fat and creaminess. The former calls for a crisp wine, the latter for something fuller and more structured.

What kind of wine works with vanilla ice cream?

Vanilla needs a wine with enough body to stand up to it: a rich, full-bodied sweet white such as Sauternes or Monbazillac brings the depth and candied notes that match the ice cream's richness.

Does rosé champagne also work with other red berry desserts?

Yes, a rosé champagne or crémant with pronounced red berry notes works well with most red fruit sorbets, such as raspberry or cherry, following the same logic as with strawberry: the wine's fruit echoes the dessert's.