Strawberries and wine seems like one of those over-romanticized movie scene pairings, but really, there are a few duos that make an elegant match. Strawberries are high in acid, yet, when ripe, they have a fruity sweetness that balances the flavors. They need a delicate wine that doesn't overpower their fresh fruit notes, and one that leans into the natural sweetness of the berries.
Pairing Wine With Strawberries
These wines are delicate, yet they have the acidity and sweetness to highlight the nuanced characteristics of the pairing.
Pinot Noir Rosé
With its coordinated pink hue, pinot noir rosé has bright acidity and fruit forward notes of strawberry, pomegranate, and peach. Its delicate floral aromas of rose petal pair particularly well with ripe strawberries on the first warm day of spring. Try a glass alongside a serving of strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Champagne
This is a classic pairing for a reason. Bubbles complement fresh fruit so well because they don't dominate the delicate flavors. Choose a demi-sec Champagne, which will have some residual sugar to match the sweetness of a ripe strawberry. The brioche characteristics of Champagne paired with the red-fruit notes of strawberries is an absolute delight.
Riesling
Riesling is very aromatic, which is a great match for fresh fruit. Notes of jasmine, ginger, and orchard fruit all enhance the fruity notes in strawberries. Choose a sweeter German riesling to complement the sugars in the strawberries, such as a Spätlese. Try macerating strawberries with sugar, lightly roasting them, and serving them on ricotta toasts alongside your glass of riesling.
Prosecco
Prosecco tends to have more residual sugar than Champagne Brut, making the perfect pairing for ripe strawberries. A real match is a glass of these bubbles with a piece of strawberry shortcake, where flakey, buttery biscuit meets luscious whipped cream and bright, ripe-red spring berries.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer has aromas of lychee, rose petal, ginger, and red grapefruit. Its bright and floral nature mimics that of strawberries. Try a glass of gewürztraminer with strawberry polenta cake with a healthy dallop of whipped mascarpone.
Meant to Be
There really is nothing like that first pint of red-ripe strawberries from the farmer's market in spring. Except, well, enjoying a glass of bubbles alongside them. Pairing any of the above wines will feel like a lavish treat.
