Wine Pairings with Dried fruit and nuts

Dried fruit and nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, dried figs and hazelnuts, are characterised by an intense taste and a crunchy or soft texture. Pairing them with the right wine should bring out their natural sweetness and slight savouriness without overpowering the flavour. Let's discover the best wines to pair with dried fruit and nuts.

Characteristics of Nuts and Dried Fruit and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:

• Type of nuts: walnuts and hazelnuts go well with fortified wines, while dried figs and dates call for sweeter wines.
• Method of service: nuts served plain, caramelised or with cheese change the ideal pairing.
• Flavour intensity: tastier nuts need wines with greater structure.

Best Wine and Food Pairings for Nuts and Dried Fruit

Recommended Sweet Wines

• Passito di Pantelleria DOC – Perfect for dried figs and dates, thanks to its sweetness and aromatic persistence.
• Vin Santo del Chianti DOC – Excellent with almonds and cantucci, for its intensity and structure.
• Moscato d'Asti DOCG – Ideal for pecan nuts and caramelised nuts.

Recommended Fortified Wines

• Marsala Dolce DOC – Perfect for walnuts and hazelnuts, thanks to its complex, enveloping profile.
• Porto Tawny – Excellent with toasted nuts, for its balance between sweetness and aromatic depth.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

• Franciacorta Demi-Sec – Perfect for balancing the sweetness with its acidity.
• Champagne Blanc de Noirs – Excellent with dried fruit and nuts paired with aged cheeses.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

• Avoid wines that are too dry, which could prove too contrasting with the sweetness of the nuts.
• Watch out for overly tannic wines, which do not go well with the oily texture of the nuts.
• Avoid wines that are too aromatic, if the nuts are served with cheese or honey.

Specific Pairings for Some Types of Dried Fruit and Nuts

• Almonds and walnuts → Marsala Dolce, Tawny Port
• Dried figs and dates → Passito di Pantelleria, Moscato d'Asti
• Toasted nuts → Vin Santo del Chianti, Franciacorta Demi-Sec
• Nuts with cheese → Champagne Blanc de Noirs, Tawny Port