What Wine Goes with Tiramisu

• Complement the coffee flavors with similar notes
• Contrast the richness with bright acidity
• Balance the dessert’s sweetness

This guide explores sweet Italian wines, fortified wines, and sparkling options that sommelier recommendations consistently favor for this classic dessert. Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a restaurant experience, you’ll discover the ideal wine and tiramisu serving combination to elevate your after-dinner indulgence.

What Wine Goes with Tiramisu

Vin Santo

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Vin Santo’s nutty, dried fruit character complements tiramisu’s coffee and cocoa notes perfectly. Its moderate sweetness balances the dessert’s richness without overwhelming it. The wine’s caramel and honey flavors enhance the mascarpone cream while its acidity cuts through the richness. Historically, this traditional Tuscan wine has been paired with Italian desserts for centuries, making it a culturally authentic match.

Flavor Profile:

Apricot, honey, hazelnut, caramel, and orange peel. Medium to full body with balanced acidity. Oxidative notes develop with aging, adding complexity similar to the coffee elements in tiramisu.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Look for Vin Santo from Tuscany, particularly from Chianti Classico or Montepulciano regions.

Serving Tips:

Serve chilled but not cold (13-16°C or 55-60°F) in small dessert wine glasses. The concentrated flavors pair best with classic tiramisu recipes that aren’t overly sweet.

Alternative Wines:

Sauternes, Passito di Pantelleria

Moscato d’Asti

Wine Type:

Sparkling, Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Moscato d’Asti’s gentle bubbles refresh the palate between bites of creamy tiramisu. Its light sweetness complements rather than competes with the dessert’s sugar levels. The wine’s floral and fruit notes create a pleasant contrast with the coffee and chocolate elements. The low alcohol content makes it perfect for ending a meal without overwhelming.

Flavor Profile:

Fresh peach, apricot, orange blossom, and sage with a gentle effervescence. Light-bodied, moderately sweet with refreshing acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Traditional Moscato d’Asti DOCG from Piedmont, Italy.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (6-8°C or 42-46°F) in flute glasses. Keep tiramisu slightly less sweet to create balance with the wine’s natural sweetness.

Alternative Wines:

Prosecco (off-dry style), Brachetto d’Acqui

Brachetto d’Acqui

Wine Type:

Sparkling, Red, Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

This unique red sparkling wine has a natural sweetness and berry notes that create a delightful contrast with tiramisu’s coffee flavors. Its light fizz cleanses the palate between rich, creamy bites. The wine’s rose and strawberry aromas add a refreshing dimension that prevents palate fatigue from the dessert’s richness.

Flavor Profile:

Strawberry, raspberry, rose petals, and cherry candy with gentle bubbles. Light-bodied, moderately sweet with soft tannins and bright acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG from Piedmont, Italy.

Serving Tips:

Serve chilled (8-10°C or 46-50°F) in tulip-shaped glasses to capture the aromatic qualities. Consider adding fresh berries to your tiramisu to enhance the pairing.

Alternative Wines:

Lambrusco Dolce, Fragolino

Recioto della Valpolicella

Wine Type:

Red, Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Recioto della Valpolicella offers rich cherry and chocolate notes that mirror and enhance the cocoa elements in tiramisu. Its concentrated sweetness stands up to the dessert’s richness while the wine’s complex dried fruit character complements the coffee notes. The silky texture creates a harmonious mouthfeel with the creamy mascarpone.

Flavor Profile:

Black cherry, chocolate, dried figs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Full-bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and rich sweetness.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG from Veneto, Italy.

Serving Tips:

Serve slightly cool (14-16°C or 57-60°F) in large red wine glasses to allow the aromas to develop. Pairs especially well with chocolate-forward tiramisu variations.

Alternative Wines:

Porto Colheita, Maury

Ruby Port

Wine Type:

Fortified

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Ruby Port‘s bold berry flavors and chocolate undertones make it an excellent match for tiramisu. Its pronounced sweetness balances the coffee bitterness while its full body stands up to the rich dessert. The wine’s slight warmth from alcohol complements the espresso notes in tiramisu, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

Flavor Profile:

Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate, and plum with hints of spice. Full-bodied, sweet, with moderate tannins and warming alcohol.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Premium Ruby Reserves or Late Bottled Vintage Ports from Portugal’s Douro Valley.

Serving Tips:

Serve slightly cool (16-18°C or 60-64°F) in port glasses or small wine glasses. The rich flavors pair well with tiramisu made with dark chocolate shavings.

Alternative Wines:

Banyuls, Maury

Tawny Port

Wine Type:

Fortified

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Tawny Port brings nutty, caramel flavors that beautifully complement the coffee and mascarpone in tiramisu. Its oxidative aging process creates complexity that matches the dessert’s layered nature. The wine’s rounded sweetness balances the coffee bitterness while its acidity prevents the pairing from becoming cloying.

Flavor Profile:

Caramel, toasted nuts, dried fruit, vanilla, and coffee notes. Medium to full body with balanced sweetness and a long, warming finish.

Best Styles or Varietals:

10 or 20-year-old Tawny Port from Portugal’s Douro Valley.

Serving Tips:

Serve slightly chilled (12-14°C or 54-57°F) in port glasses. Works exceptionally well with tiramisu that includes a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts or almonds.

Alternative Wines:

Cream Sherry, Madeira Malmsey

Cream Sherry

Wine Type:

Fortified

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Cream Sherry’s rich sweetness and nutty complexity make it a natural partner for tiramisu. Its raisin and caramel notes enhance the dessert’s coffee and chocolate components. The wine’s velvety texture mirrors the creaminess of mascarpone while its subtle oxidative character complements the espresso notes in tiramisu.

Flavor Profile:

Raisins, caramel, walnuts, toffee, and baking spices. Full-bodied, sweet, with a smooth texture and lingering finish.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Premium Cream Sherries or Oloroso Dulce from Jerez, Spain.

Serving Tips:

Serve lightly chilled (10-12°C or 50-54°F) in small, tulip-shaped glasses. Perfect with classic tiramisu or versions with a hint of orange zest.

Alternative Wines:

Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Sweet Oloroso

Pedro Ximénez

Wine Type:

Fortified

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Pedro Ximénez (PX) offers intense sweetness and rich raisin flavors that stand up to tiramisu’s bold coffee notes. Its syrupy texture complements the creamy mascarpone while its molasses and fig flavors create new dimensions when paired with the dessert. The wine’s concentrated sweetness can match even the most decadent tiramisu variations.

Flavor Profile:

Raisins, dates, molasses, chocolate, coffee, and licorice. Full-bodied, very sweet, with a viscous texture and lengthy finish.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Pedro Ximénez from Jerez, Montilla-Moriles, or Málaga in Spain.

Serving Tips:

Serve chilled (8-10°C or 46-50°F) in small dessert wine glasses. A little goes a long way—serve in 60ml (2oz) portions alongside tiramisu.

Alternative Wines:

Sweet Marsala, Sweet Tokaji

Marsala

Wine Type:

Fortified

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Sweet Marsala’s caramelized sugar and dried fruit flavors naturally complement tiramisu—it’s even used in some tiramisu recipes. Its moderate sweetness and vanilla notes enhance the mascarpone cream while its subtle oxidative character pairs beautifully with the coffee elements. This traditional Italian pairing respects the dessert’s cultural origins.

Flavor Profile:

Dried apricot, vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, and hazelnut. Medium to full body with balanced sweetness and subtle oxidative notes.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Marsala Superiore Dolce or Marsala Superiore Riserva Dolce from Sicily, aged at least 2 years.

Serving Tips:

Serve lightly chilled (12-14°C or 54-57°F) in small wine glasses. Works particularly well with traditional tiramisu recipes that already include a splash of Marsala.

Alternative Wines:

Medium Sweet Madeira, Sweet Vermouth

Sauternes

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Sauternes offers honeyed richness and subtle botrytis (noble rot) complexity that creates a sophisticated pairing with tiramisu. Its apricot and tropical fruit notes provide contrast to the coffee flavors. The wine’s high acidity cuts through the mascarpone’s richness while its luxurious sweetness balances the bitterness of cocoa and espresso.

Flavor Profile:

Honey, apricot, peach, pineapple, and orange marmalade with botrytis complexity. Full-bodied, intensely sweet with vibrant acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Sauternes or Barsac AOC from Bordeaux, France.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (7-9°C or 45-48°F) in small dessert wine glasses. The golden color creates a visually appealing contrast next to the dark tiramisu layers.

Alternative Wines:

Monbazillac, Hungarian Tokaji Aszú

Tokaji

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Tokaji Aszú’s honeyed richness and bright acidity create a perfect balance with tiramisu. Its apricot and orange zest notes contrast beautifully with coffee flavors, while its botrytis complexity adds another dimension to the pairing. The wine’s clean finish prevents palate fatigue despite the rich dessert.

Flavor Profile:

Dried apricot, honey, orange peel, ginger, and subtle botrytis notes. Medium to full body with vibrant acidity balancing the intense sweetness.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Tokaji Aszú 5 or 6 Puttonyos from Hungary.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (7-9°C or 45-48°F) in small dessert wine glasses. Consider adding a small orange zest garnish to your tiramisu to highlight the wine’s citrus notes.

Alternative Wines:

Austrian Trockenbeerenauslese, Slovenian Selecting Wines

Ice Wine

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Ice wine’s intense fruitiness and natural sweetness provide a refreshing contrast to tiramisu’s coffee and chocolate notes. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the rich mascarpone cream while its concentrated flavor matches the dessert’s intensity. The clean, pure fruit character refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy dessert.

Flavor Profile:

Concentrated peach, apricot, tropical fruits, and honey with exceptional purity. Medium to full body with bright acidity balancing the pronounced sweetness.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Riesling or Vidal Blanc Ice Wine from Canada, especially from Ontario or Niagara regions.

Best Serving Tips:

Serve very cold (4-6°C or 39-43°F) in small dessert wine glasses. The contrast between the wine’s fresh fruitiness and tiramisu’s rich coffee notes creates a memorable pairing.

Alternative Wines:

German Eiswein, Late Harvest Riesling

Late Harvest Riesling

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Late Harvest Riesling‘s balanced sweetness and bright acidity create a refreshing counterpoint to tiramisu’s richness. Its honeyed fruit character offers a pleasant contrast to the coffee and chocolate notes. The wine’s clean, floral aromatics cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy dessert.

Flavor Profile:

Ripe peach, apricot, honey, and wet stone with floral overtones. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity balancing the sweetness.

Best Styles or Varietals:

German Spätlese or Auslese Riesling, or New World Late Harvest Riesling from Washington State or Finger Lakes.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (6-8°C or 42-46°F) in Riesling glasses with their smaller bowls and tapered rims. This pairing works especially well with lighter, less intensely sweet tiramisu variations.

Alternative Wines:

Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive, Chenin Blanc Late Harvest

Passito di Pantelleria

Wine Type:

Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Passito di Pantelleria’s intense dried fruit flavor and Mediterranean character make it a sophisticated match for tiramisu. Its apricot and honey notes create contrast with the coffee elements. The wine’s sunny disposition brightens the dessert experience while its balanced acidity prevents the pairing from becoming too heavy.

Flavor Profile:

Dried apricot, orange blossom, honey, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle salinity. Full-bodied and sweet with good acidity and a clean finish.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Passito di Pantelleria DOC from the island of Pantelleria, Sicily.

Serving Tips:

Serve chilled (10-12°C or 50-54°F) in small dessert wine glasses. The amber color creates a beautiful visual pairing with the layers of tiramisu.

Alternative Wines:

Sicilian Malvasia delle Lipari, Passito di Noto

Moscato Spumante

Wine Type:

Sparkling, Dessert

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Moscato Spumante’s gentle sweetness and lively bubbles create a fun, refreshing pairing with tiramisu. Its floral and fruity notes provide a pleasing contrast to the coffee and chocolate components. The effervescence cleanses the palate after each rich bite, preventing flavor fatigue.

Flavor Profile:

Fresh peach, orange blossom, honey, and sage with more pronounced bubbles than Moscato d’Asti. Light to medium body with balanced sweetness and acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Moscato Spumante from Piedmont, Italy.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (6-8°C or 42-46°F) in flute glasses. Consider a version of tiramisu with some fresh peach or nectarine incorporated to highlight the wine’s fruity notes.

Alternative Wines:

Demi-Sec Prosecco, Sweet Asti

Demi-sec Champagne

Wine Type:

Sparkling

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Demi-sec Champagne‘s moderate sweetness and complex brioche notes create an elegant pairing with tiramisu. Its fine bubbles provide textural contrast to the creamy mascarpone while its acidity cuts through the richness. The wine’s subtle toast and biscuit notes complement the ladyfinger base of the dessert.

Flavor Profile:

Baked apple, pear, brioche, honey, and subtle yeast. Medium-bodied with fine, persistent bubbles, moderate sweetness, and bright acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Demi-sec Champagne from France, particularly those with a higher percentage of Pinot Meunier for fruitiness.

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (6-8°C or 42-46°F) in flute or tulip Champagne glasses. The celebratory nature of Champagne makes this pairing perfect for special occasions.

Alternative Wines:

Demi-sec Crémant, Sweet Franciacorta

Sweet Prosecco

Wine Type:

Sparkling

Why it pairs well with Tiramisu:

Sweet Prosecco (labeled as “Dry” or “Demi-Sec”) offers gentle sweetness and crisp bubbles that refresh the palate between bites of rich tiramisu. Its simple fruit notes don’t compete with the dessert’s complex flavors. The light-hearted effervescence makes this an approachable, crowd-pleasing pairing.

Flavor Profile:

Green apple, pear, white peach, and honeysuckle with lively bubbles. Light-bodied with gentle sweetness and moderate acidity.

Best Styles or Varietals:

Prosecco DOC or DOCG labeled as “Dry” (which is actually somewhat sweet in Prosecco terminology).

Serving Tips:

Serve well-chilled (6-8°C or 42-46°F) in flute glasses. The affordable nature of Prosecco makes this pairing accessible for everyday treats.

Alternative Wines:

Moscato, Sweet Cava

FAQ on What Wine Goes With Tiramisu

What’s the best Italian wine to pair with tiramisu?

Vin Santo is the quintessential Italian pairing for tiramisu. This Tuscan dessert wine offers nutty, caramel notes that complement the coffee and mascarpone perfectly. Moscato d’Asti provides a lighter alternative with its gentle bubbles and stone fruit flavors that refresh between creamy bites.

Can I serve red wine with tiramisu?

Yes! Sweet red wines like Brachetto d’Acqui and Recioto della Valpolicella pair beautifully with tiramisu. Brachetto’s sparkling nature and berry notes contrast the coffee flavors, while Recioto’s rich cherry and chocolate profile enhances the cocoa elements in traditional tiramisu recipes.

Are fortified wines good with tiramisu?

Fortified wines make excellent tiramisu pairings. Port wine (especially Ruby or Tawny) offers chocolate-berry notes that enhance the dessert’s richness. Cream sherry and Pedro Ximénez deliver nutty, raisin flavors that complement the coffee notes while their sweetness balances the espresso’s bitterness.

Should wine be sweeter than tiramisu?

Generally, yes. The wine should be at least as sweet as the dessert to avoid tasting flat or bitter. Italian restaurant dessert wine traditions follow this rule. The wine’s acidity balances tiramisu’s creaminess while complementary flavors (caramel, nuts, chocolate) enhance the mascarpone and coffee components.

What champagne goes with tiramisu?

Demi-sec Champagne provides the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity for tiramisu. Its brioche notes complement the ladyfingers while fine bubbles refresh the palate. For a more affordable option, sweet Prosecco or Moscato Spumante offers similar effervescence with fruit-forward profiles that contrast the coffee flavors.

Can I pair ice wine with tiramisu?

Ice wine makes a refreshing tiramisu partner with its concentrated sweetness and bright acidity cutting through the rich mascarpone. The clean, intense fruit flavors (apricot, tropical fruits) provide pleasant contrast to coffee and chocolate notes. Canadian Riesling Ice Wine works particularly well.

What makes a good tiramisu wine pairing?

Successful tiramisu wine pairings balance several factors: complementary flavors (caramel/coffee, chocolate/cherry), contrasting notes (bright fruit against rich cream), sufficient sweetness to match the dessert, and enough acidity to refresh the palate between bites of creamy mascarpone.

How should I serve wine with tiramisu?

Serve dessert wines chilled but not ice-cold (7-12°C/45-54°F) in small dessert wine glasses. Fortified wines benefit from slightly warmer temperatures (10-16°C/50-60°F). Wine tasting with tiramisu works best when the dessert isn’t overly sweet—this creates better balance with the wine’s natural sweetness.

What alternatives exist for non-wine drinkers?

Coffee-based options like espresso martinis or amaretto coffee complement tiramisu’s flavors. Coffee liqueurs (Kahlúa, Tia Maria) echo the dessert’s espresso notes. For non-alcoholic pairings, cold-brew coffee with a splash of almond syrup or high-quality hot chocolate works well.

Does the tiramisu recipe affect wine selection?

Absolutely. Traditional recipes pair perfectly with Vin Santo or Marsala. Chocolate-heavy versions need berry-forward wines like Ruby Port. Fruit-infused tiramisu works well with Moscato d’Asti. The wine notes should either complement or purposefully contrast the tiramisu flavor profile.

Conclusion

Discovering what wine goes with tiramisu transforms an already delightful dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience. The Italian dessert traditions of pairing sweet wines with creamy coffee-infused treats have evolved into a rich tapestry of options for modern diners. From dessert wine for tiramisu to sparkling wine dessert pairing, your choice depends on personal preference and the specific tiramisu recipe.

When selecting your perfect match, remember these key principles:

• Sweet wines should balance the dessert’s sugar content
• Wine acidity with creamy desserts cuts through richness
• Regional Italian dessert wines offer authentic pairings
• Wine body and dessert pairing should be proportional

Whether you choose a traditional Marsala tiramisu combination, an elegant Sauternes, or a festive Brachetto d’Acqui, the right wine elevates both the dessert and your dining experience. The wine flavor profiles should enhance rather than compete with your tiramisu flavor complement. Trust your palate—the best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most.