Nougat

Dessert · Full · Sweet

Bordeaux's legendary sweet white — Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc hit by noble rot, then patiently fermented. Honey, apricot, candied citrus, and a finish that lasts a small eternity. Pair with foie gras, blue cheese, or a fruit tart.

Works with Nougat Glacé With Mango · Nougat Ice Cream With Chocolate

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Spain's traditional-method sparkling, made in Catalunya. Crisper and chalkier than Prosecco; remarkable value next to Champagne. Pair with jamón, tortilla, and grilled vegetables.

Sparkling · Light · Dry

Méthode champenoise from the most chalk-rich corner of France — fine bubbles, brioche, lemon zest, and a finish that goes on for half a minute. The wine for anything fried, salty, or special.

White · Medium · Dry

The most-planted white grape and the most chameleon-like. Crisp and steely from Chablis; rich, oaky, and tropical from California. Read the label, then match the style to the dish.

The Loire's noble-rot Chenin Blanc — honey, quince, candied citrus, balanced by trademark Chenin acid. Ages magnificently; the sweet wine for those who find Sauternes cloying.

Sparkling · Light · Sweet

Asti's more refined sibling — gently frizzante, only 5-6% alcohol, all peach and orange blossom. The perfect summer dessert wine.

Southern Rhône's classic fortified sweet white — Muscat à Petits Grains with peach, orange blossom, honey. Pair with fresh fruit or blue cheese.

Languedoc's classic Vin Doux Naturel — fortified Muscat with honey, orange peel, and a long sweet finish. The dessert wine for southern French summer evenings.

Roussillon's everyday sweet fortified — Muscat with citrus peel, dried apricot, honey. The southern French answer to Beaumes-de-Venise at a friendlier price.

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

The Loire's grandest sweet white — Chenin Blanc affected by noble rot, made in tiny quantities. Honey, dried apricot, decades of ageability.

Rosé · Light · Dry

Provence's gift to summer — dry, pale, faintly strawberry-and-citrus, with low alcohol and crisp acid. Made to drink cold, with food, in the shade.