Let’s be honest: Some of the sweetest things in life come in spread form. Seriously. We can’t think of a single person in the world who doesn’t love a spoonful of Nutella, Peanut Butter, or lip-smacking Speculoos (also known as Cookie Butter at Trader Joe’s) at the end of a stressful day. In fact, sweet spreads and lightly toasted bread make for a perfect late-afternoon snack, post-dinner dessert, or Saturday morning brunch treat. Considering all of the above are prime times for an alcoholic beverage, we’ve rounded up a pairing for all of your spreadable, sweet-tooth needs.
Nutella – Ruby Port
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This creamy chocolate spread screams for a sweet red — Ruby Port, specifically. Plus, the nutty characteristic of the spread and sweet sugary red wine will give this pairing a quasi-PB&J feel!
Peanut Butter – Malmsey Madeira
Malmsey Madeira is the sweetest of them all. Its layered feel on the palate and sweet coffee-caramel flavors are stunning with our beloved PB. The naturally high acidity in the wine cuts through the texture of the spread as well, making this pairing simply mouthwatering.
Almond Butter – Amontillado Sherry
Amontillado Sherry is born when the layer of flor, under which a wine is aging, disappears. This causes the wine to oxidize, giving it a savory, nutty flavor profile — perfect for pairing with almond butter.
Speculoos – Tawny Port
Photo via Biscoff
Like Amontillado Sherry, Tawny Ports undergo a gradual oxidation, imparting a brownish color and nutty flavor profile to the wine. The cinnamon-caramel notes of Tawny Port perfectly complement the cinnamon-based Speculoos spread.
Red Jelly – Rosé d’Anjou
These slightly sweet rosés pair gorgeously with various red jellies; the fruit-forward palate and light residual sugars in the wines are a stellar match with strawberry jam, raspberry jelly, cherry preserves… the list goes on.
Grape Jelly – Off-Dry Riesling
An off-dry Riesling, particularly from the Mosel region of Germany, packs enough sweetness to stand up to grape jelly, while the naturally high acidity in the grape slashes through the sweetness in a strikingly delicious way.
Apple Butter – Off-Dry Vouvray
Loire Valley Chenin Blanc is notorious for presenting fruit-forward, bright apple characteristics on the palate, making this pairing with apple butter a no-brainer.
Fluff – Moscato d’Asti
Who doesn’t love fluff?! Light and sweet, fluff needs a wine that is equally soft and delicate. The low-alcohol, Moscato-based sweet wines from Asti are a stellar match.
PB&J – Lambrusco
What’s more fun than PB&J? PB&J paired with sparkling red wine, of course! The frothy, fruity wines of Lambrusco complement the sweetness of the jelly, while the acidity in the wine perfectly cuts through the peanut butter. Moms and dads, this pairing is for you.
