Château d'Yquem 2017
Sauternes, Bordeaux • splurge
Apricot, honey, and saffron with luscious sweetness.
Crème Brûlée
dessert • custard • caramelized
Also known as: burnt cream, french custard
About the Dish
Crème Brûlée is a french dessert that leans on dessert, custard, caramelized. We look for bottles that respect the texture and seasoning without drowning the dish.
Our goal: keep the dessert feel intact while adding lift from Sauternes.
Top Pour: Sauternes
Honeyed sweetness matches caramelized sugar while acid balances custard richness.
Body: fullAcidity: highSweetness: sweet
Why it works
- High acid balances intense sweetness.
- Honeyed richness matches fatty liver and pungent cheeses.
Signature aromas
apricothoneysaffron
Bottle inspiration
Pairing Playbook
- High acid balances intense sweetness.
- Honeyed richness matches fatty liver and pungent cheeses.
- Avoid: dry wines, tannic reds.
Solid Alternates
Tokaji — Body: fullTokaji — Acidity: highTokaji — Sweetness: sweetNiagara — Body: fullNiagara — Acidity: highNiagara — Sweetness: sweet
FAQ
- What wine pairs best with Crème Brûlée?
- Sauternes is our first pour because Honeyed sweetness matches caramelized sugar while acid balances custard richness..
- Are there budget-friendly alternatives for Crème Brûlée?
- If Sauternes is out of reach, grab Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos—it shares the same structure and keeps the food in focus.
- Which wines should I avoid with Crème Brûlée?
- Skip styles like dry wines, tannic reds—they fight the seasoning or overwhelm the dish.
- What if I want a non-alcoholic pairing for Crème Brûlée?
- Try sparkling water with a citrus twist, chilled oolong tea, or verjus spritzes—they mirror acidity without the alcohol.
Skip These Bottles
dry winestannic reds
Explore Related Styles
These bottles share structural traits with Sauternes. Great options when the shelf is bare.