A true Italian dining experience is not complete without a decadent, end-of-dinner treat with a perfectly paired glass of vino!
Osteria IL Centro offers guests 6 classic Italian desserts to choose from, as well as an extensive Reserve Wine List with bottles from top producers around the world. Explore OIC's menu of delicious desserts below, and the suggested wine pairing for each.
Gelato Ball
The famous Gelato Ball has been a crowd favorite for years, and one bite will be all you need to see why! Irresistibly smooth raspberry gelato is coated in rich dark chocolate and drizzled with a fresh raspberry sauce.
Pair with Moscato d'Asti
Moscato d'Asti is a naturally sweet dessert wine from Italy. The gentle sweetness of this wine is not cloying and pairs wonderfully with the tart sweetness of the raspberry gelato. That tartness also pairs well with the zesty acidity of the wine. And of course, Moscato d'Asti's iconic effervesence contrasts with the smooth texture of the gelato for a delightful combination of flavors and sensations on the palate.
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Nothing beats the luxuriously smooth texture of a perfectly made crème brûlée with that crisp, caramelized sugar top.
Pair with Sauterne
Sauterne, hailing from Bordeaux, France, is a lucisously sweet white dessert wine. The plush honey, apricot, peach, and citrus notes of this wine are perfect for complementing the creamy sweetness of the crème brûlée. Just like the silky custard, this wine is light with a velvety smooth texture. Nutty aromatic undertones in the wine highlight the sweet vanilla bean flavors in the crème brûlée.
New York-Style Cheesecake
OIC makes this creamy, cheese-lovers' delight even more delectable with a generous drizzle of fresh raspberry sauce.
Pair with Riesling
Cheesecake is a densely sweet dessert, so the wine you sip alongside it must be strong enough to cut the sugariness without overpowering it. Riseling has the perfect balance of subtle sweetness with high acidity, making it the ideal pairing for classic New York cheesecake, or even fruit-topped cheesecakes. Additionally, the stone fruit notes of Riesling echo the buttery goodness of the graham cracker crust.
Chocolate Decadence Cake
All the rich, fudgy goodness you are craving paired with sweet vanilla ice cream – a win every time!
Pair with Zinfandel
Zinfandel is defined by its distinct chocolate, espresso, black pepper, and spice notes, as well as red and black fruit flavors. The rich character of this wine style make it powerful enough to stand up to the most sumptuous of desserts, like Chocolate Decadence Cake. The fudgy chocolate flavors of the cake pair beautifully with the jammy fruitiness of the wine, while the subtle spice undertones accentuate, not dominate.
Spumoni
Traditional tri-colored ice cream garnished with yummy candied fruits and nuts.
Pair with Vin Santo
Vin Santo is another popular dessert wine from Italy that is indulgent yet balanced. The wine boasts a rich bouquet of honey, toasted nuts, caramel, dried apricot, and fig notes. This flavor profile works well with each of the flavors of Spumoni and brings an added level of fruit brightness that elevates the dish overall.
Tiramisu
And last, but definitely not least, is this classic Italian dessert of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and deliciously rich mascarpone cheese.
Pair with Marsala
Tiramisu is rich and decadent. That means you need a wine that can pair harmoniously with its lush sweetness. Marsala carries notes of caramel, toffee, dried fig, raisin, and brown sugar - all of which complement the strong flavor of the espresso-soaked ladyfingers. On the finish, Marsala's subtle almond and walnut undertones add to the creaminess of the mascarpone cream.
