Biscotti & Wine Pairings (2024)

Biscotti pairs best with Vin Santo, Sherry, Late Harvest Wines, Ice Wines, Espresso, Coffee and Tawny Port. The hard-like cookie softens when paired with a beverage, allowing the nutty flavours to tickle your taste buds with its heavenly flavours.

What is Biscotti?

Biscotti is an Italian almond biscuit that is baked twice for a dry, crunchy texture that is quite hard. Often people enjoy Biscotti with their morning espresso or coffee, where they dip the biscuit into the drink to soften it up. As Biscotti is semi-sweet (more nutty than sugary), you can also enjoy it with various dessert wines. Traditionally, Biscotti was made hard to help extend its shelf-life, however the happy marriage between cookie and drink followed shortly.

What is the Best Wine to Pair with Biscotti?

TypeVarietalFoodRating
Dessert WineVin SantoBiscotti
BeerVienna LagerAlmond Biscotti
Sparkling WineSektBiscotti
PortTawny PortBiscotti Nutty
Dessert WineBrachetto d'AcquiBiscotti
Sparkling WineProseccoBiscotti Nutty
Sparkling WineAsti Spumante, (DOCG)Biscotti
CoffeeEspressoBiscotti
SherrySherry, PX or Pedro XimenezBiscotti
CoffeeCoffeeBiscotti
CoffeeCapuccinoBiscotti
Dessert WineIce WineBiscotti
Dessert WineLate Harvest White WinesBiscotti
Dessert WineLate Harvest ZinfandelBiscotti
Dessert WineSweet MarsalaBiscotti
Dessert WineMuscat, OrangeBiscotti
Red WineRhone, Red WineBiscotti
W Wine BrandChoya Silver White WineBiscotti Nutty
SherrySherry, Sweet Biscotti
SherrySherry, Cream Biscotti

Vin Santo and Biscotti Pairing


Vin Santo is a sweet Italian wine (off-dry and semi-sweet variants also exist but are less popular) that is produced in Tuscany and is adored for its intense flavours of hazelnut, raisin, and caramel. Vin Santo translates to Saint Wine (Holy Wine) because it, or a variant of it, was popularly served at Catholic Mass. In modern Italy, Vin Santo is served as a digestive at the end of a meal after Espresso and considered a vini da meditazioni (meditation wine), meaning Vin Santo is meant to be sipped slowly where you reflect on the day.

Vin Santo is often paired with a Biscotti as it is an amazing pairing. When the Biscotti and Vin Santo merge, the wine softens to cookie and the cookie cushions the intense sweetness of the fortified wine. Meanwhile, the cookie absorbs the caramel and hazelnut flavours of the wine, saturating your taste buds with their delicious flavours.

Pedro Ximenez (PX) Sherry and Biscotti


PX sherry is a very sweet wine featuring flavours of caramel, figs, raisin, brown sugar, chocolate, figs, molasses and cherries. From the description of flavours, you can instantly tell this will merge perfectly with a nutty bite of Biscotti. As Biscotti is less sweet than Pedro Ximenez Sherry, the cookie will absorb all these delicious flavours when dipped and spread them evenly across your tongue where you can indulge in all their glory.

While popular in Europe, Sherry does not seem to be that popular in North America. In my decades as a wine Sommelier, Sherry was typically only asked for by women in their late 80s. But let me tell you something, they were on to something as Sherry is undervalued, delicious, versatile and well worth your time and effort to understand and enjoy.

For Biscotti pairing, make sure you pick up a sweeter styled Sherry, as most Sherry on the shelves are incredibly dry and will not pair with Biscotti at all.

Ice Wine and Biscotti Pairing


In Canada, where I live, we love our Ice Wine, and there’s nothing I love more than settling down for the evening with a small glass of Ice Wine, some Biscotti, and the Hockey Game. When pairing wine with a dessert, you always want the wine to be sweeter than the dessert. And boy, is Ice Wine ever sweet. When paired with the Biscotti, the sweetness of the ice wine is absorbed by the cookie, and the delightful flavours of apple, apricot, honey and peach shine through. If you find an ice wine made from the Cab Franc grape, you’ll get lush flavours of raspberry and strawberry, which are just as delicious with Biscotti.

Ice Wine certainly won’t complement Biscotti, however, the biscuit and wine improve one another in that all their individual flavours shine on the finish.

Espresso & Biscotti Pairing


If it’s too early to enjoy the benefits of a glass of wine, try biscotti with a shot of Espresso. The caffeine in the Espresso gives you a nice jolt of energy, while the Biscotti absorbs the Espresso’s kick so you don’t have a direct mainline of energy going straight to your heart.

An Italian rule is to never dip your Biscotti into your Espresso, and maybe that’s why those Espresso cups are so small. However, if you take a sip of Espresso, and follow it up with a bite of Biscotti, the nutty flavours of the cookie mingle perfectly with the bitter coffee flavours creating a wonderful sense of harmony in your mouth.

Biscotti & Wine Pairings (2024)

FAQs

What wine goes with biscotti? ›

Biscotti pairs best with Vin Santo, Sherry, Late Harvest Wines, Ice Wines, Espresso, Coffee and Tawny Port. The hard-like cookie softens when paired with a beverage, allowing the nutty flavours to tickle your taste buds with its heavenly flavours.

Do you eat biscotti with wine? ›

As they do in Tuscany, you can dip your biscotti into rich red wines, especially those on the sweeter side. Marsala wine and Vin Santo are the wines of choices for dipping. Most connoisseurs on either side of the pond agree that dipping biscotti into a sweet Italian wine is the perfect end to a hearty Italian meal.

What pairs well with biscotti? ›

Coffee is also a classic beverage with which to enjoy a biscotto: lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, or drip coffee. Whatever your go-to is, try it with biscotti. Equally delicious non-caffeinated pairings include herbal tea, hot chocolate, and milk (cold or frothed).

Do Italians dip biscotti in wine? ›

Italian Biscotti or Cantucci are crunchy almond biscuits, traditionally dunked in Vin Santo - a sweet Italian dessert wine, but you can accompany them with also with Tea or Coffee.

Does biscotti go with red wine? ›

It pairs wonderfully. We're also planning a dried-cherries and pecans biscotti to pair with a Cabernet Franc ice wine (sweet)--a first; always dry wines prior--and a craisins and pastachio biscotti that should pair well with both reds and whites.

Do Italians dip biscotti in coffee? ›

Biscotti is one of the most popular foods to dip in your coffee – especially in Italy. In fact, it's literally designed and baked for dunking in mind. The crunch and density of a good piece of biscotti dipped in a steaming cup of coffee is unmatched.

Which food should not paired with wine? ›

6 Foods That Don't Pair With Wine
  • Chocolate. Why It Doesn't Work. ...
  • Brussel Sprouts. Why It Doesn't Work. ...
  • Asparagus. Why It Doesn't Work. ...
  • Blue Cheese. Why It Doesn't Work. ...
  • Sushi. Why It Doesn't Work. ...
  • Soy Sauce. Why It Doesn't Work.

Do Italians eat biscotti for breakfast? ›

1. Biscotti (Biscuits) Biscuits are the most popular Italian breakfast food!

What do Italians call biscotti? ›

What Americans call biscotti in Italy are known as cantucci or cantuccini if they are small. Biscotti is the generic term for cookies or biscuits in Italian, and it literally means twice (bis) cooked (cotti).

What tea goes best with biscotti? ›

Oolong Tea

Oolong teas have a complex aroma, earthy, woody but a tint of sweetness, ranging between green and black teas. Light pastries can easily be paired with it, like vanilla pound cake, madeleine, biscotti and cookies.

Are biscotti French or Italian? ›

They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped and crunchy. and can be stored for long periods of time. Since they are very dry, Biscotti traditionally are.

Are biscotti a healthy snack? ›

Biscotti are one of my favorite sweet indulgences. What's not to like? They're easy to make, very satisfying and relatively light and healthy since they're lower in fat and sugar than most cookies. They're also usually packed with heart healthy nuts.

Why do Italians drink limoncello after dinner? ›

Like the name suggests, they are meant to aid digestion after a substantial meal (digestivo in Italian means 'digestive'). They come in several types, some sweet some bitter.

Are you supposed to dunk biscotti? ›

The traditional way to eat biscotti is by dipping these crunchy baked biscuits in a glass of sweet fortified wine as an after-dinner dessert. Alternatively, you can dunk them in coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or milk, or crumble them on top of ice cream and other desserts.

Why do Italians dunk bread in wine? ›

These aren't personal quirks but instead Italianish table mannerisms: To mask the taste of bad wine, meals often began with a bit of crisped bread dropped into the cup, hence the term “to toast.”

Does biscotti get you high? ›

The flavor profile of Biscotti is sweet, sugary, and earthy. Some users describe it as a strain with coffee-like flavors with hints of an earthy profile, making it one of the best strains to go with a cup of coffee. When taken, the high effects rush into your brain, where it stimulates your mind into unfocused bliss.

Is biscotti a dessert or breakfast? ›

Biscotti are Italian almond biscuits originating from Tuscany. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and are often dipped in a hot cup of coffee before being enjoyed. Giolitti Deli sells homemade classic almond biscotti that you can enjoy as breakfast… an afternoon snack… or dessert!

What do you do with biscotti? ›

Biscotti goes particularly well with iced lattes and iced chai during the summer. The smooth flavor that milk brings to those drinks is particularly refreshing when paired with the sweet, spiced flavor of biscotti. Try replacing granola with Soft-Baked Biscotti in a parfait.

Is biscotti better with oil or butter? ›

Despite their centuries-old heritage, there is no one perfect way to make biscotti. Some recipes call for eggs only, which is the traditional method, while others swear by butter or oil. The choice is yours; just keep in mind that those made with butter or oil will have both a softer texture and a shorter shelf life.

What is the point of biscotti? ›

During Roman times, foods that were unleavened simply just traveled better which is why things such as bread and rolls were a no-go during long journeys. As such, biscotti was created as a way to provide food for travelers while also ensuring the food would last and wouldn't become even staler the longer it sat out.

Why do Italians not drink cappuccino after noon? ›

Italians have a thing about drinking cappuccino after noon. It's just not done (some say it's because the milk and foam makes it a replacement for a meal, and all that dairy upsets the digestion). And you'll never see an Italian ordering a cappuccino after dinner.

What is the best snack with wine? ›

Make your quick bites unique and fun, and have these 10 Fantastic Snacks with your favorite wine!
  1. Pizza. Like cookies and cream, pizza and wine are the ultimate duos. ...
  2. Cupcakes. Indulging in wine and cupcakes is self-love, or should I say self-care. ...
  3. Cheese. ...
  4. Chocolate. ...
  5. Popcorn. ...
  6. Potato Chips. ...
  7. Crab Cakes. ...
  8. Cashew & Pistachio Nuts.
4 Oct 2022

What time do Italians take naps? ›

The riposo - Italy's midday siesta

You might know it as the siesta. In Italy, it is called riposo. This traditional early afternoon shutdown varies from business to business, but usually lasts about 90 minutes to two hours. It may begin anywhere from noon and 1:30pm and run until anywhere from 2:30 to 4pm.

What do Italians have for an afternoon snack? ›

It is often something sweet (and in this case is usually called la merendina, "the little snack"), such as a warm bowl of milk with biscotti for dipping, a scoop of fresh ricotta with sugar sprinkled over the top, or a slice of bread spread thickly with Nutella.

Is biscotti a cookie or a cracker? ›

Biscotti is a sliced cookie made from a long piece of dough that has been baked, cut into individual pieces and finally re-baked to obtain characteristic texture and low moisture. The cookie is long and finger shaped. The double baking dries out the dough, giving it a crunchy texture.

What is a single biscotti called? ›

In a world where every single cookie is called a biscotto (the singular form of the word) there needs to be a word for what we know to be biscotti. That word is - yes, you guessed it - cantucci!

What does Tootsie mean in Italian? ›

(toe) ditino. (foot) piedino. 2. (US) (old-fashioned) tesoro. (woman) bella ragazza.

What country did biscotti originate from? ›

There is a common misconception that biscotti originated in the Tuscan region of Italy, when in reality it was created a few centuries earlier in Rome. The word biscotto is derived from the Latin 'bis' for 'twice' and 'coctum' or 'baked' which would soon be adapted to 'cotto' meaning 'cooked'.

How long will biscotti keep? ›

Storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Biscotti will keep for at least two weeks. Biscotti may also be frozen in an airtight container for several months.

Should biscotti be crunchy? ›

Biscotti are hard, crunchy cookies as they are usually baked twice - the word biscotti is derived from Italian - "bis" meaning "twice" and "cotti" meaning "cooked". Usually the dough is formed into small loaf shapes (similar to a ciabatta loaf) and baked for around 20 minutes, then cooled slightly before slicing.

Do biscotti harden as they cool? ›

With its first stint in the oven, it is baking at a higher temperature, then, the biscotti is removed, cut into cookies, and returned to the oven to continue baking at a lower temperature. This is when the biscotti should crisp up and harder. Note, biscotti will continue to harden as it cools.

What does biscotti literally mean? ›

Italian, biscuit, cookie, from (pane) biscotto, literally, bread baked twice.

What is the original biscotti flavor? ›

What Does Biscotti Taste Like? The most traditional biscotti, like you would find in Prato, are made with a very simple recipe containing anise and almonds or pine nuts. Today, there are hundreds of flavors of biscotti available to buy that deviate from this original recipe.

What does biscotti mean in slang? ›

The slang term “Biscotti” is a noun that is used to refer to a specific strain of marijuana. Biscotti is slang for a specific strain and flavor of marijuana. Rappers often say they smoke or are smoking biscotti to mean a good and fancy strain of weed.

How many calories are in 1 biscotti? ›

Biscotti (1 cookie) contains 19.7g total carbs, 18.6g net carbs, 6.3g fat, 2.9g protein, and 145 calories.

How many calories are in 2 biscotti? ›

Biscotti Cookie (Italian Sugar Cookie)

There are 290 calories in 2 Biscotti Cookies (Italian Sugar Cookie). * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Are biscotti high in cholesterol? ›

Besides, biscotti is also famous for its characteristic of 0% cholesterol - 0% transfat, so it will be a "high-recommended" choice to help lower cholesterol, protect the heart, and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Do cookies go with wine? ›

A good general rule of thumb when pairing wine and cookies is: the darker the dessert, the darker the wine! In general, if you are looking to pair a delicate sugar cookie with the perfect wine, a crisp white will complement it best. Similarly, a dark chocolate cookie will pair well with a rich dark red wine.

Is biscotti French or Italian? ›

Biscotti (/bɪˈskɒti/: Italian pronunciation: [biˈskɔtti]; English: twice-cooked), known also as cantucci ([kanˈtuttʃi]), are Italian almond biscuits that originated in the city of Prato. They are twice-baked, oblong-shaped, dry, crunchy, and may be dipped in a drink, traditionally Vin Santo.

Is biscotti a healthy snack? ›

Biscotti are one of my favorite sweet indulgences. What's not to like? They're easy to make, very satisfying and relatively light and healthy since they're lower in fat and sugar than most cookies. They're also usually packed with heart healthy nuts.

What is biscotti called in Italy? ›

Traditional Italian biscotti are what we Italians called cantucci or, to give them their full name, Biscotti di Prato: they come, in fact, from Prato in Tuscany but they've been adopted in the whole Tuscany under the name of cantucci or cantuccini. Outside of Italy, they're called biscotti.

What nibbles to serve with wine? ›

Breadsticks and bread rolls are ideal for wine tasting parties. These snacks allow you to sample more wines without feeling too full or intoxicated! You could also have small bowls of nuts and dried fruit around the room. A cheese fondue always makes for an indulgent treat!

Is biscotti good for anxiety? ›

Biscotti relaxes both your mind and body, allowing you to dispel fogginess, lethargy, depression, and mood swings.

What are small biscotti called? ›

What Americans call biscotti in Italy are known as cantucci or cantuccini if they are small. Biscotti is the generic term for cookies or biscuits in Italian, and it literally means twice (bis) cooked (cotti). The word “biscotti” is plural….

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 6245

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.