• Home
  • About Rupal
  • Links

Syrah Queen

Wine, Food & Travel Resource

  • Wine
  • Food
  • Travels
  • Lifestyle

Wines To Pair With Diwali Sweets

November 11, 2020

**This article first appeared in The Indian Scene Magazine for November 2020**

Add a special touch to your Diwali celebrations by pairing your popular selection of sweets with these exemplary wines.

The festive season is in full swing with Diwali celebrations. This means a celebration with amazing foods.  Typically we plan large Diwali celebrations with family and friends.  This year the celebrations will be smaller but maybe that means grander.

Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday, this festival of lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.  It marks the day Lord Rama came home after 14 years of exile and battling the demon, King Ravana.  To celebrate the joyous return of Lord Rama, people light up their houses with diyas, lights and rangolis.

For many, the most fun part of the festivities is all the special Diwali sweets, otherwise known as mithai.  Indian tradition is to prepare, distribute and enjoy these treats with family, friends and neighbors. Diwali is the time of year where we indulge in these decadent sweet treats.

The following are some of India’s most popular sweets and are an absolute delight to present to your guests for Diwali.  Add an extra special touch and pair them with these delicious wines and impress your friends and family this festive season.

Rabadi is a popular North Indian treat made with thickened milk that is delicately sweetened and has layers of malai(cream).  Cardamoms, saffron and dried fruits are added to enhance the flavors.  The creamy textures of Rabadi is a perfect match for Pedro Ximenez (“PX”) sherry. This is a lusciously sweet sherry with notes of caramel and espresso.  Try González Byass Nectar Pedro Ximénez, it is sure to please.

Gajar Halwa is made with grated carrots, ghee, sugar and condensed milk.  To add complexity and richness, cardamon, and nuts are blended in.  When I make Gajar Halwa I always have a slightly effervescent Moscato di Asti on hand.  My favorite is Michel Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d’Asto DOCG 2019.

Gulab Jamun is a quintessential Indian dessert of little pancake balls made of milk solids and flour, then soaked in a sweet rose flavored syrup. Everyone loves indulging in the sugary sweetness of Gulab Jamun.  A lusciously sweet dessert-like Gulab Jamun deserves a decadent wine like the beautifully balanced Merry Edwards Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2018.  I’m a huge fan.

Kalakand is a popular Diwali dessert prepared by reducing milk and sugar. It is often flavored with cardamom and rose essence. An off-dry riesling will pair delectably with Kalakand.  The bright acidity of the Riesling is a great match for the creaminess of the Kalakand. One of my favorite Rieslings is St. Urbans-Hof Estate Riesling QbA from Old Vines.

Kaju Katli is easily prepared with a creamy blend of cashew nut and milk topped with an edible silver leaf. The nuttiness of the cashews makes it an ideal pairing for a tawny port. A match made in heaven is Kaju Katli and Taylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old, made by one of the oldest and finest port houses in Portugal. You will savor every bite.

Kulfi is an intensely sweet dessert most likened to ice cream.  It is traditionally made with milk that simmers for hours, which gives it a caramelized flavor.  Try a Tokaji with this dessert.  Tokaji from Hungary is one of the most historic and delicious dessert wines.  Chateau Dereszla 2009 Aszú 5 Puttonyos (Tokaji) pairs exceptionally well with Kulfi.  The creamy flavors of the Kulfi are accompanied by enticing aromas of butterscotch, vanilla and caramel in the Tokaji.  This is over-the-top luscious goodness.

Share this post:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

about me

Hi! I’m Rupal.
I am a lover of fine wines, great food and adventurous travels.

read more

NEWSLETTER

Search on this site

Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
.
.
.
.
#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
.
The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry
Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
.
.
.
.
#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
.
The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry
Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
.
.
.
.
#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
.
The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry

Copyright © 2021 · Syrah Queen · Log in