Tiramisu is one of Italy's best-loved desserts, one that's widespread in both the north and south. The original recipe includes a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers covered with a cream made from mascarpone, eggs, and sugar – which in some cases can be “reinforced” with a touch of liqueur. Unsweetened cocoa powder is then sprinkled on top of the cream. Cocoa, mascarpone, and above all coffee are ingredients that aren't easy to pair with wine.

Stick With Sweet Wines
The only certainty for a tiramisu wine pairing is that the wine must be sweet. If the creamy, oily texture of the mascarpone inspires you to pair it with sparkling wine, you need to choose one with the right structure to withstand the coffee's persistent flavor.