More and more Americans are discovering what Europeans and Australians have long known -- that a sensational wine served with dessert makes just about the most dramatic ending a dinner party could have.

There are loads of delicious dessert wines to choose from -- and a half bottle (which is how most dessert wines are sold) will serve about six people, since a usual serving is only two ounces or so.

Try one of these pairings:

Fruit cobblers, pies, tarts: Late-harvest Rieslings from California or Washington State

Nut tarts, cakes: Tawny Ports from Portugal

Vanilla-based desserts: German Beerenausleses (also known as "BAs")

Creme brulee, creme caramel, panna cotta: French Sauternes

Chocolate desserts: Hungarian Tokays or Australian Muscats