Embarking on the journey of wine and food pairings opens up a world of sensory delights, where the flavors of both elements complement and enhance each other. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual enthusiast, understanding the principles of pairing wine with food can elevate your dining experience. This quick guide will walk you through the basics, helping you navigate the intricate dance between wines and various cuisines. From whites to reds, sparkling to dessert wines, explore the secrets of creating harmonious combinations that tantalize your taste buds.
While ultimately whatever wine you like is what you should drink with your meal, there have been centuries of study on what wine pairs best with certain dishes.
Experts, known as sommeliers, have gone through years of research and experiments to determine how various wines from different regions fully compliment the flavor of the dishes you are enjoying.
The General Rules
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that wine can either compliment or contrast with your food. It doesn’t just have to compliment. If you do decide you would like to compliment…pair bold food with bold wine, and light food with light wine.
Red wines, traditionally, go best with red meat. White wines pair well with poultry and seafood.
If purchase a bottle and are unable to finish it with your meal, instead of leaving it unopened (which will cause it to turn sour), you should look into a wine preservation system. These contraptions pull all of the air out of your bottle of wine so you can store it for a significant amount of time after you have opened it.
Food pairing with Red Wines
There are many different kinds of red wines, though you can also get red blends (which is a blend of all those different kinds). The four main types of red wines are as follows.
Merlot
Merlot wines come from a black grape that originates out of the Bordeaux region in France. Food pairings that go best with merlot are drier foods like pork or veal, as well as charcuterie or pate.
Malbec
Malbec wines pair best with foods that are fattier, such as salmon, as well as steak and game meat. Dishes that have a lot of sauce and rich flavor also make malbec a perfect alcohol pairing.
Cabernet Sauvignon
If you serving dinner that consists of prime rib, New York strip, or filet mignon, then you are best off pairing it with cabernet sauvignon. Cabernets also go very well with lamb.
While generally red wines don’t pair as well with seafood, cabernet sauvignon can be an excellent choice if you are enjoying ahi tuna, particularly if it is pepper-crusted.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a very flexible wine that can pair well with many dishes. Steak, of course, but also vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto or vegetarian pasta are perfect combos.
Food pairing with White Wines
Just as there are many kinds of red wines, there are many types of white. The first white wines can be traced all the way back to Iran, around 7,500 years ago. While there are over 20 different kinds of white grape varieties that produce specific wines, the top three are as follows.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay wines are excellent when paired with any chicken dishes, particularly those that come with a creamy sauce. Seafood with butter sauce is also perfect when combined with chardonnay.
Reisling
Heralding from Germany, reisling are exceptional when paired with light fish, and particularly raw fish. Asian food is also an excellent pairing with this incredibly versatile wine.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon blanc is very crisp and refreshing wine. Food pairings that go well with this wine are cheese, very light and herbal dishes or snacks, as well as oysters and tangy foods.
Wine and Cuisine Pairing Suggestions:
- Chardonnay with Creamy Pasta: The buttery notes of Chardonnay beautifully complement the creamy texture of pasta dishes, creating a luxurious dining experience.
- Pinot Noir with Salmon: The delicate flavors of Pinot Noir enhance the taste of grilled or baked salmon, offering a balanced and delightful pairing.
- Sauvignon Blanc with Goat Cheese: The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a refreshing combination.
- Cabernet Sauvignon with Grilled Steak: The robust and tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon stands up to the bold flavors of a perfectly grilled steak, creating a classic pairing.
Experiment and Enjoy
While these guidelines provide a starting point, the beauty of wine and food pairing lies in experimentation. Don’t hesitate to explore and trust your palate. As you delve into the world of combinations, you’ll discover unique pairings that suit your personal taste preferences. Cheers to the delightful journey of exploring the art of wine and food pairings!
From understanding the basics of intensity and sweetness to exploring specific pairings like Chardonnay with pasta and Cabernet Sauvignon with steak, elevate your dining experience. Discover the principles that make these combinations harmonious and learn to trust your palate as you embark on a delightful journey of sensory exploration. Cheers to perfect pairings and unforgettable flavors! Want to see more culinary tips and cooking tricks? Check out our other articles here!
