Wine and Food Pairings

The Marriage of Wine and Food

True wine and food lovers know that nothing is more sublime to the palate than the perfect pairing. While each on its own can be quite pleasurable, the ideal wine and food marriage can equate to unforgettable bliss. What makes wine and food pairing so exciting is the virtually infinite combinations and the fact that while some matches work better than others, none are incorrect.

First and foremost, always drink what you like. However, there are a few general tips and guidelines that if followed will all but assure you a perfect match.

Probably the most important thing to take into account is the weight of both the dish and the wine. For example, pairing a light Italian Pinot Grigio with a grilled, juicy rib eye is not the best choice as the richness and bold flavors of the steak will completely over power the wine. A more appropriate choice to compliment your steak would be a flavorful, rich red such as a Bordeaux or a California Cabernet Sauvignon as the weight of both wines are more complimentary.

Next, be sure to consider the sauce and preparation of the dish. For instance, a delicate piece of grilled trout would work nicely with a dry, light Sauvignon Blanc, but cover it in a rich, buttery cream sauce and now it’s better suited with a California Chardonnay.

It’s also advantageous to think about the flavor profiles in both the wine and the food as often times a great pairing can be created by complimenting or contrasting flavors. For example, dishes with a touch of sweetness, like those with a honey-mustard glaze, Italian tomato sauce and Teriyaki sauce, tend to compliment slightly off-dry wines such as Chenin Blanc and Riesling. However, the same off-dry Chenin Blanc or Riesling can work beautifully with boldly flavored, spicy cuisine like Cajun or Creole food as the sweet flavors of the wine will offset the heat of the dish.

Also, consider regional pairings meaning a wine and cuisine from the same area will more than likely make a good combination, as that was the initial intention. For instance the Provence region of France is famous for their Bouillabaisse, which is perfectly paired with a dry Rose from the same region. Likewise, a crisp Riesling from Alsace matches ideally with sausages and sauerkraut, a specialty of the region.

So just remember that generally speaking white wines work best with light food and red wines with bolder dishes, but the bottom line in getting the optimum fulfillment out of wine and food is to simply select what you most enjoy.

Classic Wine and Food Pairings

Oysters and Chablis

Foie Gras and Sauternes

Duck and Pinot Noir

Champagne and Caviar

Port and Stilton

Champagne/Sparkling Wine

Caviar, lobster, scallops, oysters, grilled fish, Asian food, fruit based desserts.

Albarino

Shellfish, grilled fish, risotto, salads, mussels, grilled oysters.

Chablis

Oysters, mussels, grilled fish, roasted chicken, appetizers, pork loin.

Chardonnay

Lobster, scallops, grilled fish, roasted chicken, pasta with cream sauce, veal, turkey.

Chenin Blanc

Shrimp Creole, Asian dishes, veal, pork, light pasta dishes, seafood, shellfish.

Gewurztraminer

Chinese food, Thai food, curry, smoked salmon, pork, BBQ, sausages, roast turkey.

Pinot Blanc

Smoked salmon, pate, salads, grilled fish, light pasta dishes, quiche, sashimi.

Pinot Grigio

Baked ham, veal, grilled tuna, pork, light pasta dishes, Asian cuisine, antipasto.

Riesling

Mussels, Asian dishes, sushi, ham, pork, poultry, salmon, tuna, pate, fruits, desserts.

Sauvignon Blanc

Oysters, poached salmon, grilled fish, vegetable heavy dishes, pork, appetizers.

Viognier

Scallops, lobster, quiche, grilled tuna, Asian dishes, roast turkey, grilled vegetables.

Pairing red wine with food

Beaujolais

Veal, grilled tuna, roasted chicken, roast turkey, BBQ, duck, rabbit, baked ham.

Barbera

Sausages and charcuterie, casseroles, pasta with red sauce, roasted duck, pizza, Asian dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Lamb, beef, pate, rabbit, sausage, BBQ, roasts, cassoulet, dark chocolate.

Dry Rose

Bouillabaisse, salads, pate, sausages, grilled vegetables, baked ham, roast turkey.

Grenache

Burgers, pizza, BBQ ribs, pasta with tomato sauce, roast turkey, pasta with tomato sauce.

Malbec

Grilled beef, sausages, tomato based dishes, smoked meats, roast chicken, grilled mushrooms.

Merlot

Braised chicken, heavy pasta dishes, roasted turkey, beef, lamb, veal, stew, venison, dark chocolate.

Pinot Noir

Braised chicken, grilled salmon and tuna, charcuterie, roasted turkey, lamb chops, veal, truffles.

Shiraz/Syrah

Braised chicken, chili, meat stew, BBQ, spicy meats, steak au poivre, pizza, Asian cuisine.

Tempranillo

Ham, chorizo sausage, dishes with curry, seared tuna, roast pork, lamb, grilled beef.

Zinfandel

BBQ, pork, tomato based pasta dishes, wild game, Asian dishes, meat stew, steak au poivre.