The most delicious food and wine pairings are those that complement each other and enhance the flavors of both. Some popular combinations include red wines with beef, spicy dishes, or bitter dark chocolate; white wines with salmon, shrimp, or chicken; sparkling wines with a variety of foods from seafood to desserts; and dessert wines like port or sherry with chocolate or other decadent desserts. Here are some of the best food and wine pairings you can enjoy.
1. Red wines with beef
Red meat like beef pairs well with many red wines, especially those with high tannin levels. The acidity and tannin in the wine help cut through beef’s fattiness and cleanse your palate, making each bite taste richer. According to experts at winalist.com, some of the best red wines to pair with meat include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah. If you prefer a bolder red wine, try pairing it with steak. If you like lighter or medium-bodied red wines, then pair them with beef dishes like burgers or pot roast. It’s also worth noting that red wines pair well with a variety of other foods, from appetizers to desserts.
2. White wines with seafood
Seafood is a classic pairing for white wines, especially those made from crisp, acidic grapes like pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and riesling. The refreshing flavors of these wines help bring out the delicate nuances of fish and shellfish without overpowering them. Some delicious wine pairings with seafood include oysters with Champagne; tuna or salmon tartare with Chablis; scallops with chardonnay or pinot gris; and lobster with Muscadet. Of course, these are just a few of the many possibilities when it comes to pairing white wines with seafood.
3. Sparkling wines
Sparkling wines like champagne are perfect for celebrations, so why not try them in everyday meals as well? These highly effervescent beverages are versatile and pair well with a variety of foods. For example, you can enjoy champagne with fried chicken or similar dishes. It also pairs nicely with seafood like scallops, crab cakes, and oysters. If you prefer white wines with your seafood, then try pairing sparkling wine instead of still wine; the bubbles will help bring out the flavors in both the food and the drink.
4. Dessert wines
Dessert wines like port or sherry are typically drier than sweet dessert wines, making them more versatile when it comes to pairing them with other foods. While these wines do pair well with chocolate desserts, they are also great for savory dishes like cheese plates and savory tarts as well. If you enjoy sweeter dessert wines, then try pairing them with fruits like peaches or tarts that use fruit in the filling. There are many possibilities when it comes to choosing food and wine pairings, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Also, remember that the best pairings are those that you enjoy, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the combinations that work best for you.
5. Pairing wine with chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most popular food items that people enjoy, so it’s no surprise that there are many different ways to pair wine with chocolate. There are several main types of chocolate – dark, milk, and white – and each can be paired with various different wines.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in flavor and pairs well with red wine such as Bordeaux or Malbec. The slight sweetness of the wine balances out the bitter flavors in the chocolate, creating a delicious combination!
Milk chocolate: For this type of chocolate, we recommend pairing it with a higher-quality dessert wine such as Muscat or Champagne. These wines will help balance out any richness in the milk chocolates while enhancing their sweetness.
White chocolate: White chocolate is a little trickier to pair with wine, as its more subtle flavors do not work well with many wines. For this reason, we recommend pairing white chocolate with sweeter fortified dessert wines like Madeira or Sherry. These wines add a subtle hint of sweetness that works perfectly with the creamy texture and subtle flavors in white chocolate.
6. Pairing wine with cheese
Pairing wine with cheese is a great way to enjoy both of these delectable foods at the same time. There are many different wines that pair perfectly with various kinds of cheese, and it’s important to experiment until you find the combinations that you love the most. It’s a good idea to choose a high-quality cheese, as this will ensure that the flavors in the wine and cheese are able to shine through.
Some of the best wine pairings with cheese are white wine with cheddar cheese or brie cheese; red wine with sharp cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese; and sweet dessert wines like port or sherry with blue cheese. Cheese and wine can be enjoyed together at any time, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your ideal combinations!
Why is pairing wine with food so important?
The act of pairing wine with food dates back centuries. In fact, it is believed that the ancient Greeks held lavish dinners where they paired their wines with their meals in order to truly experience all of the flavors both separately and together. Although many people still do this today, there are also a number of people who believe that they already know what types of foods go best with which type of wine. However, what these individuals have not taken into consideration is the fact that certain foods can actually change the taste of different wines or even make them taste completely different in comparison to what you would expect after trying them on their own.
Overall, pairing wine with food is a great way to enjoy the complex flavors of both foods. There are many different wines and foods that can be paired together, so it’s important to experiment until you find the combinations that work best for you. Whether you are pairing white or red wines with various foods or enjoying dessert wines with cheese plates, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing wine and food.
