The right wines and food pairings can make it or break it the next time you head out for dinner. Find out what foods go best with what wines so you never have an awkward experience again. Find San Simeon Wine and your search is over.
This article will give you 14 different food and wine pairings that are sure to enhance any meal. Find the perfect pairing for any occasion with these tips from our experts!
1. Poultry + Riesling
Riesling is an excellent choice for pairing with poultry as the grapes are sweet, and the taste is mellow enough not to overpower your dish. The wine also goes well with garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, spices, mushrooms, mild herbs like thyme or tarragon, or cream and butter.
2. Duck + Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for pairing with duck because the two tend to be rich in taste and complement each other well. The full-bodied wine pairs well with all types of food, including dark fruit, olives, mushrooms, and even toffee.
3. Lobster + Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a great choice for pairing with lobster because it goes well with the sweetness of the meat but also has enough acidity to stand up to all that butter you’re going to be enjoying your shellfish with. The wine pairs well with leeks, white pepper, ginger, and even lemon. Learn more about lobster dishes and wine pairings.
4. Beef Tenderloin + Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir
The intricacies of each cut of beef are most often brought out with wines rich in tannins like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. The two also go well with full-bodied and medium-bodied red wines like Tempranillo, Sangiovese, or Zinfandel.
5. Veal + Sauvignon Blanc
Veal is a more delicate meat, so it is best paired with lighter wines such as Sauvignon blanc. And since veal can sometimes be mild, this pairing will help bring out the subtler flavors in your dish.
6. Salmon + Rosé
The zesty acidity of wines like rosé goes well with salmon because it cuts through the fattiness of the fish while also enhancing its flavor. If you need more reasons to try this pairing, rosé is often affordable and pairs nicely with many types of food, including chocolate and fruits.
7. Pork Tenderloin + Sherry
Pork tenderloin is more delicate meat with a milder flavor than both beef and veal, so therefore it pairs well with wines such as sherry.
8. Lamb + Red Zinfandel
Lamb is more robust meat, so it pairs well with wines that are also bolder in flavor. A good option for this pairing would be red zinfandel or Syrah, as the wines are also rich in tannins, which can help cut through lamb’s fattiness.
9. Cheeses + Port
Wines like port pair well with cheeses because they are sweeter than most wines, and the sweetness helps to balance the saltiness of some cheeses. The wine also pairs well with spices, nuts, and fruits.
10. Truffles + Champagne
Truffles are a delicacy that should be paired with a light sparkling wine such as champagne. Pairing the two will help to enhance both of their flavors because truffles have a unique flavor, while champagne is also a sweeter wine.
11. Desserts + Port
Dessert wines such as port go extremely well with desserts because they are sweet themselves and high in alcohol content. The sugar found in most desserts will further enhance the wines’ sweetness, making it the best option for pairing with your favorite sweets.
12. Chocolate + Red Wine
Most chocolates are rich in flavor and go well with many wines, but the ones you should look for specifically when pairing chocolate and wine are those with a hint of sweetness, such as Syrah. There is also a wide variety of textures that will pair nicely with sweet red wine, so try out different types to find your favorites.
13. Brandy + Chocolate
Brandy pairs nicely with chocolate because it has a smoky, nutty flavor. To add to this pairing’s awesomeness, try drinking chocolate liqueur after or with your brandy for an even more indulgent experience.
14. Coffee + Brandy
Coffee and cognac taste great together because both have a rich, smoky flavor that pairs nicely. Be sure to enjoy your coffee and cognac with a sweet snack like chocolate or cake, as the pairing also goes well with fruits and sweetness in general.
In summary, remember that not all food and wine pairings are made equal. The best way to get the most out of your meal is to find the perfect pairing that enhances both of their flavors!