The great thing about wine is that it's made to be enjoyed with food. Finding the right pairing of food and wine enhances the flavor of both. Today I’m sharing five of my favorite wine and food pairings. But remember, there is no hard and fast rule of what to drink with what. So this is a good starting point for you to enjoy wine with food...or all on its own!
Pinot Noir is great for dishes with earthy flavors.
Recipes made with ingredients like mushrooms and truffles taste great with reds like Pinot Noir and Dolcetto, which are light-bodied but full of savory depth.
Chardonnay for fatty fish and fish in a rich sauce.
Silky whites—for instance, Chardonnays from California, Chile or Australia—are delicious with fish like salmon or any kind of seafood in a lush sauce.
Champagne and Sparkling wines aren’t just for special occasions. They’re a perfect way to start any meal, and are also perfect for salty foods. Most dry sparkling wines, such as brut Champagne and Spanish cava, actually have a faint touch of sweetness. That makes them extra-refreshing when served with salty foods, like crispy udon noodles with nori salt.
Cabernet is “King” with juicy red meats.
California Cabernet, Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blends are terrific with steaks or chops — like lamb chops with frizzled herbs. The firm tannins in these wines refresh the palate after each bite of meat.
Sauvignon Blanc goes great with tangy and tart dressings.
Tangy foods — like scallops with grapefruit-onion salad — won't overwhelm zippy wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Vinho Verde from Portugal and Verdejo from Spain. The crisp acids found in these wines really make these wines stand out.
There are certain types of glassware from Clink that will enhance your wine experience…anything from the Essential Champagne Flute to the monster 21 oz. Trendsetter Stemless Wine Glass to let your best cabernet breathe. All monogrammed for that special person or occasion. So pull some corks and enjoy the wine that you like with your next meal!
Cheers!