Are you planning to invite some friends and family over in the coming few days? Here are some food and wine pairings to spice up the dinner table.
There are no rules when it comes to food and drink. Our taste buds are unique, and therefore we tend to enjoy different combinations. With that being said, there is something called “perfect harmony” that can be found in some textbook combinations rather than in practical life.
Here are some very well-known food and wine pairings that people have been enjoying for years. If you want to create a refreshing palette for your next occasion, then keep on reading.
Can You Get Wine Delivered to Your Doorstep?
In a few states, ordering wine online is not feasible due to state regulations. For example, there are no wine clubs that ship to Utah. With special authorization, you can order wine online, but you'll most likely have to buy it from a supermarket or convenience store. Restaurants, liquor stores, bars, taverns, and other facilities exist, however, there are no direct home delivery options to specific states like Utah.
This law does not apply to all states, so once again, make sure to look into the laws in your designated states before proceeding to order your wine online.
Now, without further ado, let’s get into our combinations.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Nothing beats a homemade steak or a juicy burger that’s fresh out of the grill. So what’s the best choice of beverage to go with a delicious, fatty platter? A choice everyone can agree with is Cabernet Sauvignon (or just Cabernet) which has a crisp, refreshing and fruity flavor to it.
As you can probably tell, it is meant to go with dishes that are on the heavier side. After a few mouthfuls, it’ll freshen up your mouth and wash away the oiliness, getting you ready for more. This is because of the tannins in Cabernet.
Champagne And Cava
If you are planning to prepare something much lighter than steak, then choosing sparkling, sweet wines like champagne or cava will make for a clean meal. Champagne goes well with many salty and savory dishes; you can pair it with cheesy pasta or lasagna. It also wonderfully complements mushroom dishes.
Thinking of ways to add a fancy and romantic element to your movie night? Try substituting your favorite soda with Champagne! It’s perfect for snacks like popcorn, chips and assorted nuts.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir has a rather complex flavor profile; it's a perfect blend of raspberries, cherries, and mushrooms, giving it an earthy yet acidic taste. If you’re skipping the meat and settling for a fish filet, then Pinot Noir is your go-to beverage. Like champagne, this light and silky wine go well with mushrooms, various pasta dishes and of course, grilled salmon or Tuna.
Pinot Noir also complements certain meats like duck and beef (particularly beef stew).
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is more on the neutral side of some wines mentioned here. Because of its mildness, you do run the risk of muddling its subtle flavor by pairing it with the wrong kind of food. You can pair this wine with mild food as well - nothing too spicy or tangy. To put it simply, do not serve chardonnay with any dish having strong flavors.
Chardonnay is best enjoyed with fatty fishes and shellfish, like cod, halibut, shrimp, crab, and lobster. It also goes splendidly well with any dishes having creamy and silky textures like risottos and pasta dishes.
Merlot
Merlot is considered a wine that’s quite easy to drink, especially because it can be paired with a variety of foods. It’s a mix of darker fruits, like blackberry, black cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla and mocha. It’s great to have with roasted chicken or turkey (perfect for a family dinner).
What truly makes it special, however, is that you can have it with your favorite fast foods. You can pour yourself a glass of wine with pizza, burger and also with soul food like mac-n-cheese. If you aren’t sure of which wine you should go with, or couldn’t find any other choice of wine, then Merlot is your safest bet.
Wine To Serve With Desserts
Your meal doesn’t end after the main course - we still have deserts! After having a filling dinner or lunch, you can sit down with your guests to have something nice and sweet. For a luxurious experience, you can also try serving wine with your desserts.
Dark chocolate is great, but sometimes its bitterness can be a little overpowering for some people. If you’re giving your guests some dark chocolate, then why not try pouring a glass of Ruby Port with it too? It’s perfect for combating the bitterness of dark chocolate.
Vanilla-flavored deserts are best enjoyed with wines like Muscat. Muscat is mildly sweet and helps tone down the sweetness of some desserts. It’s great for those who don’t have much of a sweet tooth.
If you’re sticking to a simple apple pie for dessert, then you can try serving it with Riesling. Riesling is a highly acidic wine. Like Muscat, this also helps reduce the sweetness of desserts.
In Conclusion
Bringing in a bottle of wine for any occasion is a great way to elevate the experience of having the meal. The right kind of wine will put you in a good mood, boost your appetite and help freshen up your palette with every sip. Some will mix strong flavors, making the meal a balanced one while others will help intensify the flavors of your dishes.
Indeed, pairing food with wine is an art that takes a little practice and experimentation. Remember, first learn the basics and go with something easy. Once you’ve acquired enough experience, you can start experimenting with different wine flavors and foods. Good luck!
