When it comes to wine pairings, cheese is often the first thing that comes to mind. And for good reason – the rich flavors and creamy textures of cheese can complement a wide range of wines. However, there’s a whole world of other delicious options that can elevate your wine-drinking experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best foods to pair with wine, from sweet treats to savory delights.
Chocolate: A Sweet Surprise
Who says wine and chocolate don’t mix? In fact, certain types of chocolate can pair beautifully with wine, especially sweet and fortified wines. The key is to find a chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 70%) to balance out the bitterness and acidity of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Moscato d’Asti and White Chocolate: The sweet, floral notes of Moscato d’Asti pair perfectly with the creamy texture of white chocolate.
- Tawny Port and Dark Chocolate: The nutty, caramel flavors of Tawny Port complement the rich, dark flavors of dark chocolate.
Fresh Fruits: A Refreshing Twist
Fresh fruits can add a refreshing twist to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose fruits that complement the flavors and acidity of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Sauvignon Blanc and Citrus Fruits: The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavors of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.
- Riesling and Stone Fruits: The sweet, floral notes of Riesling complement the juicy, sweet flavors of peaches, nectarines, and plums.
Nuts: A Crunchy Companion
Nuts can add a satisfying crunch to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose nuts that complement the flavors and textures of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Chardonnay and Almonds: The rich, buttery flavors of Chardonnay pair perfectly with the crunchy, nutty flavors of almonds.
- Pinot Noir and Hazelnuts: The light, earthy flavors of Pinot Noir complement the rich, nutty flavors of hazelnuts.
Cured Meats: A Savory Delight
Cured meats can add a savory, umami flavor to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose meats that complement the flavors and textures of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Merlot and Prosciutto: The smooth, fruity flavors of Merlot pair perfectly with the salty, savory flavors of prosciutto.
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Salami: The bold, tannic flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon complement the spicy, savory flavors of salami.
Spicy Foods: A Bold Combination
Spicy foods can add a bold, exciting flavor to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose wines that can stand up to the heat.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Riesling and Spicy Asian Cuisine: The sweet, floral notes of Riesling can help balance out the heat of spicy Asian dishes.
- Syrah/Shiraz and Spicy BBQ: The bold, spicy flavors of Syrah/Shiraz can complement the smoky, spicy flavors of BBQ.
Seafood: A Delicate Pairing
Seafood can add a delicate, refreshing flavor to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose wines that complement the flavors and textures of the seafood.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Pinot Grigio and Shrimp: The crisp acidity of Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the delicate, sweet flavors of shrimp.
- Grüner Veltliner and Crab: The minerality and white pepper notes of Grüner Veltliner complement the sweet, briny flavors of crab.
Charcuterie: A Meat Lover’s Delight
Charcuterie can add a savory, meaty flavor to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose meats that complement the flavors and textures of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Champagne and Pâté: The bubbly, toasty flavors of Champagne pair perfectly with the rich, creamy flavors of pâté.
- Tempranillo and Chorizo: The bold, spicy flavors of Tempranillo complement the smoky, savory flavors of chorizo.
Tapas: A Spanish-Inspired Pairing
Tapas can add a fun, social flavor to your wine-drinking experience. The key is to choose small plates that complement the flavors and textures of the wine.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Albariño and Patatas Bravas: The crisp acidity of Albariño pairs perfectly with the spicy, smoky flavors of patatas bravas.
- Verdejo and Croquetas: The herbaceous, citrusy flavors of Verdejo complement the crispy, savory flavors of croquetas.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many delicious options that can pair well with wine besides cheese. From sweet treats to savory delights, the key is to find flavors and textures that complement the wine. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, experimenting with different pairings can add a new level of enjoyment to your wine-drinking experience. So go ahead, uncork a bottle, and explore the world of wine pairings!
What are some popular wine and food pairing options besides cheese?
When it comes to pairing wine with food, there are many options beyond cheese. Some popular pairings include wine and charcuterie, wine and chocolate, and wine and fruit. For example, a dry red wine pairs well with cured meats like prosciutto and salami, while a sweet white wine pairs well with fresh fruit like apples and pears.
In addition to these options, wine can also be paired with a variety of nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, and even with popcorn. The key is to find a balance between the flavors of the wine and the food, and to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
How do I choose the right wine to pair with my meal?
Choosing the right wine to pair with your meal can seem overwhelming, but there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, consider the type of cuisine you are serving. For example, if you are serving Italian food, a Chianti or Pinot Grigio may be a good choice. If you are serving seafood, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc may be a better option.
Another tip is to think about the flavors and ingredients in your dish. If your dish is rich and savory, a full-bodied red wine may be a good choice. If your dish is light and delicate, a crisp white wine may be a better option. You can also consider the cooking method and the level of spiciness in your dish when choosing a wine.
Can I pair wine with spicy food?
Yes, wine can be paired with spicy food, but it’s not always easy. The key is to find a wine that can stand up to the heat of the dish without getting overwhelmed. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine that is sweet or has a high acidity level, as these can help to balance out the heat of the dish.
Some good options for pairing with spicy food include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato. These wines have a high acidity level and a touch of sweetness, which can help to balance out the heat of the dish. You can also consider pairing spicy food with a sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, as the bubbles can help to cleanse the palate.
What are some good wine and dessert pairing options?
Wine and dessert can be a match made in heaven, but it’s not always easy to find the right pairing. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine that is sweeter than the dessert, as this can help to balance out the flavors. Some good options for pairing with dessert include Port, Sherry, and Moscato.
Another tip is to consider the type of dessert you are serving. For example, if you are serving a rich and chocolatey dessert, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon may be a good choice. If you are serving a light and fruity dessert, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc may be a better option. You can also consider pairing dessert with a sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, as the bubbles can add a celebratory touch to the meal.
Can I pair wine with vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Yes, wine can be paired with vegetarian or vegan dishes, and there are many options to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to consider the type of cuisine and the flavors and ingredients in the dish. For example, if you are serving a vegetarian dish with a lot of earthy flavors, a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais may be a good choice.
If you are serving a vegan dish with a lot of bright and citrusy flavors, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio may be a better option. You can also consider pairing vegetarian or vegan dishes with a sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, as the bubbles can add a celebratory touch to the meal. Some good options for pairing with vegetarian or vegan dishes include wines made from organic or biodynamic grapes.
How do I store wine to preserve its flavor and quality?
Storing wine properly is important to preserve its flavor and quality. The key is to keep the wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. A wine cellar or a wine fridge is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a closet or cupboard can work too.
It’s also important to keep the wine away from light and heat, as these can cause the wine to degrade. You should also store the wine on its side, as this can help to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out. Finally, you should avoid storing wine near strong-smelling foods or chemicals, as these can affect the flavor of the wine.
Can I pair wine with takeout or fast food?
Yes, wine can be paired with takeout or fast food, and it can be a fun and unexpected way to elevate a casual meal. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine that is easy-drinking and pairs well with a variety of flavors. Some good options for pairing with takeout or fast food include wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
Another tip is to consider the type of cuisine you are ordering. For example, if you are ordering Chinese food, a wine with a high acidity level like Riesling or Gewürztraminer may be a good choice. If you are ordering pizza, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah may be a better option. You can also consider pairing takeout or fast food with a sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava, as the bubbles can add a celebratory touch to the meal.