Are you a wine connoisseur that loves sweet wines and food pairings that get along with it? Are you curious about other wine pairings that you can drink with spicy dishes or goat cheese? Do you love potato chips eaten with local wine pairings or classic wine pairings?
This article will serve as your wine pairing guide accompanied with wine pairing tips. Regardless if you want to drink Sangria, tannic red wines, a creamy white wine, wines with earthy flavors, high alcohol wines, high tannin wines, a high acid wine, a Spanish Cava, a Vinho verde, or your favorite sparkling wine, this write-up will help you choose the best pairing wine for your favorite food.
You can use it as your food pairing chart and a wine pairing chart for both the wine and the food. It will help you learn about contrasting pairing and complementary pairing wine and food. As a wine-lover, you need to learn about the best complementary pairing food and wine.
Table of Contents
What are the top 10 wine pairings?
Do you have a sparkling wine or white wines at home and would love to pair them with the best food you can cook? Do you have a bold red wine that you want to eat with food that have salty flavors or cooked with tomato sauce? Do you think you lack wine knowledge and need help from experts? The top 10 wine pairings for beginners are as follows:
1. Sangria
Sangria is a Spanish cocktail wine pairing made from red wine, citrus juices, and chopped fruit. This is a perfect pairing and a good wine for a variety of great food that can pair perfectly, with as simple as a pepperoni pizza, or any fatty fish. Sangria is a perfect match for Spanish tapas such as olives, jamon Serrano, Grilled Chicken, Manchego cheese, or any salty foods and cheesy dishes. The combination of acidic citrus juices in Sangria helps to cut through the richness of cured meats and cheeses while the sweetness of the fruit complements them perfectly. You may also opt to eat it with dark chocolate or fried chicken.
2. Zinfandel and BBQ
Zinfandel is a wine pairing with an intensely fruity red wine that pairs excellently with barbecued meats like beef, pork ribs, or pulled pork. Its bright fruit flavors provide a nice contrast to smoky char-grilled flavors while its fuller body stands up to heartier dishes better than lighter wines would. Despite its flavor intensity, you can also drink it with other advanced food like those cooked with olive oil. Make sure that both the wine and the food have complementary flavors. You can also try to drink it with either a grilled or fried chicken.
3. Malbec and Steak
Malbec is an Argentinian wine pairing and one of South America’s grape varieties with notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled steak. Its ripe berry flavors meld nicely with the savory flavors of steak while its full body can handle the richness without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Riesling and Sushi
Riesling is a sweet white Germanic wine pairing and varietal known for its floral aroma and crisp acidity which helps to cleanse the palate between bites of sushi. In particular, dry rieslings are excellent accompaniments because they don’t overpower delicate fish dishes but still provide enough sweetness to balance out salty soy sauce dressings or spicy wasabi paste.
5. Sauvignon Blanc and Seafood
Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine pairing and varietal with herbal grassy notes that pairs well with seafood dishes like shellfish or grilled fish filets due to its crisp acidity which helps cut through creamier sauces and dressings without being overly sweet or too heavy on the palate.
6. Chardonnay and Rich Fish Dishes
Chardonnay’s buttery notes make it an ideal wine pairing for richer fish dishes such as lobster bisque or crab cakes; its full body can stand up to creamy sauces while still providing enough acidity to balance out their richness without becoming too heavy on the palate.
7. Pinot Noir and Mushroom Dishes
Due to its earthy flavor profile, Pinot Noir is a perfect wine pairing with mushroom dishes such as Shiitake risotto or wild mushroom ragout; its vibrant cherry notes provide an interesting contrast against earthy mushrooms while still providing enough acidity to keep things lively on the plate rather than too rich or heavy.
8. Cabernet Franc and Roasted Vegetables
Cabernet Franc is a medium-bodied red varietal known for its bright berry aromas that pairs exceptionally well with roasted vegetables such as root vegetables like potatoes or beets; its peppery undertones help bring out subtle umami flavors in cooked vegetables while also providing enough tannin structure so that it doesn’t become overwhelmed by their natural sweetness when cooked down in oil or butter over high heat.
9. Merlot & Poultry Dishes
Merlot’s round texture makes it an ideal companion for poultry dishes like roast chicken or duck as its softer tannins don’t overpower more delicate proteins yet still provide enough boldness so it isn’t overpowered by other elements in poultry-based sauces such as garlic or shallots either.
10.Syrah & Charcuterie
Syrah’s bold blackberry aromas make it an ideal companion for charcuterie boards featuring salami, prosciutto di Parma, bresaola puma al tartufo nero truffles – all classic Italian cured meat products whose fat content helps bring out Syrah’s distinct peppery finish across each slice adding complexity as you move from one selection to another on your artisanal board spread out across your kitchen table!
Just an additional note, you can also drink red wines, white wines, brut champagne, and wines with sweet notes while eating a palate cleanser food like creamy cheese cuisines or rich dishes. Just make sure they have similar flavors regardless if what you are drinking is an ordinary or great wine.
Also take a look at our guide all about what is wine made of.
What are the most popular wine pairings?
1. Sangria
Sangria is one of the best wine pairings due to its versatile flavor, affordability and approachability. Sangria is a red or white wine-based punch, typically mixed with fruit juice, sliced fresh fruit and a variety of sweeteners.
Sangria is perfect for barbecues or outdoor summer gatherings as its fruity, refreshing and slightly sweet taste appeals to all types of palates. Sangria pairs excellently with barbecued meats like beef, pork ribs, or pulled pork. Its bright fruit flavors provide a nice contrast to smoky char-grilled flavors while its fuller body stands up to heartier dishes better than lighter wines would. Sangria’s sweeter notes also help balance out salty soy sauce dressings or spicy wasabi paste when served with sushi or shellfish.
Sangria’s versatility allows it to be paired with both light seafood dishes and grilled meats alike – making it an excellent choice for any dinner party menu! Sangria is also well-loved for its affordability and ease of preparation – you can easily make an impressive batch of sangria with just a few bottles of wine and some simple ingredients from your kitchen pantry.
Finally, Sangria’s approachability makes it the perfect choice for events where guests may not be familiar with different varieties of wines – the combination of sweetened fruits, wine and other ingredients helps make it easy to enjoy without needing any knowledge about specific types of grapes or regions they come from.
2. Merlot and Bee
Merlot and beef make an excellent wine pairing due to Merlot’s bold flavor profile and its ability to stand up to the complexity of beef while still providing a subtle contrast. Merlot is full-bodied with fruity, herbal, and smoky notes that create a unique balance when paired with beef dishes.
Its low tannins make it soft on the palate but its higher acidity prevents it from becoming too heavy. The fruity notes also help to bring out the sweetness in red meat while its complexity ensures that every bite is interesting and dynamic.
When it comes to pairing beef dishes with a red wine, Merlot pairs well with everything from prime rib roasts or filet mignon to braised short ribs or peppery steak fajitas. The smoky flavors present in Merlot echo the char-grilled flavors found in most grilled meats, while its earthy notes play nicely against the herbs used for braised dishes. Its bold fruit character helps to enhance the natural sweetness in red meat and also helps provide a nice contrast when combined with sauces such as béarnaise or hollandaise.
For larger cuts of meat, like prime rib roasts, Merlot’s fuller body provides enough structure so that it doesn’t get overpowered by strong flavors such as garlic or onion but still manages to express itself without becoming overly overpowering either. It’s also capable of handling richer sauces such as demi-glace without becoming cloyingly sweet, as is often the case with some lighter varietals.
3. Chardonnay and Seafood
Chardonnay and seafood make a great pairing due to the unique combination of zesty, fruity and creamy flavors found in Chardonnay. The acidity in Chardonnay helps to bring out bright citrus notes in most seafood dishes, while its fuller body helps balance out the delicate texture of many fish varieties. Its mineral tones also help add depth and complexity to both simple preparations like grilled salmon or more complex dishes such as bouillabaisse. The neutral oak tones found in some Chardonnays also provide an earthy counterpoint to the intensely flavorful profiles of shellfish such as clams, mussels or scallops.
For lighter seafood dishes, like sushi or raw oysters, Chardonnay’s bright acidity provides a refreshing contrast that complements the natural sweetness of the dish without overpowering it. It is important to note that when pairing wine with sushi, opt for a slightly sweeter Chardonnay with hints of citrus or tropical fruit – this will help cut through the richness of soy sauce dressings without becoming overly acidic or overwhelming other flavors present.
When paired with heartier types of seafood like grilled salmon, baked cod or shrimp scampi, Chardonnay’s subtle creaminess helps soften some of the harsher notes associated with richer preparations while its fruity character adds an extra layer of flavor that compliments the dish nicely. Its oak tones also provide a nice balance between freshness and richness while its body can easily stand up to heavier sauces without tasting too sweet or cloying.
What are the best rose wines for beginners?
1. White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel is a type of rose wine that is perfect for beginners. It is light, sweet and fruity in flavor, making it an easy to drink wine. It tastes great with different types of food and can be paired with Sangria or other wines.
2. Pinot Grigio Blush
Pinot Grigio Blush is a type of rose wine made from the Pinot Grigio grape variety. It has a light, delicate color ranging from pale pink to deep rose. This blush wine has a light and refreshing flavor with balanced acidity and subtle fruit flavors of peach, apricot and citrus. Its aromas are subtle yet complex, with hints of flowers and herbs on the nose. Pinot Grigio Blush pairs well with lighter dishes such as salads, vegetables, seafood and cheese platters.
3. Sangria
Sangria is a type of wine that is made with red or white wine, fruit and other ingredients like liqueur. It can be sweet, tart and fruity. Sangria pairs well with lighter foods such as salads, vegetables, seafood and cheese platters.
What are the best sparkling wines for beginners?
1. Asti Spumante
This light and refreshing sparkling wine from Italy has aromas of fresh apples, orange and melon with a hint of sweetness. It is perfect for those new to sparkling wines who don’t want something too dry or acidic.
2. Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkler known for its crisp fruitiness and hints of lemon, apple and pear flavors. The low alcohol content makes it perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of bubbly without getting too overwhelmed by higher-alcohol beverages.
3. Cava
Originating in Spain, Cava is one of the most popular types of sparkling wines due to its versatility in food pairing options as well as its relatively low cost when compared with other types of bubbly such as Champagne or Prosecco. It generally has a light body with fruity notes such as green apple, citrus fruits, honeydew melons and white peaches on the nose and palate.
What are the best dessert wines for beginners?
1. Moscato
Moscato is a type of dessert wine. It is sweet, light and fruity in flavor, making it enjoyable for beginners. You can taste the flavors of fruits like apples and oranges in Moscato. It goes well with desserts or other sweet treats!
2. Riesling
Riesling is a type of dessert wine. It is sweet, with flavors like apples and oranges. Riesling tastes great with desserts or other sweet treats!
3. Sherry
Sherry is a type of dessert wine. It has a sweet taste and can be enjoyed with desserts or other sweet treats. It tastes like apples, oranges, and other fruits.
What are the best fortified wines for beginners?
1. Port
Port is a type of fortified wine. It is sweet and has flavors like apples, oranges and other fruits. It can be enjoyed with desserts or other sweet treats.
2. Marsala
Marsala is a type of fortified wine. It has a sweet taste and can be enjoyed with desserts or other sweet treats. It tastes like apples, oranges, and other fruits.
3. Madeira
Madeira is a type of fortified wine. It has a sweet taste and can be enjoyed with desserts or other sweet treats. It tastes like apples, oranges, and other fruits.
What are the best organic wines for beginners?
1. Frey Organic Natural White Wine
Frey Organic Natural White Wine is a type of wine made with organic ingredients. It has a light, fruity flavor and is perfect for beginners. It tastes great with salads, vegetables, seafood, cheese platters and other foods.
2. Bonterra Organic Vineyards Merlot
Bonterra Organic Vineyards Merlot is one of the most popular organic wines made with minimal intervention and natural processes. This full-bodied red wine has a deep ruby color that reveals aromas of ripe cherry, plum and raspberry. It also has notes of oak and anise on the palate accompanied by subtle hints of blackberry, cocoa and spice. On the finish, it offers a pleasant balance between soft tannins and acidity. Bonterra Organic Vineyards Merlot pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled beef and game dishes, as well as aged cheeses.
3. Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Frog’s Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an organic wine. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries, oak and anise. It also tastes like blackberry, cocoa and spice. This wine can be enjoyed with roasted vegetables, grilled beef or game dishes as well as aged cheeses.
FAQs
What are some good wines to pair with chicken?
For a white wine, try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a red wine, Sangiovese, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are good choices.
What are some good wines to pair with steak?
A good red wine to pair with steak is Cabernet Sauvignon. Other options include Sangiovese, Merlot or Syrah.
What are some good wines to pair with pasta?
For a white wine, try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a red wine, Sangiovese or Chianti are good choices.
What are some good wines to pair with fish?
For a white wine, try Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a red wine, Sangiovese or Pinot Noir are good choices.
What are some good wines to pair with cheese?
For a white wine, try Chardonnay or Riesling. For a red wine, Sangiovese, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are good choices.
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