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Glass of Wine

Food and Wine Pairing Guide


As intimidating as it might seem, pairing food and wine is quite easy—if you keep a few basic principles in mind.

 

  • Look for complements. Consider the flavor and texture of your food and choose a wine with similar characteristics. For example, a light-tasting fish calls for a white wine, like Chardonnay. Heavier red wines, like Syrah, go better with heartier food like a meat-topped pizza.
  • Contrasting flavors can work. Try a very sweet wine with an extremely spicy dish. Just be careful not to let the food overpower the wine or vice versa.
  • Try similar regions. You can also let the wine’s region of origin provide some clues. If your meal is Tuscan-inspired, for instance, pick a wine from that area.
  • Go with your instincts. Taste is individual, so experiment until you find a fantastic combination of your own.

 

To help plan a meal with the right wine pairing, here’s a guide on what foods and wines go best together.

 

If you’re serving: Seafood or Chicken

 

Open a bottle of: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

These medium-bodied whites pair well with light seafood or chicken dishes. 

 

Recipe ideas:

 

Stuffed Baked Trout

 

 

Chicken Piccata

 

 

If you’re serving: Spicy Food

 

Open a bottle of: Riesling

The light sweetness of Riesling cuts down the heat of spicy food.

 

Recipe Ideas:

 

Spicy Chicken

 

 

Hot Cajun Crab Dip

 

 

If you’re serving: Pork or Vegetarian

 

Open a bottle of: Sauvignon Blanc

A crisp, aromatic wine that goes well with many pork or vegetarian dishes.

 

Recipe Ideas:

 

Crispy Prosciutto Flatbread

 

 

Pasta Primavera

 

 

If you’re serving: Steak or Beef

 

Open a bottle of: Merlot

This red wine with flavors of plum, cherries and blueberries pairs well with red meat.

 

Recipe Ideas:

 

Balsamic Flank Steak

 

 

Stuffed Rolled Flank Steak

 

 

If you’re serving: Salmon or Duck

 

Open a bottle of: Pinot Noir

This versatile wine with a delicate taste goes great with salmon or duck dishes.

 

Recipe Ideas:

 

Salmon Cakes & Roasted Brussels Sprouts

 

how to make salmon cakes and roasted brussel sprouts

 

Baked Salmon Quinoa Bowl

 

 

If you’re serving: BBQ or Casseroles

 

Open a bottle of: Syrah or Shiraz

A spicy and dark wine that’s excellent with barbecued meats or casseroles.

 

Recipe Ideas:

 

Beef (or Lamb) & Vegetable Kebabs

 

couscous and kebabs

 

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

 

 

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