The Perfect Match: Food and Wine Pairings
If you are an avid chef, or perhaps a passionate wine connoisseur, it is imperative to know which wines match certain types of food. When appropriately matched, the right wine and food combination can elevate and transform a dining experience from mediocre to truly exquisite! Amaze your guests by providing a perfectly matched meal at your next dinner party and show you are in the know.
White - sweet or dry?
Light dry white wines, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will work well with green or roasted veggies, fish or carbs.
On the other hand, a sweet white like a Riesling or a Moscato will be complimented nicely by soft cheeses, such as Brie or blue cheese, or suit a carbohydrate-based meal such as pasta. A sweet wine will also go perfectly with dessert. Alternatively, a rich white such as a Chardonnay suits white meat such as chicken or crayfish.
Dare to Sparkle
Sparkling wine is great for a celebration or at the start or end of a meal. Sparkling wines include Champagne, Prosecco and Cava. The best food to pair with sparkling wine is fish, due to its texture and flavour. Of course, different types of fish will suit varied types of white wines. For example, a mild flavoured white fish such as a Snapper will work well with a zesty and refreshing champagne.
A strongly flavoured fish such as Barramundi or Salmon will work well with a dry Riesling or Rose, to provide some subtle sweetness and balance out the flavours. Sparkling wine also works really well with both soft and hard cheeses.
Red Red Wine
A light red such as Pinot Noir will be especially well complimented with a rich fish such as shellfish, like crab or lobster. Roasted vegetables also are a perfect pairing for a light red wine. More of a medium red such as a Merlot, Sangiovese or Tempranillo is quite versatile as it works well with red or white meat, as well as cured and smoked meat. Medium reds can also work really well with hard cheeses and carbs.
A more robust, big red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz suits red meat dishes as well as cured meat. If you are making a hearty beef stew, this is the wine to choose!
And to finish- Dessert
Dessert and fortified wines such as Port or Sherry work well with – you guessed it – dessert! They can also compliment cured and smoked meats or carbs and soft cheeses. Dessert wines are often quite rich and so are served in a small quantity.
At Grand Cru Wine Fridges, we are passionate about great wine and great food. Contact us to find out more about our high-quality wine fridges so your wine is always ready to enjoy at its optimal temperature.
