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Want to experience the beautiful world of wine pairing right in your living room? Today you will learn how to host food and wine pairings at home. We’ll cover the basics of recipe matching to find the perfect balance of food and wine.
Though wine pairings appear sophisticated, mastering the basics is surprisingly simple. You only need to have a love for the vino and do a little research.
A Few Basics of Food and Wine Pairings
While pairing food and wine is an experimental activity, there are a few ground rules. Here are some of the basics you should know about before you attempt a food and wine pairing at home.
Red Wines Go with Red Meat
Red with red is one of the most significant rules of food and wine pairing. The reason for pairing red wine with red meat is that it softens the proteins and amplifies the flavorful fats. Red wine contains a chemical called tannin, which helps break down protein. So, always pair your red wine with red meat.
White Wines Go with White Meat
As you might have guessed, white wines go with white meat. That’s because white wine tends to be more acidic, which helps enhance the flavors of fish. If you’ve ever squeezed a lemon over fish or chicken, white wine offers the same effect.
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore
There is no single way to enjoy food and wine pairing. You can play it safe and stick to wines you enjoy, but don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. It will allow you to discover new wine varieties and expand your knowledge.
The Best Food and Wine Pairings You Can Try at Home
Lobster and Chardonnay
Many first-class wineries make their white wine with chardonnay grapes. Originally hailing from Eastern France, chardonnay grapes are now available nearly anywhere there’s a winery. The dry, full-bodied taste goes perfect with an evening lobster for two.
The acidity of the chardonnay does an excellent job of washing down the chewy lobster meat. Almost all chardonnay wines have an undeniable companionship to shellfish. We recommend you save this one for a special night with a special someone.
Caviar and Champagne
Caviar and champagne are already at almost every dinner party. Why not pair the two together? Pairing caviar and champagne is a bold move, so it’s something worth doing if you’re trying to impress your guests.
We know caviar isn’t the most budget-friendly hor d’oeuvre, so if you don’t feel like breaking the bank, you can always pair your champagne with some crunchy fried chicken or bruschetta for a similar effect.
Steak and Cabernet Sauvignon
The chalky sensation cabernet leaves on your teeth is gracefully soaked up by steak’s high-fat content. Cabernet grapes are quite fruity, so the strong punch is elegantly complemented by the steak’s delicious intense flavors.
Everyone likes their steak cooked a special way, but this pair naturally works well with a medium-rare steak. Combine that with the bold taste of the cabernet, and you’ll have yourself a successful pairing.
Bolognese and Chianti
You could save big on a trip to Italy by bringing these vibrant Italian flavors to your living room. Chianti comes from Tuscany, and it’s a must for any wine connoisseur. Just like most Italian wines, Chianti is dry, which means it goes great with food.
What better food to pair with an Italian wine than pasta? The bolognese is a classic dish that goes great with wine. Pay close attention to making the sauce thick and packed with flavorful herbs.
Salmon and Pinot Noir
We know fish and red wine isn’t orthodox, but you’re going to love this pair. The salmon perfectly matches the bold flavors of the Pinot, especially when grilled or charred. Pinot Noir leans more towards the dry side, but still packs a punchy acidic taste.
If you’re not into fish, don’t worry, Pinot Noir is a versatile dinner wine. You can pair it with white meats, cheese, pizza, or even charcuterie.
Barbecue Ribs and Malbec
Having a backyard cookout coming up? Pairing your barbecue ribs with a glass of dry Malbec is a decision you won’t regret. Malbec does a great job of standing up to the potent flavors of barbecue sauce, especially sweet chipotle.
We understand that wine is somewhat sophisticated, and barbecue ribs are messy. But the two opposites create a delicious effect you can enjoy all summer long.
Syrah and Spicy Sausage
You can find Syrah just about anywhere, but it is a bit mysterious when it comes to flavor. The styles vary by region, but most versions of Syrah leave a peppery aftertaste. This taste makes it a perfect wine to pair with herbs and spices.
Spicy sausage itself is a treat. Whether you’re adding it to pasta or eating it alone, make sure to wash it down with a nice glass of Syrah to heighten the flavor.
Pinot Grigio and Creamy Mushroom Chicken
A plate of creamy mushroom chicken looks like only something a Michelin starred chef can cook, but you can make this delicious treat at home. If you have a great recipe, the dish can be made easily in less than an hour. To add some flavor to your meal, pair it with a glass of Pinot Grigio.
The fruitiness of the Pinot Grigio will accentuate the flavors of the mushrooms. Pinot Grigio is known as a great wine to pair with savory food. This pair is a delicious and romantic way to impress your date.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Now that you know some of the best food and wine pairings to try at home, it’s your turn to try them out. We recommend starting with a wine you’re already familiar with and exploring a few dishes that pair well with it.
Need a companion for your first home-based food and wine pairing? Escorting is a great way to find someone to share your love for wine. Remember, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Click here to learn more.
