We
understand that finding the right wine and food combination has become more of
a maze of rules and regulations and less of an exciting tasting journey. It can
be an overwhelming and complex process discovering which foods pair best with
which wines since there are so many choices. But, we promise, when you hit the
mark, your taste buds will resonate and be begging for more. So don’t shy away
from hosting a dinner party simply because you’re intimidated by the pairing
process. We’re outlining the basics of
food and wine pairings in the
most simplistic of terms, highlighting some of our favorite wines with basic
food groups to help get you going in the right direction.
First
off, it’s important to understand that both wine and food have specific flavor
components that work together to create delicious pairings. Wine flavors derive
from sugar, acid, fruit, tannin, and alcohol while food components consist of
fat, acid, salt, sugar, and bitter flavorings. Knowing how to perfectly
complement and contrast these favors is the key to matching the right wines with
the right foods.
White Wine Pairing Basics:
Pinot Grigio tends to be
lighter, simplistic wine with a crisp citrus flavor. Its freshness pairs well
with light dishes, particularly light fish dishes. You’ll discover more flavor
from your dish when paired with a similar delicate wine. We like to stick with the
lighter fishes, particularly shellfish, because the natural acidity of these
delicious wines brings out the best in these particular flavors. Also good to
note, Pinot Grigio is a good salad wine due to its tartness and acidity – a
food that can be difficult to find a pairing with. If you’re cooking a light
airy fish such as shrimp or tilapia, try pairing with our
Bell Ambiance Pinto Grigio for a delicious combination.
If your menu consists of more fatty fishes
or those rich in creamy sauces, opt for a Chardonnay instead. Chardonnay takes
on a velvety, creamy feel in the mouth and is rich with fruit, lemon, melon,
grass, and vanilla flavorings. Its silky freshness pairs well with fattier
fishes or creamy dishes. Some kind of chowder or salmon in a mushroom cream
sauce pairs perfectly with the butteriness of this white wine. Our
Langtry Chardonnay is a rich and complex Chardonnay that
embodies all aspects of the delicious wine.
Other Quick White Wine Rules:
If you need an
instant touch of lemon or lime flavoring to your dish, look to white wines such
as Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño and Vermentino. These wines are made in stainless
steel tanks rather than oak barrels and have citrusy acidity that heightens the
citrus flavoring in various dishes. Also, be careful when pairing white wine
with spicy foods. Chardonnays typically don’t pair well as they are too oaky
and the flavor combinations don’t mix well.
Red Wine Pairing Basics:
General rule of thumb: earthy wines pair
well with earthy foods. Pinot Noir is a very versatile wine that exudes flavors
of ripe red fruit, cherry, chocolate, toast, and various spices depending upon
the bottle. Its earthy and sensual complex make it the perfect complement to
earthy flavors such as pork chops, chicken breasts, etc. Fun note, Pinot Noir
pairs amazingly with truffles as you will see the earthy notes both create a
great harmony in your palate. For a delicious Pinot Noir, try
Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Noir for subtle strawberry and raspberry fruit
flavors with elegant earthy tones complemented by hints of vanilla and smoke due
to oak aging.
For those who crave those juicy, red meats,
we highly recommend going for a Cabernet Sauvignon. This
bold, full-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with equally bold dishes. It has strong
fruit flavors and bold savory peppery tastes. With higher tannins and alcohol,
it pairs well with any meat (protein or fat) to tame the tannins. Because it is
a dark red wine, pair with dark, red sauces such as a mushroom sauce or red
wine reduction. The most known Cabernet Sauvignon pairing is with lamb, but it
goes well with steak, venison, rabbit, and other red meats.For a delicious Cab, opt for our
Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon (the name itself gives away the
pairing) for a sophisticated bold-flavored wine with a refined smoothness.
If you still feel a bit lost or overwhelmed,
follow this general rule of thumb: all wine tastes great! Wine is wine and
regardless of which you choose, your guests will rejoice. Trust your own palate
and taste buds to make the decision. Browse our full list of amazing wines
here.
