At this point, we all probably know, as hosts and food lovers, that a culinary experience is not only a dish filled with food. It is not that we want to make things difficult, it is just that we want to highlight how the whole experience changes when the dishes, table setting, drinks, and the atmosphere match. But let’s focus on the art of pairing a good dish with wine—it takes time, but is well worth the investment. Of course, we suspected you might be short on time. So we have created a quick and easy guide with tips for your first steps in the wine pairing world, good enough at least for one night. Get your wine cooler and pantry ready, because here we go:
What is pairing?
Pairing involves finding the right drink for each dish in order to enhance them or, at least, be a good match. This culinary science studies the flavours, textures, and even the cooking methods to choose that drink which will point to the best properties of the recipe. Wine is a perfect ally for this and creates a wonderful symbiosis that also enhances flavours so we can enjoy both drinks and food on a different level.
Watch out, because a poor wine selection can spoil a recipe. Tha same goes for certain foods: the wine can taste different depending on what you’re eating.
Wine always at the right temperature
Quick tip: you don’t need an extensive wine selection or being a wine master. But, whatever you may drink, do it right: explore wine varieties from different regions, different grapes and maturation as well and, please, serve wine at the recommended temperature. A small wine cooler helps to maintain wine not only at the optimal temperature for consumption at any time but it also preserves it for longer.
White wine: from dry to sweet wine
You probably already know from family and friends’ weddings that wine wine is usually served with fish, but not only. White wine has a wide range of flavours suitable for different occasions. A chardonnay pairs well with fatty fish like salmon, even when cooked with strong-flavoured sauces. In fact, it also works quite well with dishes like lobster.
But a dry white wine goes well with spicy Asian food too, for instance, pickles, and fresh cheese, such as mozzarella, ricotta, or feta. It can even pair well with desserts that contain lemon or apple, as it highlights the acidic touch. Additionally, it goes well with cooked veggies or salads, although it is best to avoid vinegar dressings in this case.
White wines can be young, but not only. We find aged wines with more body than one might typically expect. These types of wines not only pair well with mature cheeses, for instance, we can even pair it with cured ham or similar meats.
Sweet white wine
A wine from Muscat grapes pairs very well with desserts, thanks to its acidic touch. But you might be surprised to learn that it also goes well with cured and strong cheeses.
It is important to keep in mind that the right temperature to serve white wines is between 8 ºC and 12 ºC. Don’t serve them at room temperature—ok, depending on where you live—because you can spoil the pairing and miss out a great moment to enjoy a glass of wine.
Red wines: variety is the spice of life
There are so many good wines right at your fingertips that you can spend the whole day trying them (please, don’t). Take it step by step: start with local wines and then broaden your horizons (and grapes). Or, try creating a menu and choosing a wine to match each of your dishes.
Young red wine
They are very versatile for pairing. Combine it with any grilled fish, cold cuts, or meat dishes such as chicken or turkey.
Crianza red wine
Typically found in Rioja, Spain, but not only. We are going a bit further with flavour here, both with wine and type of dishes to pair with it. This wine matches with deli meats like Ibérico ham. Also, with grilled meats or meat stews.
Reserva red wine
Reserva red wine must aged for at least three years in barrel and bottle. It is the classic wine we can identify by its deep red colour and its wood aroma, partly due to its maturation in oak barrels. Meat stews are perfect for pairing with this wine, but you can also dare to combine with dark chocolate for a different experience.
Just a couple of tips about temperature for your wine cooler: serve the youngest red wines at around 9 ºC. Crianza needs around 15 ºC, while Reserva and Gran Reserva reds require 17-18 ºC to fully enjoy all their nuances. Try not to store these bottles in the fridge, it is very difficult to control the temperature in those conditions—unless you have an integrated wine cooler in the fridge. You may think temperature is not important, but you will definitely notice the difference when you take the very first sip.
Vegetarian and vegan options
We often wrongly think that vegetarian and vegan dishes are not very filling. Well, we are wrong. Let’s not forget that a hearty plate of pasta or a pizza can be entirely meat-free and still leave us feeling like we’ve just had a feast fit for a Viking. A wine like Cabernet Franc works beautifully for these dishes, especially if you’ve added a bit of cheese to the mix.
And What About Sparkling Wines?
Vegetables, fish, semi-hard and aged cheeses, desserts… there’s a sparkling wine to pair with practically every type of dish. A Cava, for instance, can be the perfect match for a traditional rice dish. If you’re a sushi lover, a sparkling wine pairs wonderfully—the bubbles help cleanse the palate, making Prosecco an excellent choice. As you might expect, Lambrusco goes very well with pizza but also with roasted vegetables. And when it comes to dishes like white meats and pasta, an extra brut is perfect.
Here, the temperature drops significantly, depending on the type of wine. For sweeter varieties, try to keep the temperature in your wine cooler around 5°C. Brut types can be served at up to 8°C.
If you’re a food lover, pairing wine with food is a natural step towards finding a new way to enjoy all aspects of gastronomy. In general, the rituals of sitting down to a meal, savouring good food and fine wine, significantly enhance the taste and experience. After all, everything we do with care and attention tastes that much better.