Wine and food pairing isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can be tricky to get right. Pairing wine with dinner—or with any meal, actually—can result in an experience that’s incredibly enjoyable, or downright awful if you make poor choices. The best way to ensure the latter doesn’t happen? Knowing what you’re doing beforehand! You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy the taste of wine while eating—simply follow this guide on how to pair natural wine with dinner to achieve perfect results every time.
When to Drink Red Wine
Most people think white wine is a better pairing for steak than red, but that’s because they don’t understand how different cuts of meat interact with different types of wine. Some are bold and need a big, tannic red like an Italian Barolo. Others will be overpowered by it. When you’re choosing what type of steak you want to serve, think about which kind of wine will work best: red or white? Once you know your meat, pair it up accordingly. For instance, ribeye is best paired with merlot or cabernet sauvignon—and it might even do well with a Cab Franc or Tempranillo.
When to Drink White Wine
Typically, white wines are thought of as being light and refreshing, making them perfect for warm weather or sipping poolside. However, it’s a common misconception that white wine is generally lighter in flavour than red. In fact, some white wines can pack a punch if they’re not paired correctly. For instance, dry Sauvignon Blancs have fruity notes of melon and grassy undertones and pair perfectly with seafood dishes or salads topped with feta cheese.
What to look for when choosing wine glasses for red or white wine
A wine glass’s shape and design can affect how much aroma reaches your nose as you swirl and sip your wine. Tall, slender glasses are better for sparkling wine like champagne or cava, which may taste dull in big bowls that don’t expose enough of a wine’s surface area. Wider glasses offer more room for bigger-tasting reds like Cabernet or Merlot. Talk to your local or an online wine merchant if you aren’t sure.
When to Drink Rose
While sparkling wine gets all of our attention, it’s important not to overlook rose. A pink bubbly is a great choice when your main course is light and creamy, like salmon or shrimp. You can also keep a rose around for when you’re in a pinch and have no idea what you want to drink; it’s always better than nothing. Remember: if there are multiple bottles available on your restaurant’s wine list, pick one that comes from that region or even that winery—it can help pull together your meal. For example, if you order seafood fettuccine Alfredo, you could choose a crisp pinot grigio from Italy or an oaky chardonnay from California.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found these insights helpful. Please let us know what you think about our suggestions. If you have questions or would like additional information on any of these topics, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help.
