Food and Wine Pairing Suggestions

Even with the mushrooming of mixed cuisines and a wider array of wines from around the world, the old classic pairing has never faded out. Perfectly combined acid, tannin and sugar components in the wine acting on food similar to the way food spices do, brings out the best of both the food and wine. This creates a different sensation in the palate making the next bite more enjoyable.

Now for the right wines to serve with various kinds of food, you may choose from the most popular variety that is within most people's reach. Here are few suggestions for a most typical pairing that could bring you more choices than ever.

Beef steaks, hamburgers, fattier beef dishes in richer sauces, full-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Zinfandel

Pork tenderloin, pork chops, pork roasted, pork barbeque, salami, cassoulet 
(pork usually go with both red and white) Beaujolais, Barbera, light Red Burgundy, Shiraz, Zinfandel, if you prefer white, try Chablis, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Reisling

Chicken, duck, turkey, Chardonnay, Chianti, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Shiraz or lighter reds Barbera, Burgundy

Fish simply cooked or grilled, light-medium-bodied whites Pinot Grigio, Chablis

Shellfish (crab, oysters, lobster, prawn, shrimp) crisp, acidic wines such as Champagne, Sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc

Dark fish tuna, sashimi, salmon, swordfish, mackerel, Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chianti, Reisling, Semillon, White Bordeaux

Pasta in red sauce, Chianti, Pinot Blanc, Zinfandel

Pasta in white sauce, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Viognier

Green salad, herb dishes, bitter and astringent foods like mixed bitter greens, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gruner Veltliner

Pizza, Barbera, Chianti, Merlot, Zinfandel

Cheese. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Port

Chocolate, fruity, candy desserts, Cabernet Sauvignon, Port, Muscat, Sauternes, Madeira, Sherry

Creamy desserts, Port, Champagne, Sauternes, Madeira, Sherry, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling

Coffee blended with brandy is a happy ending to a meal.

You might like:

Less Alcohol Wines for Your BBQ