12 Tips for Pairing Wine with Food Like a Pro

A well-chosen glass of wine can elevate any dish or recipe to new heights of flavor and enjoyment. However, the prospect of pairing wine with food can seem daunting for those unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately, with a few basic guidelines in mind, selecting the perfect wine to complement your meal is far less intimidating than one might imagine – one need not be a sommelier to achieve harmonious pairings.

While there are numerous factors to consider, such as personal preference, occasion, and budget, adhering to a few fundamental rules can help ensure successful and enjoyable wine and food pairings. Here are 12 straightforward tips to assist you in pairing wine with food like a seasoned professional:

1. Match the Weight

Pair the weight of the wine with the weight of the food. Light dishes, such as salads or seafood, pair well with light wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Conversely, hearty dishes, such as steak or lamb, are best matched with fuller-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

2. Consider Acidity

The acidity in wine can help cut through rich, fatty dishes and balance out the flavors. High-acid foods, such as dishes with citrus or tomato-based sauces, pair well with high-acid wines like Chianti or Riesling.

3. Complement or Contrast Flavors

You can either complement or contrast flavors between the wine and food. Wines and foods with similar flavor profiles, such as a buttery Chardonnay with a creamy pasta dish, can create a harmonious pairing. Alternatively, contrasting flavors can also work well, such as a sweet Riesling with spicy Thai cuisine.

4. Balance Sweetness

When pairing wine with sweet dishes, ensure that the wine is at least as sweet, if not sweeter, than the food. A classic example is pairing a sweet dessert like cheesecake with a sweet wine like Sauternes or Moscato.

5. Sweet with Sweet

When serving dessert, opt for a sparkling or sweet wine, as these pair wonderfully with sugary dishes. Wines like Moscato, Passito, Vin Santo, and other sweet whites are excellent choices.

6. Wine with Meat or Cheese

Red wine is traditionally paired with meat, but there are exceptions. Certain white wines, such as those made from Vermentino and Pigato, pair beautifully with poultry and rabbit. Pinot Grigio can even be suitable for wild game. These whites also go well with light, fresh cheeses and cured meats.

7. Rethinking White for Fish

While seafood is often matched with white wines like Verdicchio, Soave, or Chardonnay, there are exceptions. Rich, flavorful fish dishes can also be complemented by red wines. In these cases, consulting a wine expert can help you find a red that will impress your guests.

8. Spicy or Acidic Foods

Pairing wine with acidic dishes, like pasta with tomato sauce, requires a wine that balances the dish’s acidity. Whites with good acidity, such as Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio, work well. For spicy foods, wines with residual sugar, like Primitivo and Amarone, can complement the heat effectively.

9. Rich, Saucy Dishes

Dishes that are high in fat and sauce benefit from wines with acidity and tannins to cleanse the palate. For example, Chianti with beef or Tocai from Friuli with salmon provide a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.

10. Match Regional Cuisines

Pair wines with foods from the same region for a harmonious match. For instance, Italian dishes often pair well with Italian wines, such as Chianti with pasta Bolognese or Barolo with rich, meaty sauces.

11. Consider the Dish’s Preparation Method

The cooking method can influence the wine pairing. For example, grilled or roasted meats may pair well with a bold, tannic red wine, while delicate poached or steamed dishes may be better suited to a light, crisp white wine.

12. Final Tip: Experiment and Trust Your Palate

Pairing wine with food is an art, not a science. While guidelines can be helpful, ultimately, the best wine pairing is the one that tastes good to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your own palate. Tasting different wine and food combinations can be an enjoyable learning experience and help you develop your personal preferences.