There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal with the perfect glass of wine. When the flavours of your food and wine align just right, it can turn an ordinary meal into something truly memorable. The good news? You don’t need to be a sommelier to get it right. You can start pairing food and wine like a pro with a few simple guidelines.
The Basics of Food and Wine Pairing
If you’re new to pairing, start with these basic principles:
Match Intensity
The wine should match the intensity of your dish. Light dishes, like salads or seafood, pair beautifully with delicate white wines, while rich, hearty dishes, such as steak or stews, often call for a robust red. An intensely flavoured dish, such as a rich curry, can handle a fuller-bodied wine without either element overpowering the other.
Complement Flavours
Find wines that complement the flavours in your dish. For example, a wine with citrus notes pairs well with tangy or lemony dishes, enhancing those zesty flavours.
Alternatively, earthy dishes like mushroom risotto can benefit from a Pinot Noir with its subtle, earthy undertones.
Think About Texture
The texture of your food matters too. Creamy dishes benefit from wines with good acidity to cut through the richness, while fried foods pair well with a bit of fizz to cleanse the palate. High-tannin wines also work well with fatty dishes, as the tannins help break down the fat and balance the dish.
Classic Pairings You Can’t Go Wrong With
Some pairings are classics for a reason—they consistently deliver a balanced and enjoyable experience:
Red Wine with Red Meat
A bold Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural fit for red meats like beef or lamb. The tannins in the wine help soften the meat’s proteins and bring out its flavours.
Additionally, a Malbec or Syrah can offer a slightly fruitier profile while maintaining that rich, full-bodied pairing.
White Wine with Seafood
Light, crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio match perfectly with seafood, refreshing the fish’s delicate flavours. When enjoying shellfish, try a zesty Albariño or a minerally Chablis to enhance those briny notes.
Rosé with Salads
Rosé’s light and fruity character makes it an ideal match for fresh salads, particularly those with light dressings or fresh veggies. It also works well with Mediterranean- style dishes and can bring a refreshing touch to meals featuring olives, feta, or grilled vegetables.
Sparkling Wine with Fried Foods
Sparkling wines or Champagne and fried foods might sound unconventional, but the bubbles cut through the grease, offering a refreshing contrast. Try this pairing with tempura, fried chicken, or even a bag of salty crisps for a fun and flavourful treat.
Getting Creative with Pairings
If you want to venture beyond the classics, here are a few more adventurous ideas:
Spicy Dishes and Off-Dry Wines
When enjoying spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, try off-dry wines. The subtle sweetness can balance out the heat of the spices. A Riesling or Gewürztraminer with a touch of sweetness can help mellow the spice while maintaining a vibrant and refreshing taste.
Cheese and Wine
Experiment with different cheese and wine pairings. A fruity Pinot Noir works beautifully with creamy Brie, while a sharp blue cheese is delicious alongside a sweet Port. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan can handle a bolder red wine, such as a Merlot or Zinfandel.
Desserts and Sweet Wines
When it’s time for dessert, sweet wines like Moscato are your best friend. Their sweetness complements sugary treats without overwhelming your palate. For chocolate desserts, consider a rich, velvety red like a Ruby Port or a full-bodied Shiraz.
A Few Practical Tips
Trust Your Taste
While guidelines are helpful, the best pairing is the one you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you.
Serve at the Right Temperature
Reds are usually best slightly below room temperature, while whites and sparkling wines should be nicely chilled. A quick chill in an ice bucket for whites or 20 minutes in the fridge for reds can make all the difference.
Consider the Wine’s Age
Older wines often have more complex flavours and can shine with simpler dishes, while younger wines can stand up to bolder, more intense flavours. Decanting older wines can help bring out their nuanced characteristics.
Conclusion
At its core, food and wine pairing is about balance. When done right, the wine and the dish bring out the best in each other, creating a harmonious dining experience. The best part? There are no hard and fast rules—just opportunities to enjoy and explore.
And if you’re planning to indulge in a bit of wine, why not keep things light the next day too? MYRKL can help! Taking two capsules of MYRKL* two hours before you enjoy wine and dining slows down the absorption of alcohol, supporting your liver and helping you wake up feeling refreshed.
Cheers to great food, good wine, and even better mornings!
Important Notes:
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
