Selecting the perfect wine to accompany your meal is one of the best parts of fine dining. We believe that wine is a key component in the dining experience. It unlocks new flavours and artistic dimensions.
The Perfect Match
Wine-pairing involves finding the perfect balance between wine and food.
This decision should be guided by three rules:
1. Matching Intensity
What is the weight and flavour of the food as well as the wine? Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are both light-bodied wines that compliment dishes with a lighter flavour, such as salads or fish. Reds with a fuller flavour, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah, are a great match for heartier, richer dishes, such as a fillet or ragu.
2. Complementary Flavours
Look for flavours that are similar to the wine. The earthy flavors of mushrooms and herbs pair well with a Pinot Noir that is similar to burgundy from California, France or New Zealand. Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with bright, citrusy flavours. Riesling’s sweetness and mouth-coating effects can also help to cut through spicy dishes.
3. Contrasting Tastes
It’s not always necessary to pair two flavors that are similar. A high-acidity wine like Sauvignon Blanc, for example, can enhance a richer dish of pasta by adding a crisp bite between mouthfuls.
Unveiling The World of Wines
Wine is a diverse world with many different styles and tastes. Explore some of the most popular types, and their best pairings.
Red Wines
Red wines are rich and vibrant, with tannins that are bold and fruity profiles. They can be paired well with grilled and roasted meats such as steak, lamb, and duck. For a rich, meaty meal, try Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a powerful, bold flavour with a black currant, cedar and strong character. Pinot Noir is the best choice to pair with lighter meats like pork or chicken. It has elegant spice and cherry notes.
White Wines
White wines with a lighter body are refreshing. Full-bodied whites are richer. Chardonnay unoaked, with its citrusy flavours and crisp acidity, pairs well with seafood. Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous flavours and grassy notes, pairs well to salads and lighter dishes. Chardonnay is a richer, oaked wine that pairs well with foods like creamy pastas and grilled poultry.
Sparkling Wines
Add bubbles to wine and it becomes festive. Champagne and Prosecco, both dry sparkling wines, are great with canapes, hors-d’oeuvres or sushi. Try pairing Blanc de Blancs, a Chardonnay-only sparkling wine with shellfish and creamy sauces for a more rich experience.
Dessert Wines
Sweet wines are meant to be served at the end of meals. Sauternes, with its honeyed apricot flavors, is a great partner for desserts that are fruit-based. Port, with its intense berry flavours and chocolate undertones, is a perfect match for chocolate-based desserts.
Wine Regions: Their Importance
When grapes and food are from the same region, they work well together. Terroir, which is soil, climate and topography, imprints on grape juice, creating wines that naturally complement local food.
The crisp, creamy Sauvignon Blancs of the Loire Valley pair perfectly with the seafood dishes from the region.
This is a very simple tip, but it can help you decide what wine to pair with your dinner party. A private cook may also be considering this when preparing your menu, if you are paying them to prepare food for your guests.
What Are the most popular wine regions?
France is often the first place gourmets think when they hear about wine. France has a very strong wine culture and many notable wine regions. But don’t assume that this is the only place where you can find good wine.
Here’s a quick overview of some of world’s most prestigious wine regions.
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux, the grand dame of red wine areas, is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon blends that pair beautifully with dishes such as braised short-ribs, roast leg of lamb, or prime rib.
Tuscany, Italy
Sangiovese is a Tuscan grape that has distinctive earthy and cherry notes. It goes well with pasta and grilled meats.
Napa Valley, California
The stylish Napa Valley, drenched in sun, is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and other styles.
Rioja, Spain
Rioja, a wine region that is renowned for its quality wines, has a variety of styles and bottles to suit every taste and budget.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Barossa, Australia’s Shiraz wine is perfect for Shiraz lovers looking for a serious match to meat.
Understanding How to Put It All Together
It can be difficult to choose the right wine, but you do not have to become a sommelier in order to select a perfect bottle.
This guide should give you a good start when it comes wine and food matchings. If you’re intimidated by the idea, you can ask one of our Personal Chefs for help.
Enjoy the experience. Try different combinations and see what you like. We are committed to providing a memorable dining experience. From the food to wine, every element contributes to an unforgettable evening.