Wine Education
Nothing completes a meal quite like wine does. The right wine can take any meal from good to great. The beauty about wine is that there are so many varietals. And with so many varietals come so many pairings!
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine varietals. It is often referred to as the king of the noble grapes. The boldness of cabernets should be accompanied by a dish equally bold such as red meat, mushrooms and hard cheeses.
Pinot Noir
This wine varietal is incredibly versatile and has a flavor profile ranging from red fruit all the way to mushrooms and meat. Adding duck, mushrooms, salmon or tuna to the menu? Pinot noir pairs perfectly with that.
Red Zinfandel
Don't forget about red zinfandel! This fantastically full-bodied wine gives off amazing notes that can range from coconut to vanilla (depending on how it's aged)! For robust menus that include beef, burgers, sausage, BBQ, lamb, pork, poultry, pizza and much more, consider pairing it with a red zinfandel.
Merlot
The flavor profile of this lush, black grape varietal can be quite fussy, and so much about this wine depends on the climate in which it's grown. Although, most merlots typically do contain characteristics of red fruit. Lighter Merlots pair well with tomato based dishes, pizza, pasta, chicken, and cold meats. Heavier Merlots pair beautifully with Italian sausage, spaghetti with meatballs, meatloaf, chicken, turkey, spicey dishes, ribs, and pork
Syrah (French) / Shiraz (Australian)
Syrah, or shiraz, is a full-bodied wine with black fruit, slight pepper and dark chocolate attributes. You'll find that it complements steak and other beef dishes, especially if it is grilled or cooked on an open flame. Grilled steaks, Pork, sausage and BBQ, cheese, foods with the spices of garlic, thyme, and oregano make this varietal shine.
Rosé
Rosé, the meet-me-in-the-middle of wines. This bright wine is not named after a grape like most wines. Instead, it is a category of wine such as reds or whites. Rosé is marvelously refreshing and contains fresh and fruity notes. Pair it with all types of food. From spicy food to sushi, seafood, red sauces, salads, to BBQ meats and chicken! The pairings don't stop there…
Chardonnay
When the weather gets warmer, reach for chardonnay. Chardonnay is an amazingly refreshing wine that pairs well with seafood, poultry and even pork. Although, try to stay away from aggressively seasoned food when pairing it with a chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc
This white wine varietal is aromatic as well as highly acidic. Right away, you'll notice the abundance of green fruit aromas. The characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc make it perfect for pairing with crab cakes, grilled fish, shellfish and lightly seasoned meats like chicken or veal. Mild vinaigrettes, brine sauces and green vegetables will also pair well.
Pinot Gris (French) / Pinot Grigio (Italian)
Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio, are two different styles of the same wine. Pinot Gris is from France and tends to be fuller-bodied with hints of spicy tropical fruit. Pinot Grigio, on the other hand, is from Italy and will be lighter-bodied. There are a lot of similar characteristics between these wines, but each has its own distinctions. Pair with antipasto, seafood, vegetable based entrees, dishes with light sauces, fish or any white meat, mild soft cheese such as mozzarella (think Caprese salad).
Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Immediately, everyone knows what champagne and sparkling wine pairs with—celebrations! But in a more formal sense, this varietal can be paired with an array of different things such as steak, chicken, fried chicken, citrus, potatoes, lobster, Mac and cheese, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, grilled cheese sandwich, and even salty snacks and any fruit-styled dessert.
Adapted from the Republic National Distributing Company website. Rndc-usa.com