The Ultimate Guide to Wine Pairing

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-12-19

: Welcome to the ultimate guide to wine pairing! Whether you’re a beginner or a connoisseur, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about pairing wine with a variety of dishes. From burrata to raspberries, pasta aglio olio to pizza, and salad to red sauce pasta, we’ll cover all the basics and provide you with creative ways to pair wine. We’ll also discuss the best wines to pair with dishes such as cod, pepperoni pizza, pesto pasta, and more. So grab a glass of your favorite wine and let’s get started!

Wine Pairing Basics

Wine pairing can be a daunting task for even the most experienced wine connoisseur. But with a few basic tips and tricks, you can easily learn how to pair wine with food and create a delicious and memorable meal.

The first step to successful wine pairing is to understand the basic principles of pairing. When pairing wine with food, you want to look for complementary flavors and textures. For example, a light, crisp white wine pairs well with a light, delicate dish like a salad or fish. On the other hand, a full-bodied red wine pairs well with a heavier dish like steak or pasta with a rich sauce.

Another important factor to consider when pairing wine with food is the acidity. Acidic wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pair well with acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus. Sweet wines, such as Riesling or Moscato, pair well with sweet dishes like fruit or desserts. Lastly, you want to consider the intensity of the flavors in both the food and the wine. A bold, full-bodied wine can overpower a light dish, while a light, delicate wine can be lost in a bold dish.

By following these basic principles, you can easily learn how to pair wine with food and create a delicious and memorable meal.

Pairing Wine with Burrata

Burrata is a delicious Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It is a creamy, soft cheese that pairs perfectly with a variety of wines. When pairing wine with burrata, it is important to consider the texture and flavor of the cheese. A crisp, acidic white wine is the perfect complement to the creamy texture of burrata. For example, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio will bring out the delicate flavors of the cheese.

For a more robust pairing, a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot can be a great choice. The tannins in these wines will balance out the creaminess of the burrata and bring out the earthy flavors of the cheese. For a more unique pairing, a sparkling wine such as Prosecco or a Lambrusco can be a great option. The bubbles in these wines will add a light, refreshing element to the dish.

No matter what type of wine you choose to pair with burrata, it is important to remember to keep the flavors balanced. A light, acidic white wine will complement the creaminess of the cheese, while a full-bodied red will bring out the earthy flavors. A sparkling wine will add a light, refreshing element to the dish. With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect pairing for your burrata dish.

Pairing Wine with Raspberries

When it comes to pairing wine with raspberries, there are a few key factors to consider. First, the sweetness of the wine should match the sweetness of the raspberries. For example, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will pair well with tart raspberries, while a sweeter white such as Moscato or Riesling will pair better with sweeter raspberries.

In addition to sweetness, the acidity of the wine should also be taken into account. A wine with high acidity will help to balance out the sweetness of the raspberries, while a wine with low acidity will be overwhelmed by the sweetness. A good rule of thumb is to pair a wine with a similar acidity to the raspberries. For example, a Pinot Noir or Merlot will pair well with tart raspberries, while a sweeter red such as Zinfandel or Shiraz will pair better with sweeter raspberries.

Finally, the body of the wine should be taken into consideration. A light-bodied wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with fresh raspberries, while a full-bodied wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah will pair better with cooked or baked raspberries. Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect pairing is to experiment and find what works best for you.

Pairing Wine with Pasta Aglio Olio

Pasta Aglio Olio is a classic Italian dish that is simple yet delicious. It is made with garlic, olive oil, and pasta. It is a great dish to pair with a variety of wines. When pairing wine with this dish, it is important to consider the flavors of the dish. The garlic and olive oil provide a savory flavor, so a wine with a bit of sweetness can help to balance out the flavors. A dry white or sparkling wine works well with this dish.

For a white wine, a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are both great options. Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp, citrusy flavor that pairs nicely with the garlic and olive oil. Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish. For a sparkling wine, a Prosecco or Cava are both excellent choices. Prosecco has a light, fruity flavor that pairs nicely with the garlic and olive oil. Cava is a dry sparkling wine with a hint of sweetness that helps to balance out the savory flavors.

No matter which wine you choose, make sure to serve it chilled. Chilled wines will bring out the flavors of the dish and help to enhance the overall experience. With the right wine, you can enjoy a delicious meal of pasta aglio olio and a glass of your favorite wine.

Pairing Wine with Pizza

When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind. First, the wine should be slightly sweeter than the toppings on the pizza. This is because the sweetness of the wine will help to balance out the saltiness of the cheese and other toppings. Additionally, the wine should be light-bodied and low in tannins, as these can overpower the flavors of the pizza.

When it comes to specific types of pizza, there are some classic pairings that are sure to please. For a classic Margherita pizza, a light-bodied white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. For a pepperoni pizza, a light-bodied red such as a Chianti or a Barbera is a great option. For a pesto pizza, a light-bodied white such as a Pinot Gris or a Gewürztraminer is a great choice.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your pizza and wine pairings. Try pairing a sparkling wine with a Margherita pizza or a sweet dessert wine with a pepperoni pizza. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to find the perfect pairing. With a little bit of experimentation, you can create some truly unique and delicious combinations.

Pairing Wine with Salad

When it comes to pairing wine with salad, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the type of salad you’re serving will determine the type of wine you should pair with it. For instance, a light and fresh green salad will pair well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you’re serving a heavier salad with nuts, cheese, and other heavier ingredients, a fuller-bodied white wine, such as a Chardonnay, will be a better choice.

When it comes to pairing wine with vinaigrette salads, you’ll want to consider the acidity of the dressing. If the dressing is on the sweeter side, opt for a white wine with a bit of sweetness, such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer. If the dressing is more acidic, a dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will be a better choice.

Finally, if you’re serving a salad with a creamy dressing, such as a Caesar salad, you’ll want to opt for a richer white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Viognier. These wines will help to balance out the richness of the dressing and will complement the flavors of the salad.

Pairing Wine with Red Sauce Pasta

When it comes to pairing wine with red sauce pasta, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, the type of red sauce you choose will determine the type of wine you should pair with it. For example, if you’re making a classic Bolognese, you’ll want to choose a full-bodied red like a Chianti or a Sangiovese. If you’re making a lighter tomato-based sauce, you can opt for a lighter red like a Pinot Noir.

When it comes to pairing wine with red sauce pasta, you also want to consider the other ingredients in the dish. If you’re adding meat, like sausage or ground beef, you’ll want to opt for a bolder red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah. If you’re adding vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, you’ll want to opt for a lighter red like a Pinot Noir or a Barbera.

Finally, when it comes to pairing wine with red sauce pasta, you’ll want to consider the acidity of the sauce. If the sauce is acidic, you’ll want to opt for a wine with higher acidity, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. If the sauce is not acidic, you’ll want to opt for a wine with lower acidity, like a Merlot or a Zinfandel. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect wine to pair with your red sauce pasta dish.

Creative Ways to Pair Wine

When it comes to wine pairing, there are endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with something unique or just want to try something new, there are plenty of creative ways to pair wine. Here are some ideas to get you started.

One creative way to pair wine is to match the wine to the cuisine. For instance, if you’re serving Italian food, try pairing it with a Sangiovese or a Chianti. If you’re serving Mexican food, opt for a crisp white such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling. You can also try pairing the wine with the spices in the dish. For example, if you’re making a spicy dish, opt for a wine with a bit of sweetness to balance out the heat.

Another creative way to pair wine is to match the wine to the season. For instance, a light, fruity white such as a Pinot Grigio or a Riesling is perfect for summer. For winter, opt for a full-bodied red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot. You can also try pairing the wine with the ingredients in the dish. For example, if you’re making a dish with mushrooms, opt for a Pinot Noir or a Chardonnay. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

In conclusion, wine pairing is an art form that requires knowledge and creativity. Whether you are pairing wine with burrata, raspberries, pasta aglio olio, pizza, salad, red sauce pasta, or something more creative, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect wine pairing. With the right combination of flavors, aromas, and textures, you can make any meal an unforgettable experience. With this ultimate guide to wine pairing, you now have the tools to make your next meal a truly special one.