What Goes Well With Wine

Picture this, you're hosting a lively gathering of your artsy friends, featuring a selection of the finest wines. As the laughter and conversations flow, the question lingers: what can I serve alongside these exquisite wine choices that will not only satiate the palate but also accentuate their unique flavors? Enter the world of wine pairings, a delightful adventure of flavors and textures that will elevate your wine experience and leave your guests asking for more.

Perfect Pairings for Wines and Their Flavors

Pairing Wine with Food

When pairing wine with food, it's essential to consider the wine's attributes such as the flavor, body, and acidity. As a general rule, try to match the intensity of the food with the wine. Here are a few examples:

• Light-bodied white wines: Serve with leaner, milder dishes, like seafood, salads, and poultry.
• Full-bodied white wines: Pair well with richer dishes like creamy pasta, lobster, or veal.
• Light-bodied red wines: Complement dishes with fresh, fruity flavors such as sushi or charcuterie.
• Full-bodied red wines: Perfect with hearty, savory dishes like steak, lamb, or barbecued meats.
• Sparkling wines: Great for salty snacks and appetizers like bruschetta or caviar.
• Dessert wines: Ideal for pairing with sweet treats, cheeses, and fruits.

Cheese and Wine Pairings

Cheese and wine are a match made in heaven, but not all cheeses pair well with every wine. Here are some classic combinations that never disappoint:

• Blue cheese: Pairs well with sweet dessert wines like Sauternes or Porto.
• Brie: Complements the tastes of a light and fruity Pinot Noir or a buttery Chardonnay.
• Cheddar: Perfect with a full-bodied red like Malbec or a Zinfandel.
• Feta: Great with light-bodied and high-acidity whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko.
• Gouda: Pairs with fruity reds like a Beaujolais or a Merlot.
• Gruyère: Delicious when enjoyed with an unoaked white wine like a Riesling or a Chenin Blanc.

Wine Pairings for Themed Events

Wine Tastings

Organizing a wine tasting at your event is a stylish way to introduce your guests to new wines and flavors. Choose a theme, such as:

• Wines from a specific region
• A single varietal
• A particular wine style
• Wines paired with their counterpart dishes

Then, serve small pours of the wines accompanied by an assortment of palate-cleansing foods like nutty or fruity breads, fresh fruits, and mild cheeses.

Live Electronic Music Events

Nothing beats the combination of pulsing live electronic music and perfectly-paired wines. Consider serving a selection of light, effervescent, and refreshing wines like Prosecco, Vinho Verde, or a Sangria, which have high acidity and low alcohol content, allowing for a lively yet sophisticated event experience.

What Goes Well With Wine Example:

Imagine hosting a live electronic music night for your close friends. As the DJ sets the mood with atmospheric beats, you serve a selection of Spanish tapas, ranging from the classic tortilla española to crispy croquetas and garlicky gambas al ajillo.

For the wine offering, you might consider a refreshing and zesty Albariño or Verdejo for white wine lovers. For your red wine enthusiasts, present a bottle of medium-bodied Tempranillo or a spicy, smoky Garnacha.

For those with a sweet tooth, serve a plate of manchego and quince paste for a classic Spanish dessert pairing with a velvety, rich Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to create your own wine pairings for any event, why not pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and start planning your next gathering? Enjoy the world of wine and food pairing, and remember to experiment with your tastes and preferences; after all, discovering new and delightful combinations is what makes wine tastings and events so fun.

If you found this guide helpful, don't forget to share it with your fellow wine and arts enthusiasts, and explore the other wine and pairing guides on Black Wine Club to keep your wine knowledge ever-expanding. Cheers!