What Wine Goes With Pork

Pork, the versatile and mouthwatering meat, has been a favorite at dinner tables around the world for centuries. But what wine do you pair with your pork dish to elevate your dining experience to the next level? Fear not, fellow wine and pork enthusiasts, we have the answers you've been waiting for! In this comprehensive guide, we're exploring the perfect wine and pork pairings, whether it's succulent roast pork or a spicy pork curry, and everything in between. Let's dive into the world of wine and discover which bottle to uncork for your pork-filled feast!

Understanding Pork and Wine Pairings

Pork is known for its mild, but flavorful taste, and its ability to make friends with various styles of cooking and seasoning. When choosing a wine to pair with pork, it's important to consider the preparation method, spices used, and the flavors of accompanying side dishes. Let's break down the basics of pairing wine with different types of pork dishes.

Roast Pork and Grilled Pork

• White Wines: When it comes to roast or grilled pork, white wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc are the go-to choices. These wines typically have citrus and fruity flavors that play well with the natural sweetness and earthiness of roasted and grilled pork, while their acidity helps cut through the fattiness of the meat.
• Light Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Sangiovese are excellent light red wines to partner with your roast or grilled pork dishes. Their light to medium body, red fruit character, and bright acidity complements the rich flavors of the meat without overshadowing it.

Pork Chops and Cutlets

For pork chops and cutlets, the wine choice depends on the sauce and seasoning used on the meat. Here are some general guidelines:

• With Creamy Sauces: Opt for a fuller-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier, which can stand up to the richness of the sauce without overpowering the pork.
• With Tomato-Based Sauces: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Sangiovese, Tempranillo, or Grenache, which can complement the acidity in the tomato sauce and harmonize with the flavor of the pork.

BBQ Pork and Pulled Pork

Barbeque and pulled pork dishes, with their smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors, require wines that can hold their own against these bold tastes:

• Red Wines: Zinfandel, Malbec, and Shiraz are red wines that possess the bold fruit flavors and moderate tannins needed to stand up to the rich, smoky taste of BBQ pork and pulled pork dishes.
• White Wines: If you prefer a white wine with your BBQ, look for a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay that has enough weight and structure to support the complexity of the dish.

Spicy Pork Dishes

When it comes to spicy pork dishes like curries and stir-fries, the pairing should focus on balancing the heat and enhancing the flavors:

• White Wines: Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Viognier are ideal options, with their fruity, aromatic profiles and a touch of residual sugar which helps to temper the heat of the spicy dish.
• Red Wines: A fruity, low-tannin red wine like a Grenache, Beaujolais, or a lighter-bodied Shiraz can pair well with a spicy pork dish, as their fruit-forward nature helps balance the heat while complementing the flavors of the dish.

What Wine Goes With Pork Example:

Imagine a mouthwatering dinner of pork loin roast seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, served alongside a warm potato and leek gratin. For this delightful meal, a Riesling with its crisp acidity, floral notes, and zesty citrus flavors would be a perfect pairing, enhancing the earthy, aromatic richness of the pork while balancing the creaminess of the gratin.

There you have it! Now you're armed with the knowledge of which wines to uncork and savor with your favorite pork dish. Remember, the key to a fantastic wine and food pairing lies in experimentation and personal taste. So, why not go ahead and try these recommendations for yourself, and discover your own unique wine pairings to share with your friends and family? Feel free to share this article and explore the other exciting guides here at Black Wine Club to improve your wine knowledge and to become the ultimate wine and food pairing connoisseur. Cheers!