Simple Food and Wine Pairings
The following are some simple parings based on the opinions of wine experts throughout the wine industry. However, just as everyone has different taste in seasonings, and cuisine, not every paring is perfect for everyone. I say experiment, and enjoy yourself. In my opinion, if the food smells good eat it, and if the wine taste good drink it. I do try to follow some simple paring rules to compliment my meals and wine, but don't be afraid to try something different. Eat, drink, and enjoy your friends.
Cin Cin
Godfather
A few simple guidelines to follow. Wines typically pair better with foods that have similar flavors. Earthy whites pair better with earthy foods. Sweet wines pair better with sweeter foods.Acidic white wines tend to pair better with acidic, salty, oily, and fatty foods. Tanic wines pair well with sour, bitter, or salty foods, and foods that are protein-rich and fatty foods. Fully bodied wines pair well with heavy foods, and light wines air better with more delicate foods. Some pairing examples are found below.
Cheese
Brie - Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
Cheddar - Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Syrah
Feta - Sauvignon Blanc
Jack & Gouda - Riesling, Chardonnay
Smoked Cheeses - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Swiss - Cabernet, Pinot Noir
Meat & Poultry
Duck - Riesling, Syrah, Zinfandel
Chicken (Baked) - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Chicken (Fried) - Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Zinfandel
Cold Cuts - Sparkling, Riesling
Filet Mignon - Pinot Noir
Grilled Meats & Steak - Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel
Rib Eye Steak - Cabernet, Zinfandel
Veal Roast - Pinot Noir
Ground Beef - Merlot, Zinfandel
Stews (Beef) - Cabernet
Lamb - Pinot Noir, Syrah
Pork (Ham) - Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Noir
Pork Ribs - Riesling
Wild Game (Roasted) - Syrah
Venison - Cabernet, Syrah
Sausage (Smoked) - Riesling
Sausage (Spicy) - Syrah, Zinfandel
Turkey - Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Gewurtztraminer
Seafood
Caviar - Sparkling
Blackened Fish - Zinfandel
Cioppino - Zinfandel
Crab - Chardonnay, Viognier
Halibut - Chardonnay
Lobster - Chardonnay, Viognier
Orange Roughy - Pinot Noir
Oysters - Sauvignon Blanc
Seabass - Riesling
Salmon - Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay
Salmon (Smoked) - Sparkling, Riesling (Dry)
Scallops - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Shrimp - Chardonnay, Viognier
Sole - Sauvignon Blanc
Swordfish - Merlot, Chardonnay
Trout - Riesling
Tuna - Merlot, Pinot Noir
Ethnic & Other Foods
Asian - Gewurtztraminer, Riesling
Cajun/Creole - Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Canapes - Sparkling
Chinese - Riesling, Gewurtztraminer
Egg Dishes - Sparkling
Indian - Chardonnay, Riesling
Japanese - Chenin Blanc
Middle Eastern - Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah
Pizza (Cheese) - Chardonnay, Zinfandel
Pizza (Meat) - Barbera, Zinfandel
Sushi - Sparkling
Sauces
Barbecue - Syrah, Zinfandel
Bearnaise Sauce - Merlot
Brown Sauce - Cabernet
Cajun - Zinfandel
Cream Sauce - Chardonnay
Lobster Sauce - Chardonnay
Mushroom Sauce - Pinot Noir
Pesto - Chardonnay
Tomato Sauce - Cabernet, Zinfandel
Spices
Basil - Chardonnay
Cajun Spices - Zinfandel
Ginger - Riesling
Mint - Merlot
Pepper - Zinfandel
Rosemary - Riesling, Merlot
Fruits
Apples (Green) - Sauvignon Blanc
Apples (Red) - Chardonnay
Apricots - Riesling, Viognier
Cherries - Merlot, Cabernet
Citrus - Sauvignon Blanc
Dried Fruits - Pinot Noir
Figs - Pinot Noir
Pears - Riesling
Plums - Merlot
Strawberries - Pinot Noir
Desserts
Apple Pie - Riesling, Late Harvest Riesling
Carrot Cake - Zinfandel
Cheesecake - Orange Muscat
Chocolate - Cabernet, Vintage Port, Black Muscat
Creme Brulee - Pinot Noir
Lemon/Lime Pie - Sauvignon Blanc
Sorbet - Sauvignon Blanc
Spice Cake - Zinfandel
Vanilla Ice Ceam - Late Harvest Riesling
Vanilla Pudding - Chardonnay