A Guide to Matching Fine Wines with Gourmet Food

Last updated: 22 May 2023

Fine wines and gourmet food are a match made in heaven. The right wine can enhance the flavours of a dish and take your dining experience to the next level. But with so many different types of wine and food out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this guide, we'll take a look at some classic wine and food pairings to help you make the most of your next meal.

White Wine and Seafood

White wine is the classic pairing for seafood and for good reason. The crisp acidity of white wine can cut through the richness of seafood, while the fruit flavours complement the delicate flavours of the fish. Some popular white wines for seafood include Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Terrazas De Los Andes Reserve Chardonnay 2018.

Source: The Spruce Eats

If you're serving a light seafood dish like a shrimp cocktail, try pairing it with a crisp, dry Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. For a richer seafood dish like lobster or scallops, consider a buttery Terrazas De Los Andes Reserve Chardonnay 2018. And if you're feeling adventurous, pair sushi with a Pinot Grigio or Riesling.

Red Wine and Beef

Red wine is the classic pairing for beef and for good reason. The tannins in red wine help to cut through the richness of the beef, while the fruit flavours complement the flavours of the meat. Some popular red wines for beef include Horwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, 1948 Estate Collection Sutter Home Merlot, and Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir.

Source: Decanter

If you're serving a rich beef dish like steak or prime rib, try pairing it with a full-bodied Horwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. For a lighter beef dish like beef tenderloin or filet mignon, consider a smooth Merlot. And if you're serving a beef dish with a lot of herbs or spices, try pairing it with a spicy Syrah or Zinfandel.

Rosé Wine and Cheese

Rosé wine is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, but it's especially well-suited for cheese. The light, refreshing flavour of a rosé complements the rich, creamy flavours of cheese. Some popular rosé wines for cheese include Provence Rosé, White Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir Rosé.

Source: Wisconsin Cheese

If you're serving a soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert, try pairing it with a light and fruity Provence Rosé. For stronger cheese like cheddar or blue cheese, consider a dry White Zinfandel. And if you're serving a cheese plate with a variety of cheeses, try pairing it with a Pinot Noir Rosé.

Champagne and Appetisers

Champagne is a classic pairing for appetisers and for good reason. The crisp acidity of champagne pairs well with a variety of flavours, while the bubbles help to cleanse the palate between bites. Some popular champagne pairings for appetisers include Bottega Gold Prosecco Brut, Besserat de Bellefon Bleu Extra Brut NV Champagne, and Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Rosé Brut champagne.

Source: BigOven

If you're serving a light appetiser like a shrimp cocktail or oysters, try pairing it with a dry Bottega Gold Prosecco Brut champagne. For a richer appetiser like foie gras or pâté, consider a more full-bodied Besserat de Bellefon Bleu Extra Brut NV Champagne. And if you're serving a spicy appetiser like spicy tuna rolls or buffalo wings, try pairing it with a glass of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Rosé Brut champagne to help cool the heat.

Dessert Wine and Desserts

Dessert wine is the perfect pairing for desserts. The sweetness of dessert wine complements the sweetness of the dessert, while the acidity helps balance the flavours. Some popular dessert wines for dessert include Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port, the 2001 Chateau Caillou, and the 2002 Cloudy Bay Late Harvest Riesling.

Source: Wine Folly

If you're serving a rich, chocolatey dessert like chocolate cake or brownies, try pairing it with a full-bodied Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port. For a lighter dessert like fruit tart or cheesecake, consider a sweet 2001 Chateau Caillou. And if you're serving a dessert with a lot of acidities like a lemon tart or fruit sorbet, try pairing it with a 2002 Cloudy Bay Late Harvest Riesling to balance out the flavours.

Final Thoughts

Pairing wine with gourmet food can be an art form, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. With a little bit of knowledge and experimentation, you can find the perfect pairing for any dish. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine and food pairing, so don't be afraid to try something new and unexpected.

At Mr. Chow, we have a wide variety of wines to choose from, including some of the most popular wines for gourmet food pairing, so visit our website today.

Cheers to good food and good wine!