Which wine goes with which meal?

Food and wine pairing is a real skill that takes your meals to the next level. By pairing the right wine with the right dish, you get the best out of every ingredient. Far from being an exact science, food and wine pairing is a creative exploration based on fundamental principles which leaves room for your own taste and intuition. More than just an accompaniment, wine is an integral part of a meal and an integral part of the culinary experience. A successful food and wine pairing brings out the flavours of the dish, enhancing its aromas and balancing its textures. It sets the pace of the menu by adding freshness, roundness or strength, depending on the dishes served. Why are food and wine pairings so important. The main types of wine and their characteristics Red wines Made from black grapes, red wines are characterised by their intense ruby to deep garnet colour. Their structure varies according to grape variety and ageing. The tannins are more or less powerful and the acidity more or less pronounced.White wines Made from white or black grapes, white wines range in colour from pale yellow to deep golden. Their style varies considerably, from dry and mineral to rich and unctuous. White wines, therefore, offer a wide range of aromas. There can be fruity notes, honeyed aromas etc.Rosé wines Rosé wines are characterised by their light pink/salmon colour. They are a refreshing option for summer, thanks to their acidic structure and hints of citrus fruit.Sparkling wines Characterised by their bubbles of differing sizes, sparkling wines fall into two main categories: Wines made using the traditional method and wines made using the ancestral method.Wines made using the traditional method, such as Champagne, undergo a second fermentation in the bottle. This gives them greater aromatic complexity and more finesse in terms of texture. Ancestral method wines, such as Prosecco, are produced by single fermentation. They are therefore lighter and fruitier.Sweet and syrupy wines Sweet and syrupy wines are rich in appearance and sweet in taste.This is due to the over-ripening of the grapes.They are generally drunk at the end of a meal, with desserts or cheeses.

It’s the taste that counts, not the aroma Many wine lovers go to great lengths to match the aroma of the wine to the aroma of the dish, for example, pairing a particularly fruity wine with a fruity curry or a red wine with a black olive aroma with Mediterranean-spiced lamb. This is fundamentally correct, but it is actually putting the cart before the horse. Much more important than the harmony of flavours is the harmony of the original taste sensations, which, as we know, can only be distinguished in five directions: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The harmony of taste is therefore virtually a “must”, while the harmony of the aroma becomes a “bonus”. And if you have mastered the former, you can hardly go wrong with the latter.

Red wine pairing is the ultimate way to elevate your meals and create a truly unforgettable dining experience. By matching the right wine with your favorite dishes, you can enhance each bite and sip, making every moment more enjoyable. It's not just about selecting good food and great wine—it's about making sure each element of the meal works together to bring out the best in every flavour. Pairing food with red wine is like adding the perfect seasoning to your meal. A well-matched wine brings out the best in your meal, highlighting flavors and creating a symphony of tastes. The boldness of red wine complements rich dishes, while its acidity cuts through fatty flavors creating a balanced taste sensation that leaves you wanting more. Red wines vary in body and style, each suited to different dishes. Full-bodied Red Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz and Malbec are made for hearty dishes. They shine when paired with grilled red meats, rich stews, or strongly flavored cheeses that can hold their own against these powerhouses. Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo are the middle ground, smooth operators that play nicely with a variety of dishes. Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais bring elegance to the table. Their delicate flavors pair beautifully with roasted veggies, grilled fish, poultry, or even a perfectly cooked salmon. Light-bodied red wines prove you don't need to be loud to make an impression. Their subtlety lets the flavors of the dish shine while adding a touch of elegance. That is what makes them perfect for vegetarian dishes or delicate dishes. Red wine can elevate a variety of popular dishes from steak to spicy food. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends are your best bet as they cut through the richness of the meat like a pro. As they have the tannins to tame the richness of a perfectly grilled steak, they create a perfect balance of flavours. Pairing Red Wine with Italian Dishes, Pizza and pasta night, grab a bottle of Merlot, Chianti, or Barbera. These wines complement tomato-based sauces and cheesy goodness like they were made for each other. Unlike sweet wine, these reds add depth without overpowering the meal. Red Wine and Spicy Food, Spicy dishes need a wine that can keep up without overpowering. Fruit-based reds like Malbec or Syrah bring just the right amount of sweetness and body to balance the heat. Wine and cheese are the perfect couple that make each other better. A silky Pinot Noir loves creamy Brie, while a bold Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with aged Cheddar. Feeling adventurous, try Malbec with blue cheese for a flavor explosion that'll knock your socks off. You only need to balance the richness of the cheese with the wine's acidity and tannins for a perfect wine pairing that elevates both. For successful red wine pairings, consider a few expert tips. First, serve red wines at a temperature that's just right, around 60–65°F, avoiding both warmth and chill. Next, match the intensity of the wine to the dish: delicate meals require lighter wines, while bold foods pair better with robust reds, especially when serving lean meats or fresh salads. Finally, ensuring that tannins don't clash with spicy foods or overpower delicate flavors, as balance is crucial in achieving harmonious red wine pairings. The Wine Caverns has an epic selection of premium reds that'll make any meal unforgettable. We've got you covered at the Wine Caverns.