Food and White Wine Pairing Basics
Give a Toast to Summer with These 3 Light Bodied Wines.
During winter, we often serve oaked wines and full-bodied reds. These types of wines pair best with the heavier dishes served during colder weather, like stews and casseroles.
Lighter-bodied wines like Chardonnay, Prosecco, and Riesling are a good choice for warmer weather. You can end a perfect summer day out on the patio, sipping a glass of one of these wines. But if you’re planning a dinner party, it can be intimidating to know which foods make good pairings. Follow these guidelines for a meal your guests won’t soon forget.
Chardonnay
Chardonnays have a reputation for being “fussy” when it comes to food pairings, but the right dishes can make all the difference. Chardonnay is a subtle wine that is best paired with delicate, mild foods. Unoaked Chardonnays are lighter-bodied than oaked and tend to be overpowered by spicy and acidic foods. Poultry, fish, and seafood all go well with this wine. Any dish with a buttery or creamy sauce also works well.
Serve with:
- Chicken Alfredo.
- Creamy soups.
- Lobster, shrimp, or poultry in a butter or cream sauce.
Avoid:
- Red meat.
- Raw tomatoes.
- Olives.
- Strong, pungent cheeses.
Chardonnay is best served around 50 degrees. Store in the refrigerator and take out about 15 minutes before you plan to drink it.
Prosecco
You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. Prosecco is a versatile, adaptable wine. It is not overpowered by spicier dishes, making this wine a great option to serve with curries.
Serve with:
- Cured meats.
- Spicy Asian dishes.
- Fruity desserts.
Avoid:
- Chocolate.
The best temperature to serve sparkling wines like Prosecco is between 40 and 50 degrees. Store in a bucket with ice and cold water prior to serving.
Riesling
Riesling is a very flexible, adaptable wine. If you are just starting out with food and wine pairings, this is the wine to buy. Most Rieslings stand up to spicier dishes, yet pair just as well with milder foods.
Serve with:
- Mexican dishes.
- Salads with vinaigrette.
- Pork.
- Wild game.
- Sweeter Rieslings pair well with caramel and fruit desserts.
Avoid:
- Dry Rieslings with sweet foods and desserts.
Rieslings taste best when served around 50 degrees. As with Chardonnays, take out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The best part about wine pairings is discovering what you like. Use these suggestions as a starting point. Whether your next wine is a Chardonnay, a Prosecco, or a Riesling, have fun celebrating summer.