The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Food and Wine

Wine pairing often feels like solving a riddle. But it doesn't have to be tricky! Picture this: the table is set, the food looks fantastic, and the wine is poured. Suddenly, the flavors blend perfectly, and your taste buds dance with joy. 

This guide helps you create that magic with every meal, whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned pro. Get ready to have some fun and elevate your dining experience!

Why pair food and wine?

Pairing food and wine enhances your dining experience. The right match highlights the flavors in the food and the wine, making them taste even better. Think of it like a dance: when both partners move in sync, the performance shines.

Key elements of wine

Before diving into pairings, understand the key elements of wine: acidity, sweetness, tannins, and alcohol content.

• Acidity

Wines with high acidity taste fresh and crisp. They balance out rich and fatty foods.

• Sweetness

Sweet wines range from slightly sweet to very sweet. These wines pair well with spicy dishes and desserts.

• Tannins

Tannins create a dry feeling in your mouth. They come from grape skins and seeds and are more common in red wines. Tannic wines work well with rich, fatty meats.

• Alcohol content

Wines with high alcohol content feel warmer and stronger. They pair nicely with bold, flavorful foods.

Basic pairing principles

Match the weight

Imagine eating a delicate, fresh salad and sipping a heavy, robust wine. It feels off, right? That's because pairing light wines with light foods and heavy wines with heavy foods creates harmony. Think of it like balancing scales. You wouldn't pair a feather with a brick.

Take a delicate white wine like Pinot Grigio. Its crisp, light flavors make it perfect for a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The wine's subtle notes enhance the greens without overpowering them. 

Now, picture a bold, tannic red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon. It has the strength to stand up to a hearty steak, each sip matching the meat's rich, savory flavors. The wine and the food both shine, each complementing the other.

Balance flavors

Flavors need to play nicely together. A wine's acidity acts like a squeeze of lemon, cutting through the richness of fatty dishes and refreshing your palate. 

Imagine a plate of creamy fettuccine Alfredo. A high-acid wine like Sauvignon Blanc slices through the creamy sauce, keeping each bite exciting and fresh. Without that acidity, the dish might start to feel heavy and monotonous.

Now, think about spicy foods. Heat can be intense, and you don't want your wine to clash with it. Sweet wines come to the rescue. Picture a fiery Thai curry. A slightly sweet wine like Riesling calms the heat and enhances the dish's complex spices. The sweetness mellows the spice, creating a delicious balance.

Consider the sauce

Sauce is the star. Often, it has more impact on the wine pairing than the protein itself. Let's take chicken as an example. Chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce is rich and savory, needing a wine that can handle that creaminess. With its buttery, smooth texture, a Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Now, switch to chicken in a tomato-based sauce. The acidity in the tomatoes changes the game. Here, a wine like Barbera, with its bright acidity, pairs perfectly. The wine echoes the tangy tomato flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.

Match intensity

Intensity matters. Pair wines and foods with similar intensity levels to avoid overwhelming or underwhelming your palate. Imagine you're serving a delicate, poached fish. A light, subtle wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the fish without overshadowing it. The wine's gentle notes play well with the fish's delicate flavors.

Conversely, picture a rich, flavorful beef stew. A light wine would get lost here, unable to stand up to the stew's bold, hearty flavors. Instead, opt for a robust wine like Syrah. Its intense flavors match the stew's depth, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing.

Understanding and applying these principles allows you to create delightful food and wine pairings that elevate your meals and impress your guests. It's about finding the right balance, enhancing flavors, and ensuring that each bite and sip brings joy.

Dessert pairings

Pairing wine with dessert is a treat. Match the sweetness level of the wine and the dessert to create a harmonious and satisfying finale to your meal. The right wine enhances the dessert's flavors, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.

Chocolate cake and Port

The richness of the chocolate pairs well with the sweetness of Port. Port's dark fruit flavors, like blackberry and plum, enhance the deep cocoa notes in the cake. The wine's velvety texture matches the smoothness of the cake, creating a luxurious finish.

Fruit tart and Moscato

Moscato's light, fruity sweetness complements the fresh flavors of the tart. The wine’s floral aromas elevate the tart’s fruitiness, whether it’s berries, peaches, or apples. Moscato's gentle effervescence adds a refreshing contrast to the tart's buttery crust.

Cheesecake and late-harvest Riesling

The acidity of late-harvest Riesling balances the creaminess of the cheesecake. The wine’s honeyed notes add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake's richness. Riesling’s vibrant citrus flavors also provide a refreshing counterpoint, making each bite feel lighter.

Tips for successful pairings

Taste test

Experimenting with different wine and food combinations lets you find what works best for your unique palate. Think of it as a fun culinary adventure. Set up a tasting session with a few friends or family members, and try various wines with different dishes. 

Notice how a crisp Sauvignon Blanc tastes with a creamy pasta dish, then see how it changes with a spicy taco. Your taste buds will guide you to the best pairings.

Don't shy away from taking notes during your tastings. Jot down your thoughts on each combination, what you loved, and what didn't work. This practice helps you remember your preferences and improves your pairing skills. Plus, it's a great excuse to try more wines and foods!

Think about the occasion

The setting and the company significantly influence your wine choices. Picture a sunny picnic in the park. Light, refreshing wines like Rosé or Pinot Grigio fit perfectly with the casual, relaxed vibe. They pair well with picnic staples like salads, sandwiches, and light appetizers.

Now, imagine a formal dinner party. The atmosphere calls for something more sophisticated and robust. Rich, full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux complement the elegant, hearty dishes typically served at such gatherings. Matching the wine to the occasion enhances the overall experience and makes the event more memorable.

Don't be afraid to break the rules

While guidelines help, the most important rule in wine pairing is to enjoy your meal. If you love a particular combination, go for it, even if it defies conventional wisdom. Food and wine pairing is subjective, and personal preference plays a huge role.

Let's say you adore a sweet Moscato with your spicy buffalo wings, even though traditional pairings might suggest something different. If it makes you happy, that's the right choice. Trust your instincts and embrace the pairings that bring you joy.

Keep it simple

Don't overthink the process. Focus on the main elements of the dish and the wine, and you'll create a memorable pairing. Consider the primary flavors and textures of your food. Is it rich, creamy, light, fresh, or bold and spicy? Choose a wine that complements or contrasts those characteristics in a pleasing way.

For instance, a Chardonnay with a similar creamy texture works beautifully if you're serving a rich, buttery lobster dish. If you're enjoying a fresh, zesty salad, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors without overpowering them. Simplicity often leads to the most harmonious and enjoyable pairings.

By following these tips, you'll become more confident in your pairing choices. Trust your taste buds, consider the occasion, embrace your preferences, and keep it simple. These strategies ensure successful and delightful food and wine pairings every time. 

Pairing wine with appetizers

Starting your meal with the right wine sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Appetizers often have lighter flavors, so choose wines that won't overpower them. A well-chosen wine makes each bite more enjoyable and prepares your palate for the courses to come.

Bruschetta and Prosecco

The bubbles in Prosecco add a fun contrast to the fresh tomatoes and basil. Its crispness enhances the vibrant flavors of the bruschetta, making every bite refreshing.

Stuffed mushrooms and Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio's lightness complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. This pairing allows the subtle herb and garlic notes in the stuffing to shine.

Charcuterie and Rosé

The versatility of Rosé pairs well with the variety of meats and cheeses. Its balanced acidity and fruitiness make it a crowd-pleaser that harmonizes with the diverse textures and flavors on the board.

Pairing wine with vegetarian dishes

Vegetarian dishes can be as flavorful as meat-based ones. Match the wine to the dominant flavors in the dish to enhance the overall dining experience.

Grilled vegetables and Sauvignon Blanc

The acidity of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the fresh, smoky flavors of the vegetables. Its herbal notes complement the charred edges, making the dish more vibrant.

Mushroom risotto and Pinot Noir

The earthy notes of Pinot Noir match the richness of the mushrooms. Its silky texture melds beautifully with the creamy risotto, creating a harmonious pairing.

Vegetable curry and Riesling

Riesling's sweetness balances the heat and complexity of the curry. Its citrus and floral undertones highlight the curry's aromatic spices.

Pairing wine with spicy foods

Spicy foods can be tricky to pair with wine. Look for wines with sweetness and low alcohol content to balance the heat and enhance the flavors.

Spicy tacos and Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer's sweetness complements the spiciness of the tacos. Its exotic fruit flavors add depth to the tacos’ vibrant ingredients.

Hot wings and Riesling

The acidity and sweetness of Riesling cool down the heat of the wings. Its bright apple and peach notes add a refreshing contrast to the fiery sauce.

Indian curry and Zinfandel

Zinfandel's bold fruit flavors match the intensity of the curry. Its peppery finish enhances the dish’s complex spices, making each bite more exciting.

Pairing wine with breakfast and brunch

Breakfast and brunch offer unique pairing opportunities. Look for light, refreshing wines that match the meal's flavors. A well-chosen wine enhances the start of your day and adds a touch of elegance to your morning spread.

Eggs Benedict and Champagne

The bubbles in Champagne cut through the richness of the hollandaise sauce. Its crisp acidity also balances the creamy eggs, creating a delightful harmony.

Pancakes and Moscato

Moscato's sweetness complements the syrupy goodness of pancakes. The fruity notes in the wine enhance the flavors of the toppings, whether it's berries, bananas, or a drizzle of honey.

Quiche and Sauvignon Blanc

The acidity of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the savory flavors of the quiche. Its herbaceous undertones also bring out the freshness of the vegetables and cheese in the dish.

Come wine about it at Myril Eatery & Wine Bar! 

Named after Chef Jen's great-grandmother, Myril was a trailblazer in her time. Our Art Deco vibe is a nod to her era, and her love of cranberry sauce pops up in the most delightful places on our menu.

Situated right on the marina, our place boasts killer views and chef-driven, bold, balanced, and downright delicious dishes. We focus on local ingredients, crafting a menu meant for sharing. Think small plates, hearty mains, and charcuterie boards loaded with local goodies.

But let's talk wine. Our bar is a wine lover's dream, featuring local favorites and unique Old World finds. Picture a crisp Oregon Pinot Gris with fresh seafood or a full-bodied Cabernet with rich, savory meats. We're here to help you find the perfect pairing.

Not into wine? No problem. We've got classic and original craft cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and local brews to keep everyone happy.

Make your reservation at Myril Eatery & Wine Bar today. Let's make your meal an experience to remember with the perfect wine pairing. Cheers!