If you’re overwhelmed by the endless options of wine or need help knowing where to start when pairing wine with food, you’ve come to the right place. With a focus on simplicity, I create dishes that are easy to make at home, using affordable and accessible ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a big gathering, Platings Pairings has covered you with an extensive collection of recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts – each with a suggested wine pairing.
From classic pairings like cabernet sauvignon and steak to more adventurous combinations like spicy zinfandel with barbecue pulled pork, Platings Pairings introduces you to a world of flavors and aromas. So grab a bottle of your favorite wine, fire up the stove, and explore the exciting and delicious world of food and wine pairing together!
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Platings Pairings a Food Blog Focusing on Great Simple Dishes and the Wines that Pair With Them
Pairing wine with food can enhance your dining experience and bring out the best flavors in both the wine and the dish. Here are some tips for pairing simple words with the right wines.
1. Focus on the main ingredient: When choosing a wine to pair with a dish, look for one that complements the main ingredient. For example, a light-bodied white wine pairs well with seafood, while a full-bodied red wine pairs well with red meat.
2. Consider the flavor intensity: The intensity of the flavors in both the wine and the food should be considered when pairing. Bold and intense wines are best paired with brave and passionate dishes, while lighter and subtler wines pair better with simple and delicate dishes.
3. Match acidity: The acidity of the wine should match the dish’s acidity. High-acid wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with acidic dishes like salads, while low-acid wines pair well with less sour dishes like cheese.
4. Balance sweetness: When pairing sweet dishes, a wine with similar sweetness levels helps balance out the flavors. For example, a sweet dessert wine pairs well with a fruity dessert.
5. Experiment and have fun: Be bold and experiment with different wine and food pairings to find the perfect match for your tastes. And most importantly, have fun with it!
I’ve sampled various unique dishes and wines that pair perfectly with them. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular wine varietals and their pairing potential with different types of food.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon:
The bold flavors and tannins in a Cabernet Sauvignon make it the perfect pairing for rich and hearty dishes. For example, a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with a juicy steak or a hearty beef stew. However, it also pairs well with strong, hard cheese like Parmesan.
2. Chardonnay:
Chardonnay’s medium-body and rich, buttery flavor profile pair perfectly with dishes that have rich, creamy sauces. This wine can be particularly great with seafood dishes like salmon or shrimp scampi or a grilled chicken dish with a creamy sauce.
3. Pinot Noir:
The lighter body and fruitiness of Pinot Noir make it the perfect pairing for more delicate dishes, such as grilled fish and roasted vegetables. Pinot Noir also pairs well with earthy flavors like mushrooms.
4. Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon Blanc’s light and crisp flavors make it a perfect wine pairing for light salads and seafood dishes. Try pairing a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc with a shrimp ceviche or a grilled chicken salad with a light vinaigrette.
5. Merlot:
Merlot’s smooth body and mild tannins make it a versatile wine pairing option. It pairs well with rich dishes like steak or lamb but can also be paired with lighter dishes like chicken or pork.
Understanding the flavors and characteristics of different wine varietals can help you make the perfect wine pairing for your favorite dishes. At Platings Pairings, we are always experimenting with new wine and food pairings, and we hope this section has inspired you to do the same.