Food and wine pairing is an imprecise process and a personal choice, depending on individual tastes and preferences. However, there is a variety of guidelines and recommendations based on characteristics such as a state of stability and synergy (Wine and food pairing, 2017). Considering the number of sugars, acids, or tannins in wine might help to achieve a specific taste or sensation via its unique combination with food. The following pairing menu will offer several options based on food and wine compatibility.
Option A is a cold barbecue chicken with a side of coleslaw paired with 2014 Bodega Norton Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Full-bodied and bold red wine has fruity notes with a smoky finish, medium acidity, and tannin content. Malbec wine is selected because its characteristics enhance the taste of heavily spiced barbeque chicken and refreshing coleslaw salad.
Option B is a grilled sirloin steak with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and green beans paired with 2017 Three Thieves Cabernet Sauvignon from California. A heavy meal requires a full-bodied wine with a high content of tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is recommended because it is rich in tannins, which help to refresh the palate after the heavy combination of steak, potatoes, and gravy.
Option C is spaghetti squash with tomato sauce paired with 2017 Erath Pinot Noir from Oregon. Pinot Noir is a light-bodied wine that complements earthy flavors. The wine goes well with the spaghetti squash as it enriches the natural flavor of the vegetable and brightens the acid taste of tomato sauce.
Option D is a flourless chocolate cake paired with Dow’s Ruby Port. Ruby Port is a great choice since the wine needs to be intense and sweet to pair well with the chocolate-based dessert (Pairing chocolate and wine, 2020). The strong, rich, and buttery taste of the chocolate cake is complemented by fruity, sweet, and bitter dessert wine.
Option E is a caesar salad with salmon paired with 2008 Paul Dolan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino County. The Californian silky white wine creates a perfect pair with salmon (15 rules for great wine and food pairings, 2020). The tangy sauce with seafood notes of anchovies is a perfect match with the crispy and citrusy taste of white wine.
Reference List
15 rules for great wine and food pairings (2020).
Pairing chocolate and wine (2020). Web.
Wine and food pairing (2017). Web.