Wine and food pairings cheat sheet
Basic rules
When pairing food and wine you want to match and balance flavours. Acidic wines pair well with salty and acidic foods, while tannic wines go well with salty, fatty, protein-rich foods. For dessert, choose a wine that is as sweet as or sweeter than your food. Above all, trust your taste and choose something that you enjoy drinking. Flick through these fail safe pairings so you look like a wine buff at your next gathering.
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Champagne
Choose champagne when serving salty foods, perfect for serving with nibbles.
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Sauvignon blanc
If you have a tart sauce or dressing, go for sauvignon blanc.
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Pinot grigio
This light white wine complements light fish dishes.
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Chardonnay
A glass of chardonnay is perfect for serving with fatty fish and rich sauces.
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Riesling
Balance out spicy or sweet dishes with riesling. Think spicy Asian or Indian food.
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Moscato d'Asti
Moscato d'Asti is a sweet sparkling wine so it pairs well with a fruity dessert.
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Dry Rosé
Go for dry rosé when serving rich, cheesy dishes.
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Rosé Champagne
Bring this one out at your next party for a great crowd-pleaser that goes with anything.
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Pinot Noir
Earthy flavours, like mushrooms and truffles, are a great match for this light red wine.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Choose a cabernet sauvignon when serving red meat with a high fat content.
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Shiraz
A glass of shiraz will go with any red meat and spicy dishes, great for your next barbecue.
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