Ingredients and culinary skills are not the only components that can bring out the flavor in a delicious meal. Wine can serve as the perfect complement to a meal, particularly when individuals identify which varieties go well with certain foods.
Wine lists can sometimes be intimidating when dining at establishments known for their extensive offerings. In such instances, diners can ask servers for recommendations, as many restaurants teach staff about which wines go well with the various dishes on their menus. The following are four popular wine styles, their flavor profiles and foods that go well with them.
1. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a popular style of wine that can be found on the red wine list at many establishments. Wine Folly notes that Pinot Noir is a dry, light-bodied red that has a very fruity, floral taste. Wine Folly notes that a Pinot Noir typically pairs well with chicken, pork, veal, duck, or cured meat.
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine.com reports that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted and popular red wine grape in the world. A Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and tends to be higher in alcohol by volume (ABV) than other styles, which is something diners should keep in mind. Wine Folly indicates lamb, beef and smoked meats pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is widely considered the most popular white wine in the world. In fact, WineInsiders.com reports that almost every wine region around the world grows the variety of grapes necessary to make Chardonnay. Wine Folly indicates Chardonnay boasts a yellow citrus fruit taste that can be akin to banana or pineapple and often features a touch of butterscotch, vanilla or toasted caramel. Chardonnay pairs well with seafood like lobster, crab and shrimp, but also goes well with chicken and pork.
4. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine that boasts a fruity flavor profile. Th e profile of Sauvignon Blanc calls to mind exotic fruits like honeydew melon and kiwi. Sauvignon Blanc is considered a light- to medium-bodied white wine, and Wine Folly reports that it goes well with fish, chicken, pork, and veal. In addition, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with various ethnic cuisines, including Mexican, Vietnamese and French dishes. When paired with the right dish, wine can make a night out at a favorite restaurant that much more memorable.
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