Planning a wine tasting event? Or just want to experiment with some more unusual pairings? Here are two of the most popular, and delicious, food and wine pairings. Brush up your knowledge with our handy tips below and impress your guests at the next wine tasting event you host.
Cheese:
Who doesn’t love a wedge of creamy cheese to go with a glass of wine? It’s a match made in heaven! When it comes to this classic pairing, here are some top tips:
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Try not to pair a strong wine with a mild cheese. If one of the flavours dominates the other, the taste experience won’t be ideal.
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Don't over-analyse it. Everyone has their own taste preferences, so offer at least one white wine and one red wine and let your guests decide.
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Soft cheese, like Brie or Camembert, pairs well with sparkling wine or white wine that’s light on oak flavour, such as a Chardonnay.
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Sharp cheese or aged cheese—six months or older— like mature cheddar or blue cheese are best served with full-bodied wine to compliment the bold flavours.
Chocolate:
We know you love wine. And we know you love chocolate too! Here are some tips for pairing the two:
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When you pair a dark, bitter chocolate with a powerful red wine that's high in tannins, the two can be overwhelming. Choose wines that are a softer and juicier than the chocolate you're pairing it with.
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Pair chocolates and wines that have a similar style. Less intensely flavoured chocolates go well with lighter wines, while chocolate with more intense flavours can stand up to fuller-bodied wines.
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It's best to start with light chocolates and wines, increasing the intensity as you go along. Start with white chocolates and light wines and save the richest, dark chocolates and wines for last.
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If your chocolate contains ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavours pair with the wine. Chocolate with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruity red wine with berry undertones.
