The challenge with food and wine pairing is its subjective nature. Anyone can disagree with your ideas of a perfect pairing;
and they would be right. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you get close to the perfect match as possible.
| |
Cheese | Seafood |
Poultry |
Meats |
Spices & Herb
|
| Chardonnay |
Brie, Gouda, Jack Parmesan |
Crab, Shrimp, Clams, Scallops, Lobster, Snapper, Salmon, Trout |
Chicken, Game Hens, Turkey, Goose, Duck |
Veal, Pork |
Basil, Tarragon, Thyme, Curry, Ginger, Nutmeg, Saffron |
| Sauvignon Blanc |
Feta, Goat, Mozzarella, Parmesan |
Shrimp, Clams, Oysters, Sole, Snapper, Crab, Trout |
Chicken, Game Hens, Turkey |
Veal, Pork |
Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Tarragon, Thyme, Lemongrass |
| Pinot Grigio |
Goat Cheese, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone |
Mussels, Sole, Sea Bass, Swordfish, Shrimp, Oysters, Salmon, Trout, Snapper, Smoked Salmon |
Chicken, Turkey |
Ham, Salami |
Tarragon, Thyme, Oregano, Basil |
| Riesling |
Blue Cheese, Feta, Cambazola |
Crab, Mussels, Smoked Salmon, Shrimp |
Chicken, Squab, Duck |
Baked Ham, Pork, Smoked Pork |
Mint, Tarragon, Cilantro, Ginger, Curry |
| Gewurztraminer |
Jalepeno Jack, Smoked Gouda, Smoked Mozzarella |
Scallops, Mussels, Shrimp, Crab, Salmon, Smoked Salmon |
Turkey |
Pork, Ham, Sausage |
Cilantro, Ginger, Curry, Cinnamon, Clove |
| Grüner Veltliner |
Brie, Gouda, Feta |
Halibut, Sea Bass, Sole |
Chicken, Turkey, Game Hen |
Pork, Veal |
Coriander, Caraway, Dill |
| Pinot Grigio |
Ricotta, Fontina, Provolone
|
Swordfish, Trout, Crab, Calamari
|
Chicken, Turkey, Game Hen |
Pork, Prosciutto |
Basil, Parsley |
| Rosé |
Goat Cheese, Feta, Gouda, Parmesan, Munster |
Salmon, Shellfish, Grilled Seabass, Trout |
Chicken, Game Hen |
Pork, Ham, Prosciutto |
Basil, Chives, Curry |
| Pinot Noir |
Goat Cheese, Chevre, Feta, Swiss, Gouda, Brie, Camembert
|
Salmon, Tuna, Ahi Tuna |
Chicken, Game Hen, Squab, Duck |
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Veal |
Mint, Basil, Tarragon, Rosemary, Fennel Seed, Anise, Cinnamon, Pepper |
| Merlot |
Camembert, Smoked Gouda, Cheddar, Parmesan |
Salmon, Tuna |
Duck, Squab |
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Veal, Venison |
Mint, Rosemary, Tarragon, Thyme |
| Shiraz/Syrah |
Parmesan, Pecorino, Smoked Gouda, Dry Jack |
Salmon, Tuna |
Squab, Duck, Chicken |
Beef, Buffalo, Lamb, Pork, Veal, Venison, Sausage |
Bay Leaf, Lavender, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme |
| Zinfandel |
Goat Cheese, Feta, Smoked Gouda, Parmesan, Dry Jack |
None |
Chicken, Game Hen, Duck |
Sausage, Beef, Lamb, Port, Barbecue |
Bay Leaf, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Fennel Seed, Cinnamon, Clove |
| Cabernet Sauvignon |
Gorgonzola, Aged Jack, Brie, Camembert |
None |
Duck, Squab, Quail |
Beef, Lamb, Pork, Veal, Venison |
Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme |
| Petite Sirah |
Asiago, Aged Cheddar, Aged Goat Cheese |
Salmon, Tuna, Red Snapper |
Chicken, Game Hen, Duck, Quail |
Beef, Italian Sausage, Lamb |
Thyme, Basil, Parsley, Bay Leaf |
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