Food Pairings with White Wine

When it comes to white wine, there are many factors to consider when pairing with food, such as the acidity, sweetness, and body of the wine. Here are some tips and pairing suggestions to help you get the most out of your white wine and food combinations.

Firstly, it's important to consider the acidity of the wine. Higher acidity wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair well with foods that have similar acidity levels, such as salads, seafood, and dishes with tomato-based sauces. Whereas, lower acidity white wines like Chardonnay pair well with creamy and buttery dishes like lobster, pasta with cream sauces, or risotto.

Sweetness is another factor to consider when pairing white wine with food. Off-dry white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chenin Blanc can complement spicy foods or Asian cuisine, while sweeter wines like Moscato or Sauternes can be paired with desserts or fruit plates.

When it comes to body, full-bodied white wines like oaked Chardonnay or Viognier pair well with rich and buttery dishes, like roasted chicken or seafood with cream sauces. Meanwhile, lighter-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigio or Albariño are a great match for lighter fare like salads, seafood, and vegetable dishes.

Now let's dive into some specific food pairing suggestions for white wine.

  1. Seafood and Sauvignon Blanc: The high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafood like oysters, scallops, and shrimp. Try pairing it with a citrusy and herbaceous sauce to bring out the wine's flavors.

  2. Caesar Salad and Pinot Grigio: The light and refreshing Pinot Grigio pairs well with a classic Caesar salad. The wine's crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the tangy and salty dressing.

  3. Grilled Chicken and Chardonnay: A full-bodied Chardonnay with buttery and oaky notes is a perfect match for grilled chicken with a creamy sauce. Add some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken to bring out the wine's flavors.

  4. Spicy Asian Cuisine and Gewürztraminer: The off-dry and slightly sweet Gewürztraminer pairs well with spicy foods like Thai or Indian cuisine. The wine's floral and spicy notes complement the heat of the food.

  5. Lobster and Viognier: The full-bodied and aromatic Viognier pairs well with buttery and rich dishes like lobster or crab. Add some herbs like tarragon or basil to the dish to bring out the wine's flavors.

  6. Smoked Salmon and Chablis: The light and mineral Chablis pairs well with smoked salmon. The wine's crisp acidity and minerality complement the smoky and savory flavors of the salmon.

  7. Grilled Vegetables and Albariño: The light and refreshing Albariño pairs well with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. Add some herbs like basil or parsley to the vegetables to bring out the wine's flavors.

Pairing food with white wine can be a fun and creative process, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new combinations. 

Cheers!