Want to wow your guests with amazing wine and food pairings at your next event? Well, there are a few simple concepts to understand in order to get it right. Below, I’ve highlighted my top wine pairings tips plus an easy guide to a quick summer lunch!
THE SIX BASIC TASTES
The easiest way to be a wine pairing connoisseur is to understand the six basic tastes of wine. These are Acid, Bitter, Fat, Spice, Salt and Sweet.
Acid, bitter, and spice clash. So, avoid pairing acidic tastes with something bitter. The other three tastes—sweet, fat, and salt can work well together so they are more easily matched.
Secondly, most wine lacks fat, spice, and salt. This means you can bring these flavours through the foods you choose. As a rule of thumb, red wine will generally have more bitterness, white and rosé wine will be more acidic.
Another important note about pairings is understanding the two basic types: complementary and contrasting pairings. Contrasting pairings will nicely balance two distinct flavours. For example a fruity Pinot Grigio with a creamy carbonara. Complementary pairings will help enhance a particular flavour which is found in both the wine and the food. In this case, you can pair the carbonara with a creamy Chardonnay.
Of course, there is much more to learn about wine and food pairings. However, after this little run down it is easier to match your wine and get it right. At least most of the time!
If you’re still feeling a bit unsure, check out some of my recommendations below.
QUICK PAIRINGS FOR A SUMMER LUNCH
2013 TEMPUS TWO PEWTER ADELAIDE HILLS SPARKLING PINOT CHARDONNAY
This refreshing blend of stone and citrus fruits plus warm, creamy characters pairs perfectly with spicy dishes and seafood. Try a prawn salad with a bit of spice.
2020 TEMPUS TWO VARIETAL BLANC DE BLANCS SPARKLING
A zesty and refreshing extra dry wine with enticing fruit flavours of peach, passionfruit and green apple. Pair this with wild salmon and a corn & pepper salsa salad.
NV TEMPUS TWO VARIETAL PROSECCO
Bright and fresh with lifted citrus and green apple. This wine features plenty of vibrant fruit flavours with a zesty finish. Pairs perfectly with a chicken dish on a hot summer’s day.
2021 MCGUIGAN CELLAR SELECT ROSÉ
Chosen for its intense berry flavours and soft salmon hues. The Shiraz and Tempranillo grapes were carefully selected to deliver this versatile wine with attractive floral notes, ripe raspberry freshness and a balanced dry finish. Pair this with a seafood based pasta and a summer side salad.
2021 MCGUIGAN CELLAR SELECT AUTUMN HARVEST SEMILLON
Fruit from some of the oldest Semillon vines in Australia was chosen and allowed to continue ripening past the main harvest to deliver rich flavours of gooseberry and lychees with a honeysuckle and raisin sweetness. This wine pairs perfectly with shellfish like barbecued prawns.
2021 MCGUIGAN BIN 9000 SEMILLON
Pure, clean and elegant when young, the Bin 9000 ages gracefully to become rich and succulent with notes of sweet honey. Perfect with any type of fish or seafood.
2021 MCGUIGAN CELLAR SELECT VIOGNIER
Displaying aromas of apricots, peach and honeysuckle lead to a rich, round palate bursting with stone fruits and gingerbread. Greatly paired with chicken, especially if it carries a little spice.
Thank you to Australian Vintage Limited, McGuigan Hunter Valley Wines and Tempus Two Sparkling wines for gifting me these delicious wines. Available at all leading alcohol retailers.
