Find similar flavor profiles Enhance a certain flavor in the food by finding a similar flavor in a wine, or vice versa. Examples: Zinfandel with ripe, jammy fruit characteristics will pair well with grilled meat topped with a ripe, fruity sauce. Also, chicken with an herb and mushroom sauce would complement the mushroomy flavors of an earthy Pinot Noir. Think Regionally Wines from a certain region are usually made to go with the foods of that particular region, especially in “Old World” countries in Europe. Examples: Take Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine from Italy’s Abruzzo region, which is a red that tends to have bright cherry flavors, tart acidity and earthy, herbaceous characteristics. The foods of that region, like simple tomato sauces, braised meats, mushrooms and olives, are all a safe bet. Get to know some staples for healthy foods Figuring out which wines go with healthy foods you like will make cooking with wine more fun! Here are some suggestions: • Sauvignon Blanc has citrusy, green, herbal notes that tend to work with many green veggies, like arugula, asparagus and even artichokes, especially with a lemon sauce or pesto. Gruner Veltliner and Vinho Verde would also work with these foods. • Champagne is light, bubbly and versatile enough to go with chicken, vegetables and soft, creamy cheeses when you need something rich. • Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red with low tannins and diverse flavors. It can have bright, spicy fruit or meaty, earthy characteristics. It’s a safe bet for chicken, pork, vegetables, and fish. Dry Rosé is another nice option for these foods. • Chianti, arguably Italy’s most well known red, contains a high amount of acid. It’s a great match for tomatoes and tomato sauces, which naturally contain a lot of acidity, so they balance each other out. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Sangiovese and Barolo are also good options. Eat well, drink smart, and enjoy! Cheers. Hana-Lee Sedgwick is an advertising executive by day and wine blogger and consultant by night. A Certified Sommelier, she loves to help people learn about and appreciate wine and food. When not trying new wines or exploring new places, she can be found practicing yoga, entertaining at home and enjoying time with friends and family. For more information and wine tips, visit her blog, Wander & Wine, at www.wanderandwine.com.
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