When it comes to wine pairings, everyone knows about wine and cheese. But what if you want to take your wine game to the next level? Cheese is just the beginning. There’s a whole world of unconventional, unexpected, and downright fun wine pairings waiting to be discovered. From spicy street food to comfort classics, pairing wine with foods that aren’t traditionally thought of as “wine-friendly” can create exciting new taste experiences.
In this article, we’re going to explore some surprising wine pairings that will wow your taste buds. Get ready to think beyond cheese!
1. Wine and Spicy Street Food: A Flavor Adventure
Spicy food and wine might seem like an odd couple, but with the right pairing, the heat of the dish and the complexity of the wine can complement each other beautifully. The trick is to balance the spiciness with a wine that either cools it down or adds an extra layer of flavor.
Pairing Tip: Go for wines with a touch of sweetness or low tannins.
- Pair Spicy Tacos with Riesling:
Tacos loaded with spicy salsa or jalapeños? A slightly sweet Riesling is your friend. The fruity sweetness will mellow the heat and keep your palate refreshed, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. - Pair Thai Curry with Gewürztraminer:
Thai curries, with their rich coconut milk and bold spices, can overpower many wines. But a Gewürztraminer, with its floral notes and hint of sweetness, stands up to the complexity of these flavors. Its slight spiciness also mirrors the curry’s heat in a balanced way. - Pair Hot Wings with Sparkling Wine:
Believe it or not, a glass of bubbly is a great match for fiery buffalo wings. The bubbles help cleanse the palate after each spicy bite, while the light, refreshing nature of sparkling wine keeps things cool.
2. Wine and Fast Food: A Match Made in Convenience Heaven
Fast food might not be the first thing you think of when planning a wine night, but there’s something delightfully rebellious about pairing a gourmet bottle with a greasy favorite. Plus, fast food often has bold, salty flavors that actually work well with certain wines.
Pairing Tip: Choose wines with good acidity to cut through the fat and salt.
- Pair Burgers with Cabernet Sauvignon:
A juicy, meaty burger with all the fixings? Pour yourself a glass of bold Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in the wine help balance the richness of the beef, while the wine’s dark fruit flavors bring out the savoriness of the grilled meat. - Pair French Fries with Champagne:
Yes, Champagne! The crisp, salty fries contrast beautifully with the creamy, bubbly Champagne. The acidity and effervescence of the wine will refresh your palate after every bite, and the indulgence of fries with Champagne feels a little luxurious, doesn’t it? - Pair Fried Chicken with Sauvignon Blanc:
Fried chicken, with its crispy skin and juicy interior, needs a wine with enough acidity to balance out the grease. Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty, citrusy notes, cuts right through the richness of fried chicken, making each bite even more satisfying.
3. Wine and Vegan Dishes: Plant-Based Perfection
Vegan food can be incredibly varied, from earthy mushroom risottos to spicy lentil stews. And just like any other cuisine, vegan dishes can be elevated by the right wine pairing. The key here is to match the weight and texture of the dish with the wine’s body and flavor profile.
Pairing Tip: Match the wine’s body with the weight of the dish.
- Pair Lentil Stew with Merlot:
A hearty lentil stew, with its deep, earthy flavors, needs a wine that can hold its own. Merlot, with its soft tannins and plum flavors, provides just the right balance. It complements the earthiness of the lentils without overpowering the dish. - Pair Mushroom Risotto with Pinot Noir:
Mushrooms are often described as having a “meaty” quality, so it makes sense that they pair well with red wine. A light-bodied Pinot Noir, with its earthy and berry notes, complements the savory, umami flavors of a mushroom risotto perfectly. - Pair Spicy Vegan Tacos with Zinfandel:
For vegan tacos with a kick—think spicy black bean or jackfruit tacos—Zinfandel is a surprising but excellent match. Its bold, fruity flavor stands up to the spiciness, and its medium body doesn’t overwhelm the delicate plant-based ingredients.
4. Wine and Dessert for Breakfast: Why Not?
Who says wine pairings are just for dinner? If you’re a brunch lover or enjoy sneaking dessert for breakfast, try pairing some of your favorite morning treats with wine for a fun, unconventional twist.
Pairing Tip: Light, fruity wines work best with sweet breakfast treats.
- Pair Pancakes with Moscato:
Pancakes drenched in syrup are already a sweet treat, but pairing them with a light, effervescent Moscato takes them to a whole new level. The sweet, fruity notes of Moscato match the sugary syrup, while its bubbles add a refreshing balance to the richness of the pancakes. - Pair Cinnamon Rolls with Sparkling Rosé:
A warm cinnamon roll, gooey with icing, deserves something bubbly and fun. Enter sparkling rosé. Its slight sweetness pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar, while the bubbles cut through the richness of the pastry. - Pair French Toast with Prosecco:
French toast, with its eggy richness and powdered sugar topping, calls for something light and zesty. Prosecco, with its bright citrus notes and gentle fizz, balances out the sweetness and makes for a refreshing, indulgent breakfast pairing.
5. Wine and Popcorn: The Ultimate Movie Night Combo
Popcorn and wine might not seem like an obvious pairing, but the buttery, salty goodness of popcorn is a surprisingly great match for certain wines. Plus, it’s the ultimate snack for a cozy movie night.
Pairing Tip: Choose wines with good acidity and a touch of fruitiness to balance out the salt and butter.
- Pair Buttered Popcorn with Chardonnay:
Butter and Chardonnay go hand in hand. A buttery, oaked Chardonnay enhances the richness of popcorn while its acidity keeps things balanced. The result? A seriously indulgent snack that feels like pure comfort. - Pair Kettle Corn with Rosé:
Kettle corn’s sweet and salty combination pairs beautifully with a dry rosé. The fruity notes of the wine play off the sweetness, while its acidity complements the salty crunch of the popcorn. - Pair Spicy Popcorn with Riesling:
If you’re a fan of adding a little heat to your popcorn—say, a sprinkle of chili powder or hot sauce—pair it with a semi-sweet Riesling. The sweetness of the wine tames the heat, while its acidity keeps your palate refreshed.
6. Wine and Ice Cream: A Sweet Surprise
You’ve probably heard of pairing wine with chocolate, but have you ever tried wine with ice cream? It’s an unexpected but delightful combination, especially when you match the richness of the ice cream with a sweet, dessert wine.
Pairing Tip: Choose dessert wines that mirror or complement the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Pair Vanilla Ice Cream with Late Harvest Riesling:
The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the honeyed sweetness of a late harvest Riesling. The wine’s bright acidity also cuts through the richness of the ice cream, creating a balanced and refreshing dessert. - Pair Chocolate Ice Cream with Port:
Chocolate and Port is a classic pairing for a reason. The bold, dark fruit flavors of Port complement the deep, rich chocolate, creating a decadent, indulgent combination. - Pair Berry Sorbet with Sparkling Wine:
A fruity sorbet, like raspberry or strawberry, pairs wonderfully with a light sparkling wine. The bubbles add a fun, effervescent contrast to the smooth sorbet, while the wine’s bright acidity enhances the tartness of the berries.
Conclusion: Think Outside the Wine and Cheese Box
Pairing wine with food doesn’t have to be stuffy or predictable. Whether you’re indulging in fast food, enjoying a vegan meal, or treating yourself to dessert for breakfast, there’s a wine out there that can elevate the experience. So go ahead, think beyond cheese, and start experimenting with unconventional wine pairings. You just might discover your new favorite combination.
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