The Ultimate Guide To Wine Pairing: A Journey Through Flavours

Embark on a sensory journey as we unravel the art of wine pairing, transforming your meals into extraordinary experiences.

Whether you're indulging in succulent chicken, savoury beef, tender pork, fresh fish, plant-based delights, game meats, a curated cheese board, or delectable desserts, our guide covers it all.

Explore the perfect pairings of white, rosé, red and sparkling wines, including prices and where to buy each bottle. Additionally, delve into the expertise of sommeliers as we uncover the secrets of why and how to pair each wine variety.

Chicken

White: Chardonnay

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Majestic Wine or Waitrose

Rosé: Provence Rosé

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Red: Pinot Noir

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Sainsbury's or The Wine Society

Sparkling: Brut Champagne

• Price: £25-£50
• Where to Buy: Berry Bros. & Rudd or Fortnum & Mason

Why & How To Pair With Chicken:

White wines, with their vibrant acidity and diverse profiles, bring out the best in chicken dishes.

"The crispness of a well-chilled Chardonnay complements the richness of roasted or grilled chicken, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. Consider the weight of the dish – lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc suit delicate preparations, while fuller-bodied whites stand up well to heartier meals. Experiment with different styles to discover the perfect balance that enhances both the wine and the food."

Beef

White: Sauvignon Blanc

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Asda or Morrisons

Rosé: Provence Rosé

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Sparkling: Brut Champagne

• Price: £25-£50
• Where to Buy: Berry Bros. & Rudd or Fortnum & Mason

Why & How to Pair Red Wine With Beef:

The bold tannins and complex flavours of red wines make them the perfect companion for beef.

"A robust Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with the savoury notes of grilled meats, creating a symphony of flavours that lingers on the palate. When pairing red wines, consider the weight of both the wine and the dish. Lighter reds, such as Pinot Noir, can complement the subtleties of pork, while fuller-bodied reds, like a Merlot, are a classic match for beef. Experiment with temperature – serving red wine slightly cooler than room temperature can enhance its freshness."

Pork

White: Pinot Grigio

• Price: £8-£15
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Asda

Rosé: Dry Rosé

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Marks & Spencer or Sainsbury's

Red: Merlot

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Sparkling: Prosecco

• Price: £10-£15
• Where to Buy: Lidl or Aldi

Why & How To Pair With Pork:

Pork's versatility opens up various possibilities for wine pairing. A Pinot Grigio's light and crisp profile complements the subtle flavours of pork dishes.

"Experiment with different styles to discover unique flavour combinations that delight your palate. The versatility of white wine makes it a delightful choice for a variety of cuisines, from Mediterranean to Asian."

Fish

White: Sauvignon Blanc

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Asda or Morrisons

Rosé: Dry Rosé

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Red: Pinot Noir

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Sparkling: Brut Champagne

• Price: £25-£50
• Where to Buy: Berry Bros. & Rudd or Fortnum & Mason

Why & How To Pair With Fish:

The effervescence and bright acidity of sparkling wines make them an ideal match for fish dishes. A Brut Champagne's crispness can elevate the delicate flavours of fish, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

"Drier sparkling wines, labelled as Brut, work well with a range of dishes from appetizers to main courses. Experiment with different styles, from Champagne to Prosecco, to discover the sparkling wine that perfectly complements your culinary adventures."

Game Meats

White: Chardonnay

• Price: £25-£30
• Where to Buy: Majestic Wine or Waitrose

Rosé: Provence Rosé

• Price: £15-£25
• Where to Buy: Marks & Spencer or Tesco

Red: Syrah / Shiraz

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Sparkling: Blanc de Noirs Champagne

• Price: £30-£50
• Where to Buy: Berry Bros. & Rudd or Fortnum & Mason

Why & How To Pair With Game Meats:

Game meat, with its rich and distinctive flavours, demands wines that can complement and enhance its unique profile. Grilled or roasted game meats pair well with structured reds, while lighter preparations, like game terrines, can be complemented by a well-chilled white or sparkling wine.

Rich and intense game flavours call for wines with robust profiles. Reds with good tannin structure or oaked whites can stand up to the boldness of the meat.

Vegetarian & Vegan Meals

White: Albariño

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Rosé: Grenache Rosé

• Price: £8-£15
• Where to Buy: Sainsbury's or The Wine Society

Red: Pinot Noir

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Sparkling: Prosecco

• Price: £10-£15
• Where to Buy: Lidl or Aldi

Why & How To Pair With Vegetarian Or Vegan Meals:

Vegetarian and vegan meals provide an array of flavours that pair beautifully with white wines. Albariño, with its citrusy notes and refreshing acidity, complements the vibrant flavours of plant-based dishes.

Cheese Boards

White: Riesling

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Rosé: Rosé Champagne

• Price: £30-£60
• Where to Buy: Berry Bros. & Rudd or Fortnum & Mason

Red: Merlot

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Sparkling: Prosecco

• Price: £10-£15
• Where to Buy: Lidl or Aldi

Why & How To Pair With A Cheese Board:

Rosé wines, with their versatility and wide-ranging profiles, make them an excellent choice for a cheese board. Rosé Champagne, with its finesse and delicate bubbles, pairs beautifully with creamy and mild cheeses, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

"Consider the intensity of the cheese – lighter rosés complement soft cheeses, while fuller-bodied rosés stand up well to stronger, aged varieties. Experiment with different styles and discover the delightful symphony of flavours that rosé wine can create when paired with an array of cheeses."

Puddings

White: Late Harvest Riesling

• Price: £15-£30
• Where to Buy: Sainsbury's or The Wine Society

Rosé: Sweet Rosé

• Price: £8-£15
• Where to Buy: Asda or Morrisons

Red: Ruby Port

• Price: £12-£25
• Where to Buy: Tesco or Marks & Spencer

Sparkling: Sweet Sparkling Wine

• Price: £10-£20
• Where to Buy: Waitrose or Majestic Wine

Why & How To Pair With Puddings:

Red wines, with their rich and luscious profiles, can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of puddings. Ruby Port, known for its fruity and fortified nature, complements the richness of chocolate desserts, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

"Experiment with the level of sweetness in both the wine and the dessert. A well-paired red wine can enhance the overall tasting experience, creating a delightful symphony of flavours on the palate."

Perfectly Uncorking Your Wine, Storage & Tasting Like An Expert

Uncorking a bottle of wine is an art that enhances the overall experience. Start by using a quality corkscrew with a sharp, straight worm. Insert the worm into the centre of the cork, twist gently, and pull upward with a slight angle. To prevent breaking the cork, ensure the corkscrew is centred.

Proper storage is vital for preserving wine quality. Red wines benefit from being stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, while white and sparkling wines are best kept refrigerated. To maintain the integrity of the cork, store bottles lying down.

Tasting wine like an expert involves observing its colour, swirling to release aromas, and taking in the scents. When sipping, let the wine coat your palate. Note the flavours, acidity, and finish. Pairing enhances the tasting experience; consider how the wine interacts with the dish.

Seeking expert advice is invaluable in the world of wine. According to Master Sommelier Jane, "Understanding the characteristics of each wine variety and experimenting with different pairings allows you to develop a palate that appreciates the nuances of both wine and food."

Certified Specialist of Wine, Sarah adds, "Don't be afraid to explore. Wine pairing is subjective; finding the perfect match for your palate is a delightful journey of discovery."

Let the Ultimate Guide to Wine Pairing be your companion on this delightful journey, as you explore the perfect marriage of wines and dishes, creating memorable moments for your palate and senses.

Cheers to the art of wine pairing!