
A Wine Pairing Guide for Holiday Dinner
The Holiday season is well underway which means it’s almost time to pick a wine (or two!) to pair with your special meal! Choosing the right wine can truly enhance the taste of anything you are eating. It is important to note that Red Wines typically pair better with full-flavored meats while White Wines are better with lighter dishes. To help you get started, we have created a list of wines that go well with specific holiday foods.Champagne
Start off the evening right with a celebratory hoorah! This dry bubbly wine pairs well with the following foods:
- Brie, parmesan, gouda, and mascarpone cheese
- Shrimp, shellfish, smoked salmon, lobster, and egg dishes
- Stuffed mushrooms, potato skins, and risotto
- Cream and mushroom sauces
- Berries and lemon tarts
Riesling
This is a sweeter white wine with a surprisingly smooth finish. It tastes best with spicier foods, believe it or not! Here are some awesome pairings:
- Oysters, scallops, trout, and duck
- Chili peppers, Thai and Indian flavors, and BBQ sauce
- Pumpkin, apple, and berry pies
Sauvignon Blanc
This light white wine is often called “grassy” because it is crisp with high levels of acidity. This goes well with the following:
- Goat cheese
- Chicken, turkey, scallops, and light pasta dishes
- Key Lime and tart pies
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the bolder white wines that is described as smooth and buttery. It pairs better with more robust tastes. A few foods that taste great with it are:
- Almonds and creamy cheeses
- Chicken, pork, halibut, shrimp, and lobster
- Potatoes and herbs
- Banana pudding and creme brûlée
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a lighter red wine with fruitier flavors than most other red wines. Even though it is lighter, it can be paired with some meat or fish dishes. Here are some foods that would go wonderfully with it:
- Salmon and other fatty fishes
- Roasted chicken
- Chocolate dishes
- Cream and lighter red sauces
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a fuller-bodied red wine that is one of the more popular drink choices. It pairs best with beef dishes, but also tastes great with the following:
- Cheddar cheese and gorgonzola
- Beef, lamb, venison, and elk
- Potatoes
- Tomato and brown sauces
- Chocolate cake and bittersweet chocolate
These are just a few to get you started this holiday season!
Visit kuhnsmarket.com to start building your holiday meals today!