A Chef's Guide to Pairing Food with Wine

As a chef here in wine country, I've developed a deep appreciation for the connection between food and wine. But you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the art of pairing. In fact, I believe it's all about simply enhancing the flavors of what you're enjoying. Let me share some straightforward tips to help you create delightful pairings without any fuss.

Understanding Flavor Profiles:

Successful food and wine pairings start with understanding the flavors in both. Just like each dish has its own unique blend of ingredients, every wine offers its own distinct aroma, acidity, body, and sweetness. By paying attention to these elements, we can find pairings that enhance each other's flavors and create a delightful experience for your taste buds.

The Power of Contrast and Complement:

When it comes to pairing food with wine, there are two main approaches: contrast and complement. Contrast involves pairing flavors that are different, like pairing a creamy dish with a crisp, acidic wine to balance things out. Complement, on the other hand, pairs flavors that are similar, such as matching a hearty dish with an equally robust wine to intensify the flavors.

Pairing Tips and Tricks:

Here are some simple tips to help you master the art of food and wine pairing:

• Match the intensity of your dish with the body of your wine for a balanced experience.
• Consider acidity in wine to cut through rich or fatty foods, creating a harmonious balance.
• Look to the region of origin for classic pairings that have stood the test of time.
• Don't be afraid to try new combinations and let your taste buds guide you to unexpected delights.
• If you're cooking at home, start with the profile of the wine first, and then decide what delectable dish to make.

Pairing Suggestions:

Here are some classic food and wine pairings that are sure to please:

• Enjoy seared scallops with lemon butter paired with a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing combination. We love a Sonoma terroir for this pairing like Pangloss Cellars' Moon Mountain Sauvignon Blanc.
• Indulge in grilled coffee rubbed ribeye steak paired with a bold Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for a match made in heaven. Savor the classics like Robert Mondavi To Kalon Reserve, Cakebread Cellars, and Far Niente, or explore exclusive wines from Diamond Mountain Vineyard, Caldwell, or Mark Herold Wines.
• Delight in herb roast chicken with miso gravy alongside a buttery Chardonnay for a classic pairing. You can't go wrong with pioneers such as Kendall Jackson, Kistler and Sonoma Cutrer.
• Spice up your meal with a lemongrass Thai curry paired with an off-dry Riesling for a burst of flavor. Try Scribe Winery or Bella Vineyards for this pairing.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with dark chocolate Valrhona pot de creme and a velvety Merlot for a decadent finish. Merlot gets a bad rap (thanks to Sideways), but Ferrari-Carano and Justin does Merlot justice.
• Wild mushroom tortellini with cream sauce is an amazing combination with Pinot Noir. Cult pinot noir producer Kosta Browne and Dundee Hills of Oregon winery Lange Estate are definitely winners for this wine pairing.

Food and wine pairing doesn't have to be complicated, and hopefully I've given you some tips to make it more approachable. Remember -- it is all about creating memorable experiences. By keeping things simple and trusting your taste buds, you can elevate any meal into a delicious celebration of flavors.

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