EXPERT
Series Five
WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS
Double Duty
It is not uncommon where one friend or family member only drinks red and the other only drinks white. The solution? Plan for a main dish whose diversity in flavor and texture profile pairs easily with either a red or a white.
CANADIAN BACON & PINEAPPLE PIZZA • RIESLING / ZINFANDEL
The pizza combo that is as surprisingly delicious as the wines you should pair it with it. Riesling has the acidity to stand up to the tomato sauce and just the right amount of sweet to bring out the full flavors of ham and pineapple. For red, pair up with a fruity California Zinfandel for a sweet and savory one-two punch!
CHICKEN TACOS WITH CITRUSY JALAPEÑO-CILANTRO & JICAMA • SAUVIGNON BLANC / CABERNET FRANC
We are thirsty just thinking about this combo. Pair up this zesty crowd-pleaser whose zippy slaw adds a refreshing flavor dimension with the green herb and citrus nuances of Sauvignon Blanc. On the red side, seek out a lesser talked about wine – Cabernet Franc. Packed with savory herbaceous flavors like roasted peppers, good acidity and low tannins, it’s almost like this wine was made specifically for this meal.
HERB CRUSTED SALMON • PINOT GRIGIO / PINOT NOIR
If fish is on the menu, let “Pinot” be your common denominator for both red and white wine. The crisp and dry profile of Pinot Grigio makes it a surefire choice for most seafood, including salmon. For the red-inclined, Pinot Noir has you covered. The silky texture, good acidity and herbal undertones of Pinot Noir pair well with flavorful, herb-coated fish like salmon.
WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE WITH TRUFFLE OIL • CHARDONNAY / PINOT NOIR
Everyone’s favorite comfort food with a truffle twist. Creamy, rich, luscious, mouth filling. Sound like your favorite Chardonnay? Or the elevated Mac & Cheese dish that you’ve been dreaming about all day? The descriptions are practically interchangeable and that’s precisely what makes them a match made in heaven. But what about red, you say? Spring for a Pinot Noir whose earthy, savory characteristics come to life when tasted alongside this truffle-infused treat.