Wine & Food Pairing Basics
Learn to be a wine-pairing connoisseur! Remember, a dish is more than its main ingredients. Think about the whole meal — from appetizers, first and second courses, sauces to dessert. Comparing a wine’s tasting components — levels of tannin, acid and residual sugar — to the various dishes being served ensures you’ll find the perfect pairing. But, above all, drink what you like. Because if you don't like the wine, you probably won't like the pairing.
![Two glasses of red wine sitting next to a steak dinner.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT21A8EB489ED04BB388E950D3924C9E8F/native/learn-and-entertain-wine-food-Pairings-Red-Steak-1116966779-355x200.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Red Wine
Red wine tends to be more assertively flavored and bitter tasting, so pair it with richer foods and foods that contain fat, which softens the bitterness. Some ideas are aged cheese, red meat and game.
![A glass of white wine, next to a plate with a sauté salmon, piece of lemon, herbs and vegetables.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT537CCDF184B94A8897AE56A8AFB7E619/native/learn-and-entertain-wine-food-Pairings-White-Salmon-214428970-355x200.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
White Wine
Pair white wines with light-intensity meats such as fish, poultry, pork, seafood and vegetables. Sweet white wines help bring out the salty and sweet flavors in a pairing.
![Two glasses of rosé wine on a table next to a veggie pizza with fresh mozzarella balls, black olives and peppers.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT1D1199386D8942669B1B2A837D433545/native/learn-and-entertain-wine-food-Pairings-Rose-Pizza-700254358-355x200.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Rosé Wine
Rosé wines are very versatile! Pair them with a turkey burger or beef burger, with salads or cheese boards, or as a nice balance to spicy foods.
![Two flute glasses filled with sparkling wine on a table with cured means and bread.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONTFEC6DA97545C47D6B619FA9CB254287D/native/learn-and-entertain-wine-food-Pairings-Sparkling-Charcuterie-572224933_355x200.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Sparkling Wine
Whether you choose champagne, prosecco or a sparkling wine, they offer a balance of dryness and bubbles to enhance a pairing. Enjoy a glass with soft cheese, charcuterie board, seafood and fruit-based desserts.
![A pate of four desserts, each paired with a dessert wine.](https://plcbcontent-plcb002.ocecdn.oraclecloud.com/content/published/api/v1.1/assets/CONT997B1A3A65034D3B851CB80084142FDA/native/learn-and-entertain-wine-food-pairings-dessert-desserts-213007981-355x200.jpg?channelToken=ae8bcfe34a14444fafcadba1b2fef71e)
Dessert Wine
Dessert wines are a unique category. The intensity of the wine usually follows the intensity of the food. Sweeter foods deserve sweeter wines, while a crisp, high-acid wine pairs with an acidic or tart dish.