How to Pair Wine with Meat Like a Pro

A good meal can easily be made great when paired with the perfect glass of wine. Knowing which wine to pair with the food you are serving, will not only make your meal a huge success it will set the mood right and make your day. Here is a guide for beginners on how to pair wine with meat or fish like a pro, and take your meals to a whole new level.

1. Pairing Meat With Red Wine

The quality of the meat defines the type of red wine you should be pairing it with. For example, a light red will match lean meat while a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz is the perfect partner for a premium cut of meat like a Wagyu rib-eye. Look for wines with high tannins and rich aromatic flavours. If you are serving lamb or more delicate red meats go for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a juicy Malbec. If you do happen to be on holiday on Thailand’s sunny playground, put your wine pairing expertise to the test at some of the classy Phuket restaurants serving a fine choice of meats and seafood. Some like Age Restaurant offers an extensive wine list to choose from and are listed amongst the best for fine dining in Phuket.

2. The Perfect Wine Pairing For Seafood

Any type of seafood goes well with a bottle of quality white wine. Depending on the type of fish you are serving you can choose your white. A cool zesty white like a premium Semillon or Pinot Grigio are ideal for white flaky fish, such as perch or sea bass. While pairing the full-bodied flavours of a fine oak-aged Chardonnay or Viognier with more hearty fish like swordfish or salmon is a good match.

If you love shellfish or fresh oysters look for a good bottle of bubbly or the sharp crisp flavours of a Sauvignon Blanc or even a dry sweet or semi-sweet Riesling. If you love bubbly wine go for a sparkling wine to add some fruity flavours to your meal.

3. Wine Pairing For Chicken And Other Types Of Poultry

A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with a turkey of chicken dish. Look for a premium brand to enhance your meal and you can’t go wrong. Apart from top white wine-producing regions like France, Spain, Italy and Germany, you will discover top products from Chile, Australia and New Zealand too. A darker game like duck is best matched with a rich red wine like a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or even a Pinot Noir. The safest way to pair wine with poultry is to match the wine you are serving to the sauce which accompanies the dish. The more robust the dish choose a full-bodied red and a lighter white wine for milder dishes.

4. Pairing Wine With A Rich Pork Dish

Pork although categorised as a white meat, deserves a special mention as it is a rich meat dish which when complemented with the right glass of wine, can become very memorable indeed. Pork pairs well with red or white wine, you can choose which depending on the richness of the cooked meat. But as a general rule pork dishes are best enjoyed with a medium-bodied wine or a light fruity wine with a low tannin count.

Putting your wine pairing skills to test when on holiday is the best. Places like Phuket are ideal for its relaxed ambience and magic of rejuvenating mind body and soul, for truly appreciating your meal and glass of wine!