The Art of Pairing Wine with Comfort Food
Comfort food. The mere mention of these two words can evoke all sorts of warm, nostalgic memories, and bring a feeling of solace and wellbeing. From hot soup and grilled cheese to mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and chocolate chip cookies, comfort food individual to us all that’s typically associated with a sense of contentment and joy.
But there’s one thing all comforting eats have in common – they can also be complemented nicely by a great glass of wine.
Here’s everything you need to know about pairing wine with comfort food and why it just works so well.
Rich and Rich
The best pairings for comfort food are the ones that go together like a horse and carriage – rich and rich. The type of comfort food you’re having will dictate what types of wines will make for the best possible experience. For instance, if you’re having mac and cheese, you’ll want to reach for something with just as much gusto, such as an oaky Chardonnay with a bit of butteriness.
On the other hand, if you’re having a bowl of chili, reach for something with a bit more backbone, such as Syrah or a Zinfandel. The heartier the food, the bigger and bolder the wine should be.
Aromatics
The right aroma can go a long way in rounding out the flavor pairing experience when it comes to comfort food and wine. Sweet aromatics such as vanilla, caramel, and honeysuckle can work nicely with typical comfort food ingredients such as cream, cheese sauce, buttery mashed potatoes, or peach cobblers.
For this type of pairing, it’s a great idea to reach for something along the lines of a Moscato d’Asti or Riesling for something that’s crisp and fruity, or a sweet Chenin Blanc for something off-dry. Dessert wines make for fantastic pairings for rich desserts, or Port can be a great choice for almost any dessert.
Acidic
For comforting dinners that aren’t so heavy (think roasted vegetable dishes or fish), it’s often a good idea to reach for something that’s high in acidity. High acidic wines will help to cut through the richness of the dish and make it even more palatable.
For vegetables, a Sauvignon Blanc can often do the trick. The herbal components in the wine can bring out the subtle flavors of the ingredients, and its acidity ensures that it won’t overpower the food. For fish dishes, an acidic white such as Pinot Grigio or a Vinho Verde can also work nicely.
Bubbly
Don’t forget that bubbly can also work nicely with certain types of comfort food. For instance, in the winter months a glass of Prosecco can be a great refresher when dining on root vegetables or roasted winter squash.
For summer months, opt for something light and fruity such as a rose sparkling wine; when paired with grilled vegetables or a green salad, it can often be just the right thing to make the meal sensational.
Sweet Treats
As previously mentioned, dessert wines make for great pairings with comfort food desserts. Depending on the type of dessert you’re having, you can opt for an array of wines such as Banyuls, Madeira, or an ice wine.
If the dessert is really rich, such as a slice of chocolate cake, it can often best be paired with a tawny Port or an aged Sherry. The nutty and slightly sweet characteristics of these wines will make for the perfect balance to the intensity of the chocolate and stimulate the palate in the best possible way.
The Best Comfort Food and Wine Combinations
When pairing a comforting eat with wine, here are some essential picks to consider:
- Mac and cheese – Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or even a Sauvignon Blanc
- Roasted vegetable dish – Sauvignon Blanc
- Fish – Pinot Grigio, Vinho Verde, or an acidic white
- Soup – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or Reisling
- Chili – Syrah, Zinfandel, or an Italian red
- Roast Dinner – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Grenache
- Chocolate cake – Tawny Port or aged Sherry
Get the Most Out of Comfort Food and Wine Pairings
The best way to get the most out of the experience when pairing comfort food with wine is to simply keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore, looking for flavors and tastes you haven’t tried before.
Remember, when it comes to comfort food, there are no rules; the best pairings are the ones that bring joy and pleasure to you. So don’t be afraid to try something a bit unorthodox from time to time; it just might surprise you!