Have you ever wondered what organic wine to pair with your meal? Given the dozens of wine categories and thousands of wineries, choosing the right wine to complement your food can be a daunting task. But it’s worth spending a few minutes to get to know your options. Good food is one of the greatest pleasures in life. In addition to being nourishing and filling us with the energy needed to get through our daily routine, sitting down to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal provides a great opportunity to indulge our senses and recharge our batteries. For many of us, wine heightens that experience. As more and more organic choices become available, and the abundance of organic food increases at roadside stands, farm markets and grocery stores, why not pair the two?
Organic food can be paired perfectly with organic wine and other party beverages. Here are some wine choices and pairing suggestions, with thanks to the wine advisors at Tesco, our partners in bringing you this post.
Organic Wine and Food Pairings – What’s the Rule of Thumb?
First and foremost, know what you’re eating. White wines are generally paired with lighter foods, like fish, chicken, and creamy sauces. Bolder foods – think beef and tomato-based pasta sauces – are usually paired with reds. Many gourmets pair spicy foods with something sweeter. Red or white can complement a cheese plate, depending on the kinds of cheese you’re serving. I personally enjoy a complex red wine when I’m just relaxing, especially during colder winter months, and chilled bubbly Champagne, Prosecco, or Rose in the hot summer.
Practically speaking, what does all this mean? Take a look at these sample pairings to get some ideas of your own.
White Wine Pairings
Greek salad, avocado and butternut squash soup, deviled eggs, goat’s cheese with crackers or toast – Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio
Risotto dishes that are packed with tasty organic vegetables, most chicken dishes – Chardonnay
Organic pasta dishes in a white or vegetable sauce (think pasta primavera) – Rolle and Riesling
Shellfish – Sauvignon Blanc, Verdicchio, Chablis
Red Wine Pairings
Beef, Mushroom-based dishes, or any recipe involving roasted vegetables – Pinot Noir, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, red Zinfandel, Rioja or Shiraz
Tomato-based pasta dishes – Malbec, Barbera, Montepulciano, Chianti, or Sangiovese
BBQ – Sangria, Shiraz, Petite Syrah or red Zinfandel
What About Champagne?
Champagne can be a wonderful addition to organic meals. Acidic sparkling wines go well with organic cheese dishes, such as quiches or lasagnas. Rose champagne (like Franciacorta or Gayot) is divine with recipes where sweet or nutty flavours predominate, and organic chicken or fish dishes taste much better when paired with Spanish cava or Martinolles bubbly.
What Do YOU Like?
When it comes to any wine and food, ultimately the most important question is, what tastes good to you? Familiarize yourself with the many wonderful organic options available, then let us know what brands and varieties you prefer.
