The Best Wine and Food Pairings of 2020
This year, the writers of Wine Club Review put together a foolproof list of the best wine and food pairing of 2020. Making these dishes at home is a great way to spend time with friends and family as well as gain some experience with wine and food pairing. If cooking isn’t your thing, try ordering these awesome combinations while eating out at a restaurant.
Cabernet Sauvignon with Rib-eye
One of the most well-known and well-loved cuts of steak you can buy is rib-eye. The fatty, flavorful components of a rib-eye steak allow it to pair perfectly with the acidity of red Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in the wine are sharp and help cut through the robust and fatty flavor of the steak and the usual creamy, salty sides. It’s a go-to combination whether you’re dining out at a restaurant or cooking at home.
Sauvignon Blanc and Shellfish
Sauvignon Blanc is light, citrusy, and sometimes sweet white wine. These elements make it pair beautifully with delicate seafood dishes like lightly seasoned scallops, lobster and mussels. This pairing relies on the delicate balance of light, citrusy flavors and the slight brininess of shellfish. Because the flavors of this white wine work best with its pairs instead of overpowering them, Sauvignon Blanc is also commonly eaten with raw seafood such as sushi and sashimi making it a perfect wine to order while out at a restaurant.
Tawny Port and Bleu Cheese
Port wine has a substantial flavor that can definitely hold its own when going up against strong aged cheeses. The rich flavor and strong tannins of Port wine makes it great for pairing with equally as flavorful aged cheeses. Pairing a milder cheese like creamy brie or cheddar would still taste great, but the Port would simply overpower the cheese, making the experience less enjoyable. Bleu cheese and steak are most commonly paired when drinking Port wine, but you really can’t go wrong with strong cheeses like gorgonzola and stilton as well. These cheeses can stand up to the intense flavor of Port wine, making it one of the best wine and food pairings of 2020.
Merlot Wine and Charcuterie
Charcuterie board and red wine, that’s it. This combination of dry red wine and cured meats and cheeses is famous for good reason. It’s the ultimate appetizer that is well-loved across many different cultures and countries. Light bodied merlots work perfectly with the salty and fatty meats and cheeses commonly found on Charcuterie boards. The bright and acidic nature of Merlot wine has been known to cut through the rich and creamy consistency of Brie cheese. If using Brie cheese on your Charcuterie board, make sure to use a a triple cream Brie. To build your own charcuterie board, make sure to select high-quality cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and Spanish jamón. When picking out the cheeses, you can’t go wrong with classic varieties like gouda, brie, aged cheddar, and parmesan. To present this dish, make sure it’s displayed on a wooden cutting board with crackers, fruits, and nuts. And you can’t forget to leave toothpicks out so guests can create their own perfect bites. Serve up this ultimate appetizer with a light bodied Merlot and everyone will want a taste.
Sherry Wine and Dark Chocolate
There is no better way to finish a meal with wine and chocolate for dessert. The sweetness and acidity of Sherry wine is perfectly evened out when it’s paired with dark chocolate. A high-quality dark chocolate is bitter, smooth, and slightly sweet, making it an awesome combination with Sherry. When pairing Sherry wine and dark chocolate for dessert, try a salted, bitter chocolate with nuts for the best results.
Pinot Noir and Bolognese
Red wine and pasta is a classic and well-loved food pairing. Tagliatelle pasta with Bolognese sauce pairs great with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. Bolognese is a flavorful hearty sauce that is cooked with tomatoes, ground beef, finely chopped celery, carrots, and onion. This essential Italian dish can feel heavy but pairing it with a light and acidic Pinot Noir will balance it out. Pinot Noir is known for being slightly sweet and doesn’t hold too many tannins
Dry Riesling and Shrimp Scampi
Seafood pasta with light sauces and citrusy, delicate flavors pair great with Dry Riesling white wine. Shrimp scampi and Dry Riesling is a foolproof pairing that will be delicious every time. The best part is—this dish can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. If you want to save money, or just don’t feel like going out to a restaurant this is an awesome pairing to try.
Whether you’re staying in, cooking for guests, or going out to dinner, these wine and food pairings are sure to be a hit. If you’re looking to impress your partner and are looking for the perfect bottle of wine to choose for a date night check out the article “9 Best Wines for Valentine’s Day” so you’ll know what to get. We really hope you try out these best wine and food pairings of 2020 and share them with your friends!
