Wine Pairing For Your Wedding
If you're having a wedding, you want to make sure that your guests will remember it for years to come. One way to do this is by planning out an incredible wine pairing for your dinner course.
Wine pairings can make all the difference between an average meal and a great one. When you pair wine with food, it adds another layer of flavor that makes the experience memorable and delicious.
Wine Pairings for Hors D'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres are meant to whet your guests' appetites and get them excited about the meal ahead. The right wine pairing can do just this! Look for wines that are light, crisp and refreshing—anything too heavy or strong will overpower the flavors of the hors d'oeuvres themselves. Try something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio if you're serving seafood or chicken dishes. If you're serving lighter cheeses like Brie or Havarti, try a medium-bodied white like Chardonnay. If you're serving more robust foods like sausage or steak tartare, try a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
Wine Pairings for Salad
Salads are often known to be difficult when it comes to wine pairings, but the secret is literally in the sauce: when pairing wines with salads, the wine should be paired with the salad dressing primarily rather than the ingredients of the salad. If you are having a lighter dressing such as a ranch or an olive oil dressing, crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or an Unoaked Chardonnay will be the way to go. Sweet dressings should be paired with sweet wines such as a Muscat or Chenin Blanc, and more robust dressings such as vinaigrettes should be paired with fruity reds such as Sangiovese or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Pairings for the Main Course
Arguably one of the most important pairings, the main course wines should be thought out with the most intentionality as the main course is the star of the show. If your guests are having a chicken dish, then pairing with a light-bodied red such as a Pinot Noir or a white wine such a Sauvignon Blanc is what we would recommend. If your guests are having a vegetarian pasta dish, a full-bodied white wine such as a Chardonnay would be ideal. If the main course that your guests are having includes beef or steak, a medium-bodied red wine such as a Merlot will be sure to leave your guests satisfied.
Wine Pairings for Dessert
The best wines for dessert are…dessert wines! Dessert wines such as a Port or Sherry are classics that add a touch of sweetness and will enhance the sweet flavors of your dessert.
Don’t be afraid to ask your chef for their pairing recommendations. You can even source wines from areas of the world that have been favorite travel locations for you and your fiance. A carefully planned wine pairing can help make a wedding unforgettable.
