Food and wine pairings Articles

Cheese and wine. To many, the power couple of the dining table. But why do they work so well together? And how do you pick your perfect cheese and wine match to bring out the best in both? Should you only serve red? Do white wines pair better? Or should you to stick to Port? Read on…

If you’re ever found yourself sitting at the table with a roast dinner in front of you, unsure of which wine to pour and enjoy, this handy guide is for you. From refreshing whites to velvety reds, learn about the perfect wine pairings for every type of roast.  

Ever wondered which wines pairs perfectly with fish and chips - and which ones don't? Learn more in our food pairing guide …

Forget National BBQ Month or National BBQ Day… merely the promise of sun is enough for us Brits to get out the grill and fill the air with the fragrance of burning bangers.

It was just such a break in the clouds that led to my first BBQ of the year. It was actually billed as a ‘braai’ – the South African version – and we had all been asked to bring something to cook and share.

True to tradition, I took a string of herby pork sausages from my local butcher. My neighbour contributed some fruity kebabs. As well as steaks and burgers, there was spicy pulled pork and minty, marinaded lamb. Some brave culinary soul even brought sous vided (boiled in a bag!) chicken - which then just needed a few seconds sizzling over the charcoal to finish off…

And, of course, there were all manner of salads from potato and coleslaw to green bean and tomato, complete with tangy dressings and balsamic vinaigrettes. A marvellous feast. But, with all those various big and contrasting flavours competing… it begs the vital question: WHAT TO DRINK?

Pork is an incredibly versatile meat … there are varying cuts and flavour profiles, which means when it comes to wine, there’s a plethora of pairing possibilities.

From light and delicate to bold and robust, there are many different wine styles to suit the richness or seasoning of your pork dish. So, whether you’re grilling pork chops, enjoying tender roast pork, or indulging in pork belly, we’ve got you covered with a range of wine suggestions that will complement and enhance every bite.

There’s nothing quite like a delicious roast lamb for lunch with family and friends, especially during your Easter celebrations. However, lamb is highly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Known for its delicate, gamey and even slightly sweet flavour, lamb pairs wonderfully with wine.

Whether roasted, grilled, barbecued or slow-cooked in a curry, tagine or stew, there’s a perfect wine to complement your lamb dish’s flavours.

There’s more to drinking wine with fish than just selecting the driest white available. Fish comes in a range of styles, textures and flavours, each with the potential to create complex and delicious pairings with wine. Whether in a restaurant or at home, we can help you find the best wine with fish pairing – read our guide now.

Wine and chocolate are some of the most popular gifts. And it’s easy to see why … Two of life’s great pleasures, combined. But while we certainly enjoy them both, we might not often think about wine and chocolate together as a taste pairing.

Unlike pairing wine with steak or wine with cheese, wine and chocolate pairings can be tricky. Both chocolate and wine contain tannins that can compete to create complex mouthfuls. But when put together the right way, you can find a match that enhances the enjoyment of both.

Whether you’re a fan of smooth milk chocolate or bitter dark chocolate, there’s a wine out there for you.

No one can deny the Italians were ahead of the curve when they invented pizza. What started as a simple lunch for working-class Neapolitans to eat on the go is now one of the most popular and versatile dishes in the world, enjoyed at all times of day with a variety of classic, exciting and sometimes controversial toppings – pineapple, anyone?

Just like wine, pizzas offer a variety of flavours and textures. Everything from the toppings and sauces to the type of crust can influence the overall taste and determine the best wine to enjoy with it.

Whatever style you prefer, be it Neapolitan, New York, Chicago deep dish, Sicilian or a calzone, there’s a perfect wine to match.

So, if you’re trying to decide the best wine to go with pizza, let’s get started.

Planning on having salmon for dinner? It’s a good choice – healthy, filling and can be cooked in a variety of different ways. But what wine goes with salmon? The standard practice is to opt for a glass of white wine, but have you ever thought, “Could a red wine work with salmon instead?”

Salmon, with its hearty texture and distinctive flavour, not only stands on its own but also pairs well with a wide array of sauces, from sweet, sticky glazes to smooth, creamy drizzles. Its compatibility with spices makes it a popular fish choice in Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Chinese and Thai.

Because of this versatility, salmon can be paired with wines of different styles and characters, providing an almost limitless set of options. So, what are the fundamental rules for pairing salmon with wine that you should know? And what are the best wines for salmon to explore?