Wine and Food: a Match Made in Heaven!

Pairing wine with food is a science — there's a right way and a wrong way to do it.  Some pairings are obvious. For example, a fish dish goes best with a light wine like Pinot Grigio, while a grilled steak would pair well with a spicy Shiraz. At Rockville Centre Wine & Spirits our knowledgeable wine experts can guide you as you choose the right wine, whether it’s for that special dinner party or for an everyday family meal.

Perfect for after a long day at the beach or at the office, a fresh and fruity Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with no-fuss dinner entrees like grilled veggie sandwiches, deep fried fish n’ chips or Thai chicken tacos. Chardonnay can be an aperitif or as a complement to angel hair pasta with scallops, fish and chips or grilled chicken Caesar salad. But herbs, spices, starches, and dairies are a little harder to pinpoint.

Here are some guidelines for choosing just the right wine for any occasion:

• The wine should be more acidic than the food.
• The wine should be sweeter than the food.
• The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
• Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat).
• White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken).
• Champagne: Sparkly champagne is a great accompaniment to anything salty.

• Sauvignon Blanc is a fine choice when pairing a dish with a tart dressing or sauce.
• Off-Dry Riesling pairs well with sweet and spicy dishes.

When it comes to food and wine pairing, the general rule of thumb is: “What grows together, goes together.” At Rockville Centre Wine & Spirits, we offer a large selection of domestic and imported wines to suit every taste and budget — in addition to personalized service designed to help take the guesswork out of the selection process. For more information, give us a call today.