How to pair wine with food at your dinner party

The invitations are out, your main dish has been chosen and you’re confident in the recipe execution, but what’s the perfect pork tenderloin with the wrong white wine? When planning a dinner party, it can be hard to choose a proper pairing. Avoid those dinner party woes with our handy food and wine pairing guide.

With these sides and mains, keep in mind these white wines:

Lobster: The light, sparkling quality of champagne works well to balance out the richness of lobster.

Shrimp: Shrimp prepared with citrus works well with an acidic wine, like Pinot Grigio. Shrimp in a heavier sauce goes well with a Gewürztraminer or Riesling.

Roast Chicken: A full-bodied chardonnay will add intricacy and deeper flavour.

Pork Tenderloin: Pork requires an uncomplicated wine that allows the pork to take center stage by matching its simplicity. We suggest a Sauvignon Blanc such as Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008.

Green Vegetables: Vibrant greens have neutrality to them that welcome a slightly bolder wine, like a full-bodied Chardonnay. We suggest trying Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011.

With these mains and sweet after dinner treats, we recommend the following reds:

Lamb: Lamb goes well with a tannic wine like a Malbec or Bordeaux. We recommend you try our favourite Malbec from Argentina, Argento Malbec, found at the LCBO.

Steak: Red meat pairs well with a wide variety of red wines, as long as they are full-bodied enough to stand up against the bold flavor of beef. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are all great options, and stand up well against peppery spice and seasonings.

Aged cheese: Much like red meat, full-flavoured cheeses need a wine that can stand up, like a Cabernet Sauvignon.

DESSERT

Who says the fun has to stop at dinner? A chocolate dessert can be perfectly paired with an after dinner glass of Port, a full and sophisticated option. Or an ice wine can be sweet enough on its own.

If you want to enjoy some local flavor with your next meal, try something from the Kittling Ridge Winery right in Barrie. Kittling Ridge makes a wide selection of delicious wines from Chardonnay to Port and their products are available at the LCBO.

Part of the Harmony Village difference will be the onsite wine cellar with regular classes to help residents and community members enjoy great food and fine wines in perfect harmony!

What’s your favourite wine and food pairing? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page. Make sure to visit HarmonyVillage.ca for the latest news.