5 unexpected wine-food combinations you need to try in 2024!

Wine and food: an unexpected journey

Are you a wine lover looking for new taste sensations? Are you tired of always drinking the same wines with the same dishes? Then this blog is for you!

In this blog we take you on a journey through the world of wine and food. We explore unexpected combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and change the way you view wine and food forever.

We'll start with a look at the basics of wine and food pairings. We discuss the role of acidity, tannins, sweetness and fat in the taste experience. We also teach you how to choose the perfect wine for a specific dish.

We then take a closer look at five unexpected wine-food combinations. We discuss the flavors and textures of the wine and the dish and explain why they go so well together. We also give you tips to create the perfect wine and food combination.

Finally, we share some tips for experimenting with wine and food. We encourage you to use your own creativity and discover which combinations you like best.

So what are you waiting for? Go on an adventure with wine and food!

In this blog you will find:

• The basic principles of wine-food pairings
• Five unexpected wine-food combinations
• Tips for experimenting with wine and food

1. Pinot Noir and grilled burgers: an unexpected match

The classic combination:

When we think of grilled burgers, we quickly think of a strong red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines have powerful tannins that complement the flavor of the meat well.

The unexpected twist:

Pinot Noir is a lighter red wine with soft tannins. The fruity flavors of the wine, such as cherry and raspberry, pair perfectly with the juicy taste of a grilled hamburger. The tannins in the wine help to neutralize the fat of the hamburger, keeping the flavors balanced.

Why does it work?

• The fruity flavors of the Pinot Noir match perfectly with the juicy taste of the hamburger.
• The tannins in the wine help to neutralize the fat from the hamburger.
• The light body of the Pinot Noir ensures that the wine does not overpower the taste of the hamburger.

Tips:

• Choose a Pinot Noir from California or Oregon for an optimal taste experience.
• Grill the burgers over charcoal for an extra smoky flavor.
• Serve the burgers with toppings such as cheese, bacon, avocado and ketchup.

Try these Pinot Noirs:

• Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
• J. Lohr Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir
• Kenwood Vineyards Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir

Are you ready to try this unexpected combination? Then quickly go to the kitchen and grill some burgers!

Additional:

• Experiment with different toppings to find the perfect flavor combination.
• Also try other types of burgers, such as pulled pork or chicken burgers.
• Serve the burgers with a salad or fries for a complete meal.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

2. Riesling and spicy curry: a perfect balance

The classic combination:

When we think of spicy curry, we quickly think of a fresh, white wine with a high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. The acidity in the wine helps to neutralize the spiciness of the curry.

The unexpected twist:

We go one step further and combine Riesling with a spicy curry with coconut milk. The creamy coconut milk softens the spiciness of the curry, while the sweetness of the Riesling balances the flavors of the curry.

Why does it work?

• The high acidity of the Riesling neutralizes the spiciness of the curry.
• The sweetness of the Riesling matches perfectly with the creamy coconut milk.
• The fruity flavors of the Riesling complement the complex flavors of the curry.

Tips:

• Choose a Riesling from Germany or Alsace with a residual sugar content of at least 10 grams per liter.
• Serve the curry with rice or naan bread.
• Garnish the curry with fresh coriander and lime.

Try these Rieslings:

• Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese
• Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
• Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Graden de Thann Clos Saint Urbain

Are you ready to experience this perfect balance? Then quickly go to the kitchen and make a spicy curry with coconut milk!

Additional:

• Experiment with different curry recipes with coconut milk.
• Also try other wines with high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner.
• Serve the curry with a yoghurt dip or raita to temper the spiciness.

3. Syrah and chocolate: a decadent dream

The classic combination:

When we think of chocolate, we quickly think of a dessert wine, such as port or Banyuls. The sweetness of these wines matches perfectly with the bittersweet taste of chocolate.

The unexpected twist:

We go one step further and combine Syrah with dark chocolate. The powerful tannins of the Syrah soften the bitterness of the chocolate, while the dark fruit notes of the wine complement the rich flavor of the chocolate.

Why does it work?

• The tannins in the Syrah soften the bitterness of the chocolate.
• The dark fruit notes of the Syrah complement the rich flavor of the chocolate.
• The sweetness of the chocolate helps to soften the tannins in the wine.

Tips:

• Choose a Syrah from Australia or the Rhône Valley with a wood aging of at least 12 months.
• Choose dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.
• Serve the chocolate at room temperature.

Try these Syrahs:

• Penfolds Grange
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Hermitage

Are you ready to experience this decadent dream? Then quickly go to the kitchen and grab a piece of dark chocolate!

Additional:

• Experiment with different types of dark chocolate.
• Also try other red wines with powerful tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Serve the chocolate with a dessert wine, such as port or Banyuls, for an extra decadent experience.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Tip:

• You can also replace the Syrah with another red wine with strong tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

4. Champagne and fried food: a festive combination

The classic combination:

When we think of fried food, we quickly think of a fresh, white wine with a high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. The acidity in the wine helps to cut the fat from the fried foods.

The unexpected twist:

We go one step further and combine Champagne with fried foods. The bubbles in the Champagne help to neutralize the fat from the fried food, while the fresh, citrusy flavors of the wine complement the flavors of the dish.

Why does it work?

• The bubbles in the Champagne neutralize the fat from the fried food.
• The fresh, citrusy flavors of the Champagne complement the flavors of the dish.
• The festive look of Champagne makes this combination perfect for special occasions.

Tips:

• Choose a Brut Nature Champagne for the best taste experience.
• Serve the Champagne chilled.
• Fry the food in oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or vegetable oil.

Try these Champagnes:

• Bollinger Brut Nature
• Krug Grande Cuvée
• Louis Roederer Cristal

Are you ready to try this festive combination? Then quickly go to the kitchen and fry up something delicious!

Additional:

• Experiment with different types of fried foods, such as chicken, fish or vegetables.
• Also try other sparkling wines, such as Cava or Prosecco.
• Serve the Champagne with an amuse-bouche or light snack.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Tip:

• You can also replace the Champagne with another sparkling wine, such as Cava or Prosecco.

5. Dessert wine and cheese: a perfect harmony

The classic combination:

When we think of cheese, we quickly think of a red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine help to neutralize the oiliness of the cheese.

The unexpected twist:

We go one step further and combine dessert wine with cheese. The sweetness of the wine pairs perfectly with the salty and spicy flavors of the cheese.

Why does it work?

• The sweetness of the dessert wine softens the salty and spicy flavors of the cheese.
• The complex flavors of the dessert wine complement the rich flavor of the cheese.
• The combination of sweet and salt is a wonderful taste experience.

Tips:

• Choose a dessert wine with high acidity, such as Sauternes or Barsac.
• Serve the dessert wine chilled.
• Choose cheeses with different flavors and textures, such as blue cheese, brie and cheddar.

Try these dessert wines:

• Château d'Yquem
• Clos Du Pape
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild

Are you ready to try this unexpected combination? Then quickly go to the kitchen and grab a piece of cheese!

Additional:

• Experiment with different types of cheese and dessert wine.
• Also try other wines with high acidity, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
• Serve the dessert wine with a dessert, such as fruit or chocolate.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Tip:

• You can also replace the dessert wine with another wine with high acidity, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

6. Rosé and Asian cuisine: a fruity surprise

The classic combination of wine and Asian cuisine may be a light, white wine with high acidity, but there's an unexpected twist that will tantalize your taste buds: rosé and Asian cuisine.

The fruity flavors of the rosé match perfectly with the complex flavors of Asian cuisine, while the fresh acidity of the wine helps to neutralize the spiciness of the dishes. The rosé is a light wine that goes well with the delicate flavors of Asian cuisine.

Why does it work?

• The fruity flavors of the rosé complement the complex flavors of Asian cuisine.
• The fresh acidity of the rosé helps to neutralize the spiciness of Asian cuisine.
• The rosé is a light wine that goes well with the delicate flavors of Asian cuisine.

Tips:

• Choose a rosé with a light body and a fruity character, such as Grenache or Syrah.
• Serve the rosé chilled.
• Choose Asian dishes with different flavors and textures, such as pad thai, curry and dim sum.

Try these rosés:

• Tavel Rose
• Château Simone Palette Rosé
• Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé

Are you ready to experience this fruity surprise? Then quickly go to the kitchen and order a dish at your favorite Asian restaurant!

Additional:

• Experiment with different types of rosé and Asian dishes.
• Also try other light, white wines with high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
• Serve the rosé with a light salad or amuse-bouche.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Tip:

• You can also replace the rosé with another light, white wine with high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

7. Sherry and oysters: a salty sensation

The classic combination of wine and oysters may be a dry white wine with high acidity, but there's an unexpected twist that will tantalize your taste buds: Sherry and oysters.

The nutty and salty flavors of the Sherry pair perfectly with the salty and salty flavors of the oysters, while the fresh acidity of the wine helps to neutralize the fat of the oysters. The Sherry is a complex wine that goes well with the delicate flavors of the oysters.

Why does it work?

• The nutty and salty flavors of the Sherry complement the salty and salty flavors of the oysters.
• The fresh acidity of the Sherry helps to neutralize the fat of the oysters.
• The Sherry is a complex wine that goes well with the delicate flavors of the oysters.

Tips:

• Choose a Manzanilla Sherry or a Fino Sherry.
• Serve the Sherry chilled.
• Choose oysters of different sizes and textures.

Try these Sherries:

• Manzanilla La Gitana
• Fino Tio Pepe
• Fino Inocente

Are you ready to experience this salty sensation? Then quickly go to the fishmonger and buy a few oysters!

Additional:

• Experiment with different types of Sherry and oysters.
• Also try other dry white wines with high acidity, such as Chablis or Muscadet.
• Serve the Sherry with a light salad or amuse-bouche.

Be creative and enjoy your culinary adventure!

Tip:

• You can also replace the Sherry with another dry white wine with high acidity, such as Chablis or Muscadet.

Conclusion

In this blog post we have presented eight unexpected wine and food combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. We looked at classic pairings and the unexpected twist you can add by choosing a different wine.

We have noticed that there is a perfect wine combination for every taste and every dish. Be creative and experiment with different combinations. There is something for everyone!

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and are inspired to try new wine and food pairings. Let us know in the comments what your favorite combinations are!

Cheers!

Tip:

• Share this blog post with your friends and family to inspire them to try new wine and food combinations.

Thank you for reading!