22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024
4 popular wine varieties and the foods that go with them
Ingredients and culinary skills are not the only components that can bring out the flavor in a delicious meal . Wine can serve as the perfect complement to a meal , particularly when individuals identify which varieties go well with certain foods .
Wine lists can sometimes be intimidating when dining at establishments known for their extensive offerings . In such instances , diners can ask servers for recommendations , as many restaurants teach staff about which wines go well with the various dishes on their menus . But diners also can learn which wines pair best with certain types of food , a process that can be both enjoyable and illuminating . The following are four popular wine styles , their flavor profiles and foods that go well with them .
1 . PINOT NOIR
Pinot Noir is a popular style of wine that can be found on the red wine list at many establishments . Wine Folly notes that Pinot Noir is a dry , light-bodied red that has a very fruity , floral taste . Wine Folly notes that a Pinot Noir typically pairs well with chicken , pork , veal , duck , or cured meat .
2 . CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Wine . com reports that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted and popular red wine grape in the world . A Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and tends to be higher in alcohol by volume ( ABV ) than other styles , which is something diners should keep in mind . Wine Folly indicates lamb , beef and smoked meats pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon .
3 . CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay is widely considered the most popular white wine in the world . In fact , WineInsiders . com reports that almost every wine region around the world grows the variety of grapes necessary to make Chardonnay . Wine Folly indicates Chardonnay boasts a yellow citrus fruit taste that can be akin to banana or pineapple and often features a touch of butterscotch , vanilla or toasted caramel . Chardonnay pairs well with seafood like lobster , crab and shrimp , but also goes well with chicken and pork .
4 . SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc is another white wine that boasts a fruity flavor profile . The profile of Sauvignon Blanc calls to mind exotic fruits like honeydew melon and kiwi . Sauvignon Blanc is considered a light- to medium-bodied white wine , and Wine Folly reports that it goes well with fish , chicken , pork , and veal . In addition , Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with various ethnic cuisines , including Mexican , Vietnamese and French dishes .
When paired with the right dish , wine can make a night out at a favorite restaurant that much more memorable .
22 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2024