Many wine enthusiasts will agree that a glass of crisp, fresh, zippy white wine can be divine with a large selection of dishes. However, there are some nuances that must be considered when pairing various white wines such as a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc or an oaked Chardonnay.

Pairing wine with the right dish can truly elevate your dining experience. Not all foods pair well with all wines. Whether you are at a restaurant or looking to cook something special at home to pair with a bottle of Kingston Estate Chardonnay in your cellar, for example, you would need to follow these simple wine pairing principles to make a good match.

Wine Pairing Basics: A Refresher Course

We’ve previously discussed the importance of observing the key principles of wine pairing when choosing which dishes are best to serve. These principles are components to consider in both the food and wine are acid, body, texture/tannins, sweetness, richness/alcohol and flavour profile. 

Regardless of whether you are pairing a red or white wine, these principles will always be the same. Choosing the right meal to pair with wine comes down to observing the basic taste components of both parties. 

For example, an Assyrtiko pairs well with a ceviche because they both have fresh aroma profiles and the acid of the wine also cuts through the fattiness of the raw fish. In addition, if you want to create a complex, layered pairing, contrast a spicy curry with a sweet, off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer for balance where the sweetness of the wine balances and compliments the spicy notes of the food. 

Iconic Dishes That Pair Well with White Wine

Below, we feature some of the most iconic food and white wine pairings for various grape varietals. While these pairings may not be to everyone’s taste, they are the ideal starting guide for those wine enthusiasts that are looking to master wine pairing principles. 

• Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre: This pairing is an example of complementing a regional wine with local cuisine. The intensely crisp flavour profile and high acid structure of Sancerre pairs perfectly with the creaminess and saltiness of goat cheese. Perfect with a salad or as a pre-dinner treat. 
• Lobster and Oak-Aged Chardonnay: The butteriness of oak-aged Chardonnay and the richness of lobster have long been considered as a perfect food and wine marriage. Typically, an oaked Chardonnay, depending on where it comes from, usually offers the best of both a vibrancy and a richness that pair well with shellfish. 
• Prune and almond tart with Gewurztraminer: A prune and almond dessert offers the perfect combination of nuttiness and tartness to complement the velvety, aromatic nature of a sweet Gewurztraminer. 
• Thai or Indian curry with German Riesling: German Riesling such as from Alsace or Mosel is the perfect complement for spicier dishes, especially wines with some residual sugar. The sharpness of the zesty flavour profile coupled with slight sweetness perfectly balances the aromatics and heat of curries. Roast duck with Pinot Gris: A medium-bodied Pinot Gris, from Alsace for example, offers a delicately floral aroma, stone fruit and minerality but and can also be mouth-filling. The richness of an Alsatian Pinot Gris, as opposed to an Italian Pinot Grigio, is the perfect pairing for roast duck with hoisin sauce. 
• Fish cakes with a Semillon: Semillon can come in many different styles. Dry Semillon, for example, is best paired with dishes such as seafood or dishes with cream sauces. Fish cakes with a tartare sauce are a great pairing for this white varietal. The vibrant acid cuts through the richness of the seafood and richer cream sauces and brings a vibrant profile to balance the experience. 

From crisp salads to decadent desserts, there are endless food and wine pairing options that you can gain inspiration from for your next wine tasting. 

Buy White Wine from an Online Wine Agent in Ontario 

At Small Winemakers Collection, our online wine agent has an extensive selection of white wine from various wine-producing regions all over the globe. From fruit-forward medium-bodied whites such as the Kingston Estate Chardonnay 2019 to the vibrant and elegant Azzoni Grechetto 2019. 

If you’re a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, try our mixed sampler case today and receive 12 bottles from four different growing regions: Sancerre, Nelson, San Antonio, and Friuli Venezia Giulia.