When it comes to pairing wine, there is so much complexity and nuance that it can be scary or even downright anxiety-inducing. The last thing you want to do is ruin a meal or a perfectly good bottle of wine by mixing it with the wrong pair.
Whether you’re on a date night, enjoying that first glass after pregnancy, or enjoying a night in by yourself, think red. Merlot or Cabernet Merlot are the best wines to pair with a more intimate affair.
Thankfully the perfect pairing doesn’t have to be an all-consuming or scary task, and there are wine pairings that work for any occasion. If you’re wondering how to pair a wine for any occasion, then use this simple guide to get you there today.
A Casual Dinner
The casual dinner can be one of the toughest occasions to pair a wine for, largely because casual dinner can mean anything. If you’re heading to a casual dinner with friends or family, be safe and pick a Moscato. A Moscato is a sweet white wine that is anyone’s best friend and will suit a casual meal perfectly. At any casual dinner having something that is easy to drink is key; it means even the most novice wine drinker will enjoy it too. Usually, based on fruitier notes, Moscato is a casual dinner-goer best friend.
Intimate Occasion
Whether you’re on a date night, enjoying that first glass after pregnancy, or enjoying a night in by yourself, think red. Merlot or Cabernet Merlot are the best wines to pair with a more intimate affair. These reds are full-bodied and explode with flavor whilst warming your souls. Whether it’s the peak of winter or to compliment the ambiance, either of these two reds will warm you up and create a fire in the belly for more. Offering a smooth taste, Merlot or Cabernet Merlot is perfect with a range of foods as well, meaning you can choose from a wider menu for that special occasion.
A More Formal Dinner
If you’re heading to a dinner that has a little more formality to it than a dish session with your friends, then look no further than a trusty Chardonnay. Let’s be honest, formal dinners usually have some form of chicken or seafood, and when they serve up either of those options, you’ll be glad you chose a Chardonnay. A Chardonnay is a fuller-bodied white than its more versatile friend, the Pinot Grigio, but either with suffice at a formal dinner, it really depends on your taste preferences. Chardonnay’s are a crowd pleaser and are a bolder choice to bring to any occasion, whereas a Pinot Grigio will be sure to please but may seem a little entry-level for some.
A Celebration
This almost needs no introduction, but for those less versed in the wine world, if you’re heading to a celebration, there is only one choice, champagne. Champagne is the ultimate pairing choice for any celebration and is sure to get any party or event started.
If you’re heading to a dinner that has a little more formality to it than a dish session with your friends, then look no further than a trusty Chardonnay. Let’s be honest, formal dinners usually have some form of chicken or seafood, and when they serve up either of those options, you’ll be glad you chose a Chardonnay.
The safest choice is to look for dry champagne that isn’t likely to have many complex flavors and will suit just about any pallet. When you hear that familiar pop of the cork, you’ll know you’re in for a good time, and everyone around will thank you for the bubbles.
Bottomless Anything
If you’re off to a bottomless brunch, lunch, or even breakfast, don’t bring a wine that will get on your nerves after one glass. A safe and affordable choice is a Prosecco. Prosecco is a close relative of champagne, just without the official title. Proseccos are great for long or sustained periods of drinking. They can be dry or fruity, offering a variety of flavors to enjoy over your bottomless occasion. This sparkling wine is often chosen over champagne because of its price tag, meaning you can enjoy a great drop without breaking the bank for the 2-3 hour bottomless meal you’re about to embark on.
Birthdays
If you’re off to a birthday as opposed to a general celebration, then make sure you arrive with a nice bottle in hand. One of the best options is a French red wine or even an Argentinian red wine. Argentines are famous for their Malbecs, and they won’t disappoint on any birthday. A smooth yet complex-flavored red wine, Malbec is a great option for a birthday, and it’s likely you’ll surprise a few guests with it as well. Authentic malbecs are a perfect choice for a birthday crowd because they’re easy to drink and are great conversation starters as well.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner or you’re off to a wedding, there is a perfectly paired wine waiting for you. Depending on the food and the atmosphere in which you want to drink, finding the right wine is as simple as following this guide. Next time you are off to an event or occasion, try one of these suggested pairs to get you started.
