The days are getting shorter, the nights a little cooler, and grapes are ripe for the picking—fall truly is upon us. This time of year is peak harvest season for grapes, and vineyards are bustling with visitors who want to sip on their favorite wines while they witness them being made. Even if you can’t make it to a top wine region, you can still bring the flavors of the harvest into your home. Today, I’m sharing my autumn-inspired wine, cheese, and food pairings along with some pro tips for making your own seasonal combinations.
How to pair wine and food
Choosing a quality wine pairing may seem like viticultural science, but it’s actually pretty simple. There are two approaches when it comes to matching wine and food—congruent and contrasting pairings.
Congruent pairings are more common in red wines and amplify similar flavors while ensuring neither wine nor food overpowers the other. The phrase “what grows together goes together” is a good guide for creating these harmonious combinations. For instance, a Chianti from Tuscany would pair beautifully with tomato-based pasta from the region.
Contrasting pairings are more common in white and sparkling wines. Instead of focusing on similarities, contrasting pairings balance your palate by combining opposite flavors and profiles. Think a bitter arugula salad to enhance the sweetness of a Riesling or an acidic Cabernet Sauvignon to cut through a rich creamy mac and cheese.
Pairing wine ultimately comes down to understanding the primary characteristics of your wine and finding foods that fit your chosen pairing style. My pairing picks below can help you better understand this process and how different wine and food elements work together to bring your tasting experience to a new level.
Fall Wine Pairings
Carignan
Food pairing: Lamb meatballs
Cheese pairing: Aged gouda
Pairing type: Congruent
Why it works: Carignan is a medium-bodied wine, grown primarily in Southern France, that boasts notes of red fruit and baking spices with aromas of cured meats. Its bold profile makes it perfect for pairing with hearty fall dishes like lamb meatballs and intense, complex cheeses such as aged gouda.
Pinot Noir
Food pairing: Herb roasted duck
Cheese pairing: Brie
Pairing type: Congruent
Why it works: The smooth tannins and high acidity of Pinot Noir give this wine an elegant mouthfeel that’s elevated by the creamy texture of Brie. A rich, slightly gamey meat like herbed duck blends beautifully with the earthy undertones of this wine coming together for a harmonious match.
Zinfandel
Food pairing: Grilled steak
Cheese pairing: Sharp cheddar
Pairing type: Congruent
Why it works: Zinfandel, with blackberry and cherry aromas and subtle spicy notes, is like autumn vinified. Its jammy, slightly smokey nature makes it a natural companion for a rich and savory grilled steak, and the strong, tangy flavors of sharp cheddar complement the fruity profile.
Sémillon
Food pairing: Butternut squash risotto
Cheese pairing: Camembert
Pairing type: Congruent
Why it works: These pairings are the epitome of rich and creamy. Oaked styles of Sémillon balance the zesty lemon and apple with more buttery notes that marry excellently with the creamy, nuttiness of a butternut squash risotto or a soft, supple Camembert cheese.
Chardonnay
Food pairing: Spicy Thai curry
Cheese pairing: Blue cheese
Pairing type: Contrasting
Why it works: For the cooler months, I prefer the buttery and vanilla notes of oaked Chardonnay over crisp, unoaked varieties. The ripe sweetness of this wine mellows the heat of a spicy Thai curry and contrasts nicely with pungent, salty blue cheese creating a fuller, more flavorful tasting experience.
Sparkling Rosé
Food pairing: Cured meat charcuterie board
Cheese pairing: Feta
Pairing type: Contrasting
Why it works: Sparkling wine and a savory charcuterie board is a paring that never disappoints. A light, bubbly rosé will cut through the saltiness of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and ham for a pleasant palate-cleansing effect. Round out your charcuterie spread with a salty, tangy feta cheese that will balance the Rosé’s floral and fruity bouquet.
Looking for more pairing tips and tricks? Check out my online wine course. This self-paced course has an entire section on wine and food pairing along with an array of wine education topics that will help you feel confident on your wine journey.
Sources:
https://www.firstleaf.com/wine-school/article/how-to-pair-wine-with-food
https://winefolly.com/tips/9-must-try-wines-for-fall/