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If you are like the majority of individuals, you probably enjoy a good glass of wine with dinner. But what about pairing wine with your food? Believe it or not, certain wines complement certain dishes. So, if you're looking to take your cooking game up a notch, read on for some great wine and food pairings you have to try! 

Pairing wine with food can be daunting, but don't worry – we are here to help! Below we've compiled a list of classic wine and food pairings that will impress your guests. So next time you're planning a dinner party, keep these combinations in mind!

1. Red Wine and Cheese

There's nothing quite like a classic red wine and cheese pairing. The rich, creamy flavors of cheese pair perfectly with the bold, fruity flavors of red wine. And when it comes to choosing a red wine, there are many different options. For a bolder flavor, try a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. A Pinot Noir or Beaujolais will be a good choice if you prefer a lighter taste. As for cheese, some of our favorites to pair with red wine include cheddar, gouda, and brie. You can store your wine and cheese in wine coolers and serve them at the ideal temperature. At https://www.lovecraftwines.com/, you can find a great variety of wine coolers that will help you perfectly store your wine and cheese.

2. Champagne & Oysters

Ordering a bottle of bubbly to go with your oysters will impress your dinner guests! But why does this combination work so well? Many say it's because the sweetness of the champagne offsets the briny flavors of the oysters. Others believe that the bubbles in champagne help cleanse the palate, making it the perfect drink to enjoy between bites of an oyster. Whatever the reason, this is a pairing worth trying! Some of our favorite champagne and oyster combinations include Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label & Oysters Rockefeller, Dom Perignon & Oysters Bienville, and Krug Grande Cuvée & Oysters Rockefeller.

3. Pinot Noir & Duck

It is a classic French pairing that is sure to please any palate. The key here is to find a good quality Pinot Noir, as it can be tricky to get right. Once you've found the perfect bottle, serve it with a duck cooked to perfection. The rich flavors of the duck will be complemented by the fruitiness of the wine, making for a truly memorable meal. Pinot Noir is made from the Pinot Noir grape, a black wine grape from the Burgundy region of France. It is known for its soft flavor and is often described as "light but complex."

4. Chardonnay & Lobster

Lobster is a classic seafood dish often served with a buttery sauce. It makes it the perfect pairing for a rich and creamy Chardonnay. Chardonnay that has undergone malolactic fermentation (a process that converts tart malic acids into softer lactic acids) is especially good with lobster. This type of Chardonnay will have a buttery, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the lobster. Some of our favorite Chardonnay and lobster combinations include Joseph Drouhin Laforet Chardonnay & Maine Lobster, Rombauer Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay & California Spiny Lobster, and Kistler Vineyards Les Noisetiers Chardonnay & Canadian Lobster.

5. Sauvignon Blanc & Salad

It is a fantastic pairing for those looking for a lighter option. The grassy flavors of Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the freshness of the salad, making for a refreshing and healthy meal. If you want a more creative touch to your salad, try one from New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc family. The sharpness in the wine will cut through the richness of the salad, resulting in a well-balanced meal. Some of our favorite Sauvignon Blanc and salad combinations include Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Caesar Salad, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc & Nicoise Salad, and Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc & Spinach Salad.

6. Riesling & Sushi

Riesling & sushi is a classic German pairing that is perfect for those who enjoy sweet wine. The sweetness of Riesling pairs well with the saltiness of sushi, making for a delicious and refreshing meal. A Riesling with a good balance of sweetness and acidity is critical here, as too much sweetness can overwhelm the sushi. We recommend trying a Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany, as they tend to be on the sweeter side. Some of our favorite Riesling and sushi combinations include Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling & Salmon Sushi, and J. Christopher Willamette Valley Riesling & Vegetable Sushi.

7. Port & Cheese

Port is a Portuguese fortified wine made in the Douro Valley. The sweetness of port pairs well with the richness of the cheese, making for a delicious and indulgent treat. When choosing a port, we recommend going for a Ruby Port as they tend to be sweeter and more fruit-forward. If you're looking for a pairing that is a bit more unique, try pairing a vintage port with blue cheese. The saltiness of the cheese will balance out the sweetness of the wine, making for a truly memorable experience. Some of our favorite port and cheese combinations include Warre's Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port & Stilton Cheese, Fonseca Bin 27 Port & Gorgonzola Cheese, and Graham's Six Grapes Port & Roquefort Cheese.

8. Sherry & Nuts

Sherry & Nuts is a classic Spanish pairing perfect for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors. The rich flavors of sherry pair well with the nuts, making for a delicious and satisfying snack. When choosing a sherry, we recommend going for an Amontillado or Oloroso as they tend to be nuttier and more full-bodied. If you're looking for a pairing that is a bit more unique, try pairing a Pedro Ximenez sherry with almonds. Our favorite sherry and nut combinations include Lustau East India & Almonds, Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana & Walnuts, and Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe & Pecans.

9. Cabernet Sauvignon & Steak

Cabernet Sauvignon & Steak is loved by many for its classic and bold flavors. The earthy flavors of cabernet sauvignon pair well with the richness of the steak. When choosing a Cabernet Sauvignon, we recommend going for one that is full-bodied and has good tannins. It will help balance the steak's fat and make for a more enjoyable experience. Some of our favorite Cabernet Sauvignon and steak combinations include Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon & Filet Mignon and Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon & New York Strip Steak.

Conclusion

If you're looking for the perfect wine and food pairing, we hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices. There are a lot of delicious combinations out there, and it's genuinely a matter of personal preference. So, go out and explore and find the perfect pairing for you! Cheers!