It’s never easy to find the perfect wine pairings to impress the guests. However, to help ease your shopping journey and find the right wine for any occasion here are a few pointers to consider before getting started!

Wine Tasting

You can never go wrong with a wine tasting, so be sure to check out a wine tasting demonstration near you. If you can’t find one to attend in your area then why not host a wine tasting party for your family and friends? Not only is it a fun way to get your loved ones together but you’ll be surprised how much knowledge you can gain through the experience. Blind tasting is also a fun way to put your taste buds to the test and avoid preconceived notions about certain wines. For blind tastings we’d suggest you use blindfolds or you can separate the wines by paper bags or create your own unique labels!

It’s important to know what food you’ll be serving before you pick up your wine, so here are a few suggestions to check out.

Reds

• Cabernet Sauvignon: For formal dinners we’d suggest a smooth glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab makes a full-flavoured, fruity and semi-tannic wine that goes perfectly with grilled, roasted or braised red meats. Looking for a sauce to top off the meat? Try using a blend of meat stocks, mustard, pepper or red wine. Cab Sauvignon also goes great with mushrooms and squash in case you need a side of vegetables!
• Pinot Noir: Need a special wine for an elegant occasion? Look no further than a medium-bodied bottle of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir pairs best with lighter flavours and mild red meats such as beef, duck, ham and quail. If you’re looking for a side of veggies we’d suggest pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
• Merlot:Since Merlot usually has fewer tannins than other red wines, you should pair it with mildly flavoured dishes such as tuna, salmon, pork or duck. For a side dish we’d recommend mushrooms and wild rice.

Whites

• Pinot Grigio: This light, lemon-citrus flavoured wine is perfect for a care free and casual summer night. Pinot Grigio pairs best with Italian food including light pasta, ravioli or light fish and oysters. Avoid pairing distinctly flavoured dishes, such as salmon or tuna.
• Chardonnay:Chardonnay is a full-flavoured, rich white wine which tends to be fuller than other whites. A cool glass of Chardonnay pairs perfect with full flavoured dishes and upscale meals such as lobster, shrimp, chicken, and turkey. If you’d like a sauce to pair with your dish we suggest a blend of basil, butter, cream and garlic.

Ice-wine

There are many ways to enjoy one of the world’s greatest wines – Ice-wine. Ice-wine’s are perfect for dessert or special occasions but here are a few food pairings that complement its unique taste.

• Cheese: Icewine and cheese are a great pairing to kick off the meal with. The rich texture of cheeses including goat cheese, triple cream, aged cheeses, and salty parmesan contrasts nicely with Icewine.
• Salad:Why not experiment a bit with your salad dressing by replacing some of the vinegar with Icewine? The natural sweetness tones down the acidity in greens.
• Main course: Riesling and Vidal Icewine pairs best with rich seafood, Sushi and Thai food. Sparkling Icewine is the most versatile and is a great match to foods heavy on the spice.
• Dessert:Don’t forget to include Icewine with a fruit based dessert such as apple pie, apple fritter or dark chocolate to end off the night flawlessly.

So there you have it, our wine pairing suggestions to delve into before your next dinner party! Hopefully these tips will help you find the perfect pair for any occasion. Let us know if we missed anything and be sure to check out our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/dutyfreecanada