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Sommelier
Wine Pairing 101
Julian Vane
Apr 25, 2026
10 min read
The Golden Rule: Balance
The goal of wine pairing is to ensure neither the food nor the wine overpowers the other. You want them to dance together, highlighting each other's best notes.
Acid with Acid
If you're eating something acidic (like a salad with vinaigrette), you need a high-acid wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or the wine will taste flat.
Sweet with Heat
Spicy dishes (like Thai or Indian curry) pair beautifully with off-dry wines like Riesling. The touch of sugar helps cool the palate.
Tannins with Protein
The tannins in bold red wines (like Cabernet Sauvignon) bind to the proteins in red meat, softening the wine and making the meat taste juicier.