Pairing food and fine wine can seem intimidating. In actuality, all it takes is some saviors fair, common sense, and the ability to follow some basic rules. At Reddy Vineyards we understand that the best wine is made even more enjoyable with a good meal. Below are a handful of guidelines and suggestions to pair our best Texas wines with classic dishes we all know and love.
Rule #1. Acid pairs with acid.
Foods with a decent acidity level, anything you could squeeze a lemon into, need wine which is similarly piquant in character.
The well-balanced acidity of the Reddy Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, our most popular white wine, has distinctive tropical fruit aromas as well as notes of mango, banana, pineapple and white grapefruit. Pair this with a classic Seafood Piccata with Linguini.
Rule #2. Tannins require fat.
Fatty dishes provide the perfect contrasts to pair with bold, tannic wines. (Here’s a great article from Wine Folly that describes tannin in more detail, including which wines have higher or lower amounts of tannin). Did you know that fat and tannin molecules become linked together into long smooth chains when they interact? These chains provide a rich mouth feel that coats your palate, and lends the wine a smoothness it wouldn’t have otherwise.
The 2019 Reddy Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 75% new French oak, is a luxurious wine layered with flavors of black cherry, cassis and blackberry. It finishes with notes of vanilla and clove. It’s plush tannins pair well with Peppercorn Crusted Prime Rib, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Brussels sprouts.
Rule #3. Pair with the sauce.
Pair wines with the overall flavor of the dish, not just the main protein or ingredient. More often than not, a dish will be influenced by the sauce, rub or dressing more than the protein alone.
Our light bodied, crisp 2019 Signature Rosé offers hints of strawberry, raspberry, cherry and red apple with a mineral driven finish. The wine would will be a delightful pairing with a classic Salmon Niçoise Salad tossed in Champagne Vinaigrette.
Rule #4 Sweet pairs with sweet.
When it comes to dessert, serve a wine that is sweeter than the dish it will pair with.
Reddy Vineyards 2019 TX Lovers is a semi-sweet red wine with juicy red fruit notes and rich finish. Its smooth without the heaviness of a dessert wine, and would pair perfectly with a delicate Strawberry Cheesecake.
Rule #5 Be creative!
Food and wine pairing is completely subjective, and it’s okay to be experimental when pairing wine and food. It’s important to remember that nothing is set in stone. Eat and drink what you love, and you can never go wrong!
Those looking to elevate their wine experience can join one of our Wine Clubs. Club members receive exclusive perks such as product discounts, free shipping, and access to our most limited-production wines.