French wine is the term commonly used to refer to wines produced in France, a country renowned for its long history of winemaking and outstanding products. While this term can be applied to all French wines, it’s important to remember that French winemaking is divided into distinct regions with their own distinctive characteristics and traditions. In this article, I’m gonna give you some advise for wine pairing. Indeed, to enjoy wine at it’s best, it’s important to know the good associations.
Red wine pairing with pasta with meat,and cheese
Red Wine Pairings for Winter
Aromatic Reds
Aromatic Reds are lighter, more delicate wines that boast intense aromas. The best aromatic reds come from France’s premier wine regions such as Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and Burgundy, often made up of blends of grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best enjoyed young and served slightly chilled, these wines can differ depending on region, grape variety and vintage.
Bold Reds
Bold Reds are full-bodied and highly tannic wines produced in France’s premier wine regions such as Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, and Languedoc-Roussillon. Popular examples come from top wine regions like Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon. These wines are typically created using a blend of grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The flavors and aromas of a Bold Red can be intense and complex – ideal for aging and savoring. No matter which French Red you select – Aromatic or Bold – it’s essential to pair it with food that will bring out its flavors and aromas. Popular combinations include grilled meats, savory dishes, and robust cheeses. For an even more indulgent experience, look for a French Red from a Grand Cru vineyard or one with an ABV (alcohol by volume) of at least 15%.
White wine pairing with cheese and pear
White Wine Pairings
Crisp Whites
Crisp white wines make a delicious accompaniment to salads, appetizers and light entrees. Popular varieties for pairing include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley region. Sauvignon Blanc comes from Bordeaux or Loire Valley regions of France while Chardonnay comes from Burgundy/Rhone Valley regions with buttery-oaky flavor profiles; Pinot Grigio from North Italy provides light refreshing whites with fruity notes; Muscadet from Loire Valley region has subtle minerality added for extra dimension.
Aromatic Whites
Aromatic whites make a delicious accompaniment to seafood dishes, white meat and cheese. Popular varieties for pairing include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Chenin Blanc; Riesling from Germany’s Alsace region is semi-sweet with floral and apple aromas while Gewurztraminer from Alsace region of France has an acidic finish while Viognier from Rhone Valley produces dry white with medium body and floral bouquets while Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley/ Languedoc-Roussillon regions of France has a dry white with floral and citrus flavor profile.
Food Pairings
Red Wine
Bordeaux is one of the world’s most beloved red wines. This region is renowned for its cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grape varieties, which pair perfectly with dishes with a full-bodied flavor such as beef stew or mushroom risotto. Other popular French reds come from Rhone Valley and Burgundy; Rhone Valley wines boast full-bodied Syrah and Grenache while Burgundy produces some iconic Pinot Noirs. When pairing these wines, consider dishes with umami flavors like roast mushrooms, steak or braised short ribs.
White Wine
The Loire Valley is one of France’s premier wine regions, boasting some of the world’s best-known white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. When pairing these wines, consider lighter dishes like grilled salmon or roasted vegetables. Other popular white wines from Languedoc-Roussillon, Saint-Emilion, and Vin Pays d’Oc also make great accompaniments; their subtle flavors such as citrus or green apple pair perfectly with these wines. Other popular pairings include salads, chicken salads or vegetables on skewers.
Champagne
Champagne is one of the iconic French wines, produced from grapes grown in Champagne region of France. Known for its dry, sparkling taste, Champagne pairs perfectly with light dishes such as fruit salads, goat’s cheese or smoked salmon when pairing it with food.
French wine is an iconic and beloved cuisine loved by many around the world. Whether you prefer bold red or crisp white, there’s a wine for everyone’s palate. When selecting your ideal bottle of vino, take into account its body and acidity level before pairing with food that complements it best. If you want to be sure, you can do wine tasting in a cave, with professionnals that will explain everything to you as you taste the wine.