Wine Pairings to Jazz up Your Dinner May 4, 2016
Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Sound familiar? If your weekday routine is starting to feel like a scene out of Groundhog Day, we’ve got the secret to spice up mealtime with little effort at the end of a long, hectic day.
You know that go-to meal of spaghetti and meatballs all too well; or those reheated leftovers from the night before. It’s time to jazz up your meals and get out of your rut of “just eating dinner.” Changing up your go-to glass of wine can elevate dinnertime to a whole new level.
You may be thinking “where do I begin?” We know getting dinner on the table is a job in itself, so we’ve got you covered. Swap out that red or white you always have on hand and taste some of these vino varieties with your next dinner. So long boring dinner – it’s time to surprise and delight your taste buds!
Cooking a Steak Dinner?
Try Argentine Malbec or Uruguayan Tannat
Malbec is a bold red with a strong, rich flavor, and there are particularly delicious Malbecs coming out of Argentina these days. The tannins in the wine pair well with red meat to amplify the flavors in both. If you feel like you’ve tried Malbec a hundred times, opt for a Uruguayan Tannat; it has a similar flavor profile, but Tannat can be a more unique choice to pull you out of your routine.
Craving Fried Chicken?
Pour Champagne or Spanish Cava
Fried chicken is a staple comfort meal that so many people turn to for its reliable deliciousness. Champagne is a fun, spunky, high-brow accompaniment to this classical American meal. And if you’re looking for more affordable bubbles, try a Spanish Cava. Not only is the Cava cheaper than Champagne, but it also has a more crisp and refreshing acidity that will cut through the chicken perfectly.
Grilling Shrimp Skewers?
Sip on Chardonnay or Sangria
Grilling up citrusy shrimp skewers this summer? Buttery Chardonnay complements fresh seafood without overpowering it. If you want to take things up a notch and impress your guests, serve a Chardonnay-based white sangría. While the red version tends to get more attention, white sangría is equally delicious – especially with the addition of some fresh peaches. It’s also a perfect way to use leftover wine that may be past its prime, and adds a fun, festive twist to your meal. Try these ingredients for a delicious sangría recipe:
- 1 750ml bottle of white wine
- 1 750ml bottle of sparkling white wine
- 1 mango (skinned and sliced)
- 2 kiwis (skinned and sliced)
- 1 cup of strawberries
- 2 Tbsp sugar (to taste)
- Sprigs of mint for garnish
Be open to trying new things and remember to have fun! The unique flavors of each wine will help you get more out of your meal and get you out of your dinner rut!
So bid farewell to the drab dinner that looks identical to every other night you’ve sat down to this week, and add variety and flavor to your meal – and your life – with these new pairs in your back pocket. Cheers!