WINES Flashcards
(17 cards)
Cabernet Sauvignon
it is a full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It features bold flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry, often complemented by notes of tobacco, cedar, or green pepper. Known for its depth and structure, it pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as grilled steak, braised meats, and hearty pasta like Bolognese or lasagna.
Malbec
it is a full-bodied red wine with firm yet smooth tannins and moderate acidity. It offers bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, often layered with subtle notes of cocoa, tobacco, or spice. Known for its depth and round texture, it pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses.
Merlot
it is a medium- to full-bodied red wine with soft tannins and moderate acidity. It offers smooth, ripe flavors of plum and cherry, often with subtle hints of chocolate or herbs. It pairs well with roasted meats, soft cheeses, and tomato-based dishes like chicken parmesan.
Pinot Noir
it is a light- to medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins and bright acidity. It offers smooth flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with subtle earthy or floral notes. It pairs well with salmon, roasted chicken, and mushroom-based dishes.
Pinot Grigio
it is a light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity and a clean finish. It offers fresh flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, often with subtle floral or mineral notes. Known for its refreshing character, it pairs well with seafood, light pasta, and fresh salads.
Sauvignon Blanc
It is a light- to medium-bodied white wine with bright acidity and refreshing character. It offers flavors of green apple, lime, and passion fruit, often with herbal or grassy notes. It pairs well with dishes like goat cheese, shellfish, and citrusy salads.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a medium-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It offers vibrant flavors of tart cherry and red plum, often backed by earthy notes of dried herbs or leather. Known for its food-friendly style, it pairs well with tomato-based pastas, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.
Chardonnay
is a medium- to full-bodied white wine with balanced acidity and flavors of apple, ripe pear, and peach. Depending on how it’s made, it can show notes of vanilla, butter, and oak when barrel-aged, or lighter citrus and mineral tones when unoaked. It pairs well with dishes like roasted chicken, creamy pasta, and soft cheeses.
Match weight and intensity
Light wines with lighter dishes (e.g., Pinot Noir with chicken or salmon)
Bold wines with heavier dishes (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon with steak)
Match acidity
High-acid wines (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chianti) pair well with acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus dressings)
If the food is more acidic than the wine, the wine can taste flat or dull
Balance sweetness
Sweet wines should be as sweet or sweeter than the dish (e.g., Riesling with spicy Thai food or dessert)
Avoid pairing dry wines with sweet desserts — it can make the wine taste sour
Tame spicy food
Choose low-alcohol, slightly sweet wines for spicy food (e.g., off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer)
Avoid high-tannin or high-alcohol reds with heat (it intensifies the spice)
Consider tannins
Tannins (found in red wines like Cabernet or Malbec) soften with rich, fatty foods (like steak or aged cheese)
Tannins clash with spicy, salty, or bitter foods
Pair with sauce, not protein
Focus on the dominant flavor, often the sauce or preparation — not just the meat
Example: Chicken in a mushroom sauce? Go with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
Salt loves acid and bubbles
Salty foods pair well with crisp, acidic, or sparkling wines (Champagne, Albariño, Chablis)
Salt can also soften tannins in bold reds
Riesling
it is a highly aromatic white wine known for its vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and a broad range of sweetness levels, from bone dry to lusciously sweet.
Quick Pairing Memory Cheats
Steak, Lamb:Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Roasted Chicken: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Creamy Pasta:Oaked Chardonnay
Tomato Pasta: Sangiovese, Chianti
Sushi, Shellfish: Riesling, Champagne, Pinot Grigio
Spicy Food: Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer
Cheese (hard): Cabernet, Merlot
Cheese (soft): Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine
Desserts: Port, Moscato,
