Wine Pairings That Break All the Rules (And Still Work)

When it comes to wine and food pairings, there are plenty of "rules" that we've all heard before. Red wine with red meat, white wine with fish, rosé with salads, and so on. But the truth is, these guidelines are more like suggestions - and there's a whole world of unexpected and delightful pairings out there just waiting to be discovered.

At McLaren Vale Cellars, we're all about celebrating the joy of breaking the rules and exploring new flavor combinations. After all, the best part of the wine-drinking experience is the opportunity to experiment, learn, and find what works for your own unique tastes.

So today, we're excited to share some of our favorite unconventional wine pairings that might just change the way you think about food and wine. Get ready to throw the rulebook out the window and open your palate to a whole new world of culinary possibilities.

Sparkling Wine and Fried Chicken

You might think that the delicate bubbles of a fine sparkling wine would be overpowered by the bold, salty flavors of crispy fried chicken. But trust us, this is one pairing that works beautifully. The effervescence of the wine helps to cut through the richness of the fried chicken, while the wine's bright acidity provides the perfect counterpoint to the savory, crunchy texture.

We recommend trying a high-quality local McLaren Vale sparkling wine, like the Chalk Hill Blanc de Blancs or the d'Arenberg Pollyanna Polly. The delicate fruit notes and refreshing minerality of these wines will elevate your fried chicken experience to new heights.

Pinot Noir and Sushi

Sushi is often thought of as a natural pairing for crisp, clean white wines. But we're here to make the case for Pinot Noir as the perfect companion to your favorite nigiri or maki rolls.

The light to medium body and bright acidity of a well-made Pinot Noir can stand up to the bold flavors of soy sauce, wasabi, and fresh seafood. Plus, the earthy, mushroomy notes of a Pinot can echo the umami-rich flavors of the sushi itself. Look for a Pinot Noir from the McLaren Vale region, like the Wirra Wirra 'The Absconder' or the Coriole 'Redstone' - their elegant, silky textures will complement the delicate sushi beautifully.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Grilled Vegetables

Cabernet Sauvignon is often thought of as a heavy, bold red wine that's best paired with rich, meaty dishes. But don't be afraid to break that mold and try it with grilled vegetables instead.

The smoky, charred flavors of grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers can actually bring out the best in a well-structured Cab. The wine's tannins will balance the natural sweetness of the veggies, while the fruit-forward notes will complement the earthy, savory flavors. We recommend trying a McLaren Vale Cabernet like the Wirra Wirra 'Church Block' or the Coriole 'Redstone' - their bold, complex profiles will make for a truly memorable pairing.

Rosé and Chocolate Desserts

Rosé is often thought of as a light, refreshing summer sipper - but did you know it can also be a fantastic pairing for rich, decadent chocolate desserts?

The bright acidity and delicate fruit flavors of a well-made rosé can help to cut through the intensity of chocolate, preventing the pairing from feeling overly heavy or cloying. Look for a rosé with a bit of residual sugar, like the d'Arenberg 'Rosé' or the Chalk Hill 'Rosé' - the touch of sweetness will complement the chocolate beautifully.

Riesling and Spicy Dishes

Riesling is often pigeonholed as a sweet, simple white wine. But in reality, this versatile varietal can be a fantastic pairing for all kinds of bold, spicy dishes.

The bright acidity and refreshing minerality of a dry Riesling can help to tame the heat of spicy foods, while the wine's subtle fruit flavors can complement the complex flavors of dishes like Thai curries or Mexican mole. We recommend trying a McLaren Vale Riesling like the Coriole 'Riesling' or the Wirra Wirra 'Caterpillar Riesling' - their crisp, focused profiles will make for a truly harmonious pairing.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the most important rule when it comes to wine and food pairings is to throw the rulebook out the window and trust your own taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment, to break the mold, and to discover new and unexpected flavor combinations that delight and surprise you.

After all, the joy of wine is in the journey of exploration - and at McLaren Vale Cellars, we're here to help you every step of the way. So come on in, browse our selection of premium local wines, and let's get started on your next culinary adventure.