Discovering the perfect wine and meat pairings can transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience. If you’re new to this concept, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through four excellent wines and the best dishes to pair with them, ensuring you create harmonious and flavourful combinations.
Collectables Walnut Block Pinot Noir
Why It Works:
A fruit-forward Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand, with strawberry jam and spice on the nose. Soft tannins and subtle oak make it a perfect match for beef, lamb, and poultry. Complex yet approachable, ideal for any occasion.
What to Try:
This Pinot Noir is an excellent match for lamb koftas, where its soft tannins complement the spiced lamb, enhancing the dish’s richness. When paired with a rib eye roast, the wine's bright red fruit flavours and elegant undertones beautifully mirror the flavours of the meat.
Domain Du Dragon Rosé
Why It Works:
Rosé wines are known for their versatility and light, fruity nature, making them a great choice for warm-weather meals. The Domain Du Dragon Rosé is especially refreshing, with a crispness that pairs well with seafood and chicken dishes, particularly when they’re grilled. The wine’s acidity also balances well with the flavours of fresh tomatoes and soft cheeses, making it a delightful addition to salads.
What to Try:
This rosé pairs beautifully with marinated chicken breast steaks, adding a crisp contrast to the savoury marinade. It’s also ideal for lemon-baked salmon, balancing the delicate, citrusy flavours.
Ilauri Extra Dry Prosecco DOC
Why It Works:
Prosecco brings a touch of celebration to any meal with its lively bubbles and refreshing character. The Ilauri Extra Dry Prosecco is particularly well-suited for pairing with light seafood and chicken dishes, where its dry, fruity profile enhances the delicate flavours of the food. This sparkling wine is also excellent with appetizers, as its effervescence cleanses the palate, preparing you for the next bite.
What to Try:
Dry and refreshing, this Prosecco pairs beautifully with roast turkey, where its crisp bubbles enhance the mild flavour of the meat, adding a celebratory touch to your Christmas feast. Additionally, it complements a cheese board, balancing the creamy and savoury flavours of the cheeses with its fruity notes and light acidity, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Latta Wild West 2021
Why It Works:
The Latta Wild West 2021 is a fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced medium-bodied red blend, making it an ideal match for richer meats. This wine shines with the bold, smoky flavours found in barbecue meats and grilled beef, where its balanced acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, enhancing every bite.
What to Try:
Fresh and vibrant, this red blend amplifies the smoky flavours of peri peri half bird. It also pairs wonderfully with pork schnitzel, cutting through the crispy exterior with its bright acidity. For an indulgent pairing, savour it with a Tomahawk steak.
Final Thoughts:
The key to successful wine and meat pairings is balance. Whether you’re indulging in rich, smoky barbecue or a light seafood dish, the right wine can elevate the flavours and make your meal unforgettable. Start with these four wines and explore how they can complement your favourite dishes.