9 Unique Wine Pairings to Elevate Your Special Occasions
Introduction
Wines and celebrations have had a long-standing relationship ever since the human race started to enjoy memorable moments. From a historical perspective, wines have been paired with food as a part of certain ceremonies, while culturally, they’ve been used as a symbol of success, pleasure, and new beginnings in social gatherings.
In modern times, wines have been integrated into our most cherished and memorable occasions to elevate our meals and culinary experiences. Whether a nuptial is being celebrated, you’re on a first date, or a holiday dinner is being served, a good wine paired with the right dish adds that perfect touch to those special occasions.
9 Unique Wine Pairings for Your Special Occasion
We at Alto Vineyards understand the importance of your special occasions and want to help you commemorate them with a perfect glass of wine, and a breathtaking winery venue. Based on our values of celebrating traditions, love, and family since 1982, here are our top 10 unique wine pairings that can help enhance your particular event, and make it as memorable as our love for wines.
Charcuterie Board & White Sangria
The intent behind wine pairing is to create a harmonious symbiosis between the crisp flavors of the wine and the intricate flavors of the delicacy. This is exactly why our Nona Mia White Sangria pairs so well with charcuterie. The sangria has a refreshing taste of spice, citrus and tropical fruit.
These elements when paired with the fusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, salami, cheese, and bread elevate the taste and leave you wanting more. This is a perfect pairing that can make all your special occasions feel more complete, making it a low effort example of good food paired with good wine that can be shared among friends and family.
Lobster & Chardonel
Many times, a combination of lobster and a dry white wine is associated with a luxurious culinary experience, making it a perfect pairing for high society and formal occasions. The rich and buttery texture of lobster pairs well with the subtle oaky tannins of Alto Vineyards Chardonel, with just a hint of creamy notes, leading to a memorable fit for those romantic dinner dates.
The sweetness of lobster is elevated when combined with Chardonel, creating a rich and mouth-watering experience. As the wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through the fattiness in lobster, it adds a depth and complexity to the meal, making it the epitome of culinary elegance.
Shrimp Tacos & Vidal Blanc
When you’re preparing for a celebration that demands letting loose and enjoying yourself, your choice of delicacy and wine pairing should also reflect a vibrant and refreshing style. That’s why shrimp tacos and Vidal Blanc are such a great choice for casual and fun occasions.
Vidal Blanc has well-balanced acidity, with tones of zesty flavors, and a hint of pear and green apples, giving it a fruity aroma. The subtle sweetness of this semi-dry white wine pairs well with the slightly spicy shrimp. As the flavors of the dish, obtained from fresh lime, cilantro, and sour cream enter the mouth, the acidity of Vidal Blanc cuts through, and accentuates the taste in every bite.
Ribeye Steak & Cabernet Merlot
Cabernet Merlot is one of those wines that pairs amazingly well with grilled red meat such as ribeye steak. The rich, savory and full-flavored meal makes it an essential element of romantic dates, as well as family dinners. Cabernet is a full-bodied red wine with bold tannins, strong notes of dark fruits and an earthy oak taste, making it a perfect companion for the juicy and smoky fats of ribeye steak.
The taste of ribeye steak is rich and the texture is marbled. Depending on the way it’s cooked, the steak can give charring and smoky flavors, which perfectly complement the boldness of the Cabernet. The palate cleansing tannins of the wine make the juiciness of the ribeye steak shine through every morsel.
Blue Cheese & Porto di Guido
Sometimes the best wine pairings are those that play with one element dish rather than a variety of flavors. That is why the pairing of blue cheese and Port is so well liked. Blue cheese is known for its tangy, pungent, and creamy taste. The flavors of Port are deep and more complex than the sharpness of blue cheese, which is known for its creamy texture that plays well with the velvety texture of Port.
Alto Vineyards Porto di Guido brings rich sweetness, with notes of chocolate, and spices to the forefront, thereby balancing out the tanginess of blue cheese in a harmonious symphony of flavors. This combination can be heavenly for cheese and wine lovers, that’s why it’s offered for indulgence in a desert course, and makes a sophisticated choice for a cheese platter.
Goat Cheese Salad & Dawg House Red
For a special occasion like a wedding, preparing delicacies like goat cheese salad can be a great option. If you’re planning to host a beautiful LA wedding in a beautiful indoor space like a banquet, and need a wine pairing menu that will captivate your guests, you can’t miss out on the sophisticated salad and wine pairing.
Goat cheese salad and Dawg House Red is an absolute fine dining experience that’s perfect for a light starter course. The fresh crisp nuts and vegetables, along with the creamy goat cheese, make for a wonderful salad, which when paired with a tall glass of fruity and earthy Dawg House Red enhance the flavors subtly without overpowering the palate.
Spicy Sausage & Shiraz
For a flavorful delicacy combination, nothing is better than spicy sausage and shiraz. Considered quite a bold combination, the pepper inspired heat of the sausage is a contrast to the full bodied, intense fruit flavored, of the smoky Shiraz.
However, due to the subtle notes of black pepper and spice found in Shiraz, it complements and contrasts with spicy sausage on different levels, enhancing the dynamic flavors of both the sausage and the wine. That is why our Renzaglia Shiraz is such a hit among spice lovers. For a hearty and flavorful meal that is as unique as your special occasion. You must try this wine pairing.
Strawberries Covered In White Chocolate & Vignoles
If you’re trying to create a romantic menu inspired by the love between you and your significant other, choosing the right wine pairings is a must, and what speaks more romance than a full-bodies white wine, and white chocolate dipped strawberries?
White chocolate covered strawberries are a treat in themselves, but when paired with the perfectly balanced flavors of tropical fruit, citrus and acid of Alto Vineyards Vignoles, the pairing creates a luxurious harmony of flavors, making it perfect for romantic occasions and celebrations.
BBQ Ribs & Chambourcin
Who doesn’t enjoy a hearty American barbeque? When the occasion demands a smoky, caramelized BBQ delicacy, we must pair it with Chambourcin’s sweet fruit for an unmatched avalanche of taste. Chambourcin is known for its smooth, spicy character and notes of plum, cherry, and blackberry.
But it also has spicy undertones that match with the caramelized sauce of BBQ. The soft tannins of the wine make it a perfect pairing for an American BBQ, while the acidity balances the richness of the meat, cutting through the fats to offer a mouth- watering pairing, giving us the best of both worlds.
Wrapping Up
The intricacies of different wine pairings are something that can be enjoyed by novices and connoisseurs alike. With a little practice, and a deeper understanding of taste, structure, and notes of different types of wine, you can elevate all your special occasions with unique