Wine pairings?!
Wine pairings?
Question - I'm trying to pair a not-so-dry white wine with a grilled chicken a breast and a not-do-dry red wine with roast beef...any suggestions? I'm not a wine expert...I do enjoy Riesling, and wondering if that would be acceptable with chicken, or would it be too sweet? This is for my wedding reception, and I'd like to just serve one kind of red, one kind of white, and one dessert wine (a white or blush wine preferrably) for the entire reception. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. And I don't have a lot of money to spend on the wine, so some nice inexpensive wine would work best. Thanks for your help.
Additional Details3 weeks ago
I'm in Minnesota - living in the Twin Cities area - wedding is in northern MN.
Answers:
3 weeks ago
I'm in Minnesota - living in the Twin Cities area - wedding is in northern MN.
I always find this a little difficult because I don't know what state you are in. However, a riesling would be great with chicken, as long as it is not too sweet. Maybe if you can find a Dr. L (Dr. Loosen) riesling, that would be perfect. A Riesling Kabinett or a dry riesling would be even better. I've found that Australian dry rieslings are pretty solid.
As for the beef, I would actually go with a drier red for a beef dish. Try something different, and maybe a Malbec would suit your tastes. Look for the Finca los Primos, Alamos, or Elsa Malbecs. These are all pretty affordable and very smooth.
However, unlike other answers, I would NOT go to Sam's Club or Costco. I can go on how huge multi-conglomerates like them kill small business, but I'm not right now (except, LTD, you are the kind of person who will put us small knowledgable wine stores out of business). The main point that I want to make to you is the people that work there are pretty useless. If you want to order a lot of wine, find a small wine shop or liquer store that specializes in wine sales. They're more knowledgeable and will likely cut you a break on a special order (it's a pass through for them) for your wedding.
Source(s):
Me
www.winestyles.net/stillwater
I'm assuming when you want a not-so-dry wine, you want a wine that's not really oaky and strong in flavor.
For the chicken, I don't think the Riesling is too sweet. You can also try a Gewürztraminer or a Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnays are popular but can be oaky.
For beef, a Zinfandel or a Pinot Noir.
For Dessert, Champagne (or in the USA Sparkling Wine)? You have to have some bubbly for your wedding! :-)
Also, if there are some wine shops in your area... they can give you advice as well as some samples.
If you can go wine tasting, I recommend that too. In college, I went wine tasting with my roommates who were getting married. It was a good way to try a bunch of different wineries and types of wines. Remember to have a DD or hire a limo.
Congrats.
White wines...stick with chardonnays...they are less sweet...Chateau Morrisette Vineyards in VA have a WONDERFUL white that is VERY light, and not too sweet called "Our Dog Blue" (in a gorgeous blue bottle as well!) that is very affordable (it's the only white wine I like)...I have been to their vineyards (I am from NC) and am impressed with everything about the vineyards there...they have a decent red, but I like other brands a bit better...
A good red would be a Merlot..but be careful, because really cheap merlot's taste like vinegar...a good 'in-between" priced wine is Rodney Strong or McGuigan (Australian Merlot)...buying wines by the case will also save you $$...Go visit a local wine shop for ideas...then go to Costco or Sam's Club to buy....
If you get a Wine Spectator magazine you will see pairings in each issue for various food types.
I also have had success asking at my local wine store for their recommendations.
I would go with a chardonnay with the chicken. Light and not as sweet.
Robert Mondavi has a great reserve merlot. Very mellow and non-acidic that would be great with beef (I just had it with tenderloin of beef on Wednesday night - it was excellent).
There is a winery in Pa. The Winery at Wilcox, that makes a wine called Wedding White. The owner created this one for the wedding of his niece. It is just what you are looking for. Not too pricey either. If I can find some contact info. I will edit it to this answer.
I would go into Costco and see what they have since you are buying for a large number of people. I find that the exact offerings are different at each Costco. They will let you return unused bottles.
Cost Plus and Beverages and More are also good places to look.
My recommendations: Edna Valley Chardonnay (my Costco has this wine for less than $8 a bottle and it is quite nice.) For the red wine I'd look for Rosenblum Zinfandel Cuvee (often available at Beverages and More or Cost Plus for under $8).
For dessert go for an Asti Spumante....this is a sparkling wine that is sweet. It would be perfect for toasting. Ballatore makes one that is available nationally for less than $10....I sometimes get it for $7. You may get additional discounts by buying by the case.
Riesling is probably too sweet and not the best match for the chicken. YOu also do not mention pricing target. So here goes.
For the white, I would probably go with either a sauvignon blanc or a pinot grigio. Not sure what your price range is, but I love most sauv blanc from new zealand ( like oyster bay and isabel estate found at Bev Mo). And King Estate in Oregon makes a nice Pinot Gris.
for the Red you might want to try a Pinot Noir, Syrah or Zinfandel. The Pinot is a nice lighter fruitier style, though not sweet. The Syrah and Zinfandel are also nice complements to the beef. Australia makes some nice Syrah. And Zin wise, I love Cline Old Vines Zin, Wild Horse Zin, Rosenblum Zin all from California. Cambria's Julia's Pinot Noir is a great food friendly wine and isn't too harsh. You could also do a chianti or a sangiovese. Luna Vineyards and Silverado Vineyards make great ones.
And for the dessert wine, I would probably do a nice bubbly from Mumm Napa. Try their Cuvee M. Very peaches and cream crowd pleaser.