Chardonnay is a versatile and popular wine variety. Chardonnay is a great pairing for many different dishes, whether they are cooked or not. It is a classic white wine that has been adored by many restaurants, regardless of occasion.
The green-skinned grapes are a dry white wine but have a distinct flavour profile from Chardonnay. You can make a variety of wine styles from this grape variety, including unoaked to heavily-oaked or all-in-between. Each style can be paired with different foods, but it is important to remember that there are many factors that influence the success of a Chardonnay-based food pairing. These factors include alcohol level, acidity, tannins, and oak age.
These elements break the old myth of white meat and white wine, opening up a world of delicious food pairings. It is an absolute pleasure to experience a great Chardonnay pairing. This can transform your meal experience into something that will make you want to tell your friends about it.
These are five of the best pairings for Chardonnay that will help you host elegant dinner parties and dessert outings.
Chardonnay & Cheese Sounds Similar. It isn’t?
Although “Wine and Cheese” is a universal pairing, it’s not uncommon to find them in the same place at once. However, it’s important that you note that not all wines pair well with every type of cheese. Chardonnay and cheese should be paired in a certain way. If you prefer a wine with a high degree of oak, then go bolder cheeses such as English hard cheddar, Blue cheese, and Camembert. If you are looking for an unoaked Chardonnay then something like Brie or Goat cheese might be the best choice. No cheesy decision making here.
The Classic Chicken Calling
Roast chicken is another classic Chardonnay food pairing. It will also go well with chicken cooked in spices and a creamy gravy. Chardonnay is a great pairing for light and delicious chicken dishes. Chardonnay’s natural acid cuts through the richness in the curry, while oak-aged Chardonnay’s nutty flavours complement the spices. We are not talking about your typical fried chicken restaurant, but a nicely grilled or barbecued chicken breast with a creamy sauce.
Get into the Scrumptious Seafood
Chardonnay is best paired with seafood, after chicken. It goes well with shellfish dishes like Crab, Lobster and Shrimp. The fish is one of the most traditional pairings. A nice pan-seared salmon would complement a Chardonnay that is very oaky. A rich, oily Salmon texture combines well with a Chardonnay that is full-bodied and has ripe caramel and peach flavours. Chardonnay also pairs well with Halibut and flaky white fish such as Halibut.
Brunch Ready With Appetisers & Salads
White wine pairs well with lighter dishes, so appetisers or salads make a great companion to Chardonnay. It also makes a wonderful brunch wine. Chardonnay is a natural pairing with appetisers. Unoaked Chardonnay shines because they encourage appetite. Fresh tomatoes are a great appetiser for unoaked Chardonnays, especially in the summer. Oaked Chardonnays are great with a variety of cooked appetizers, such as Ricotta & Arugula Bruschetta, Caramelized Onion, Apple & Brie Flatbread, if you’re feeling extravagant.
You can love it or hate it with Herbs & Spices
Chardonnay is a great pairing for herbs, and can easily be adapted to spices, unless they are very hot. Chardonnay can be paired with herbs and spices in any case. The subtlety of herbs makes them easier to keep clean and works well with unoaked Chardonnay. Unoaked Chardonnay is best for spices, while oaked Chardonnay is better for baking spices. This herb can be used in many recipes including Italian dishes like Calves Liver and Pumpkin Ravioli. A light Chardonnay is a good choice for these dishes.
Keep the wine and food light if the food is not heavy. When hosting a dinner party, make sure your Chardonnay is chilled and ready for serving with appetizers and salads. Keep your reds on hand if the main course is heavy. Enjoy the meal in whatever way you like. Wine tastes are subjective. Some people choose to drink white wine through the entire meal, despite changing food tastes.
What Chardonnay food pairings were you most fond of? Please share your thoughts with us below!
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