This girl right here loves her wine. From Prosecco to Malbec and everything in between, it's rare I find a wine that I dislike. I have wine paintings and decals dressing the walls of my home, glasses for every occasion and even a fun wine phone case. Take me to a winery, and I will love you forever.
My personal favorite way to enjoy wine? A nice glass of Pinot Noir while relaxing on my couch, in front of the TV and in good company. But, there's something about sipping exactly the right variety with the yummiest meal or snack.
I reached out to some friends and family to survey their thoughts on the best wine pairings. Here are some must-try gems.
1. Moscato and Brie
"Top a toasted bread cracker with Brie cheese and apple jam, and pair with a sweet Moscato."
- Bree K., Philadelphia, PA
2. Riesling and Thai Food
"A light Riesling pairs nicely with spicy Thai food, specifically panang curry."
- Mia D., Arlington, VA
3. Chardonnay and Creamy Mushroom Risotto
"Or, Cabernet Sauvignon and Ferrero Rocher (or any chocolate, really). And Gewurztraminer and Chinese takeout."
- Becky K., Philadelphia, PA
4. Frizzante and Pizza
"There's something about the sweetness and the bubbles that work well with the greasiness of the pizza. The first time I had it, I was in Italy and the waitress insisted that we had to try it. I've never gone back (P.S. Frizzante is hard to find in the U.S., but Francis Ford Coppola makes a good one called Gia)."
- Nicole L., Blue Bell, PA
5. Sauvignon Blanc and Stir-Fry
"Sauvignon Blanc is great with stir-fry or veggie dishes because it's crisp and refreshing. It has a citrus bite to it."
- Adele M., Clarksville, TN
6. White Zinfandel and Shortbread Cookies
"Preferably, the shortbread cookies from Panera, but Girl Scout Cookies work, too."
- Shannon M., Syracuse, NY
7. Sparkling White Semi-Seco and Potato Chips
"A little sweet and a little salty---nice to spruce up with a bubbly while dressing down with some chips!"
- Kaija D., Fairfax, VA
8. Cava and Cheese Puffs
"Just try it!"
- Laura P., Philadelphia, PA
9. Pinot Noir and Buffalo Wings
"Although most people pair white wine with chicken, try a Pinot Noir with wings. The tannins in the red help balance the bite from the hot sauce."
- Bill K., Pottstown, PA
10. Cabernet and Black Pepper Steak
"When you serve a peppery, earthy steak with Cabernet, the peppery aromas in the wine cling to the flavor of the steak, making the wine taste more fruity and delicious!"
- Nancy P., Wynnewood, PA
11. Malbec and Any Red Meat
"This pairing complements the flavors in both the food and the wine. So a bold, spicy Malbec paired with the rich taste of red meat is sure to bring out the best taste of each. An exciting adventure for your palette."
- Lesley A., Mt. Laurel, NJ