How to Pair Wine with Classic Dinner Dishes

David Lynch



Consider your dinner party menu before you buy your party wine. Here are some tried-and-true pairings:

Classic Entrées + Can't-Miss Pours: There's something to be said for that old saw, "What grows together goes together." Here's a quick guide to pairing wine with some dinner-party favorites.

LASAGNA
The Recipe: Lasagna Bolognese
The Wine: Southern Italian reds from Cam­pania and Puglia

ROAST CHICKEN
The Recipe: Roast Chicken
The Wine: Rich Chardonnay from California or Burgundy

BAKED SALMON
The Recipe: Slow-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Thyme
The Wine: Pinot Noir from Oregon

GRILLED STEAK
The Recipe: Salt-and-Pepper Rib Eye
The Wine: Tuscan Sangiovese from Chianti, Montepulciano, or Montalcino

The Cheese Plate & White Wine: Every meal should include a cheese course. Period. And despite what you may have heard, white-not red-is best with it. Prepare to believe.

BLUES
The Wine: Off-dry German Riesling (labeled "Spätlese" or "Auslese")
The Reason: Salty, stinky blue cheese needs a counter­balancing sweetness with-out sacrificing fat-cutting acid.

PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO
The Wine: Oloroso Sherry
The Reason: The nuttiness and depth of the cheese is a great combo with the caramelized flavors of the wine.

GOAT
The Wine: Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc
The Reason: Mineraly chèvre is wiped off the palate by a wave of bright acidity

SEE MORE FROM BON APPETIT:
10 Snacks You Thought Were Healthy But Really Aren't
Your New Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie