White wine and fruits: The best pairings
Many people are knowledgeable when it comes to food and wine pairings. However, not a lot have tried pairing their favorite bottle with fruits. Culinary expert Adam Richard Seger shares some tips for those who want to explore matching wine and fruits.
Pair fragrant fruits with less acidic white wines
White wines are enjoyed by many for their delicate flavors. Pairing them with fragrant fruits like raspberries, pears, and peaches makes a great combination. Their intense flavors match well with light-bodied wines such as Riesling and Muscat. The sweet taste of the fruit will balance out the tartness of the wine while its fresh aroma blends very well with the bouquet of the wine. The best white wines to complement these are the ones that are not too acidic or highly tannic.
Pair citrus fruits with medium acidity white wines
Medium-bodied and medium-acidity wines like Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc pair well with citrus fruits like grapefruit and lemon. This wine and fruit pairing is common in French cuisine because both ingredients are abundant in France, where many fine wines come from. If you want freshness, you’ll enjoy this combination. It will give you that summer feeling because of its citrusy taste that is made even better by the texture of the wines.
Pair crisp fruit flavors with earthy wines
Enjoy a glass of chardonnay with apples, peaches, and apricots. This combo is another classic in the world of wine and fruits. It works because both ingredients are sweet. It balances out the acidity or tartness of the wine, making it refreshing. The earthy flavors of both wine and fruit also bring out a kind of sweetness that’s not tiring.
Passionate about food and wine, Adam Richard Seger is alumnus of Cornell Hotel School, Michelin-Starred restaurants Chez Julien in Strasbourg, TRU in Chicago and The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Visit this blog for more on cocktail culture.
