3 Food and Wine Pairings Perfect for Global Cuisine Lovers

One of the best things about the world getting smaller is that we can access food from everywhere! For food lovers globally, exposure to exotic tastes and authentic indigenous recipes can be a big source of delight. It only gets better when you can pair these meals with select wines, creating combinations for the ages.

Pairing food and wine has long been a conversation starter in many social circles. Some people find it snobbish and unnecessary; others swear by it. Whichever group you belong to, here’s a fact: everything is better when you taste complementary flavors together.

Here are three ideas for pairing your wine with global foods to have a winning meal on every special occasion.

Acidic Wines to Balance Rich Pasta Sauces

Italian cuisine can delight and overwhelm in equal measure, particularly for those not used to eating rich, indulgent meals. The region is well-known for its creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, such as carbonara and fettuccine alfredo. 

The French are also fond of pasta, often preferring creamier varieties that contain eggs and butter for flavor and softness. Alsace Spätzle, for example, is a delightful combination of irregularly shaped noodles, eggs, milk, and cream-based sauce.

Consider picking an acidic wine to balance these flavors. As a rule, acid can cancel the fattiness, leaving you feeling more refreshed and willing to continue the indulgence.

A Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent option: it highlights the freshness of herbs and keeps you feeling light. If the pasta sauce is tomato-based, you can experiment with a vibrant red from the region. Generally, wines and foods from the same area can complement each other well. 

Some wines from the Sonoma Valley, like a classic Pinot Noir, also pair well with rich pasta dishes. According to the Lasseter Family Winery, it is a good idea to perceive wines as resonant of a time and place. It helps one visualize the journey that a bottle has taken, giving more meaning and bringing consciousness to a meal. 

In fact, if you choose to embark on a winery experience with loved ones, you should consider pairings you haven’t experimented with before to unveil new gastronomic truths about yourself. The lush greenery and far-from-the-madding-crowd feel of such estates can make the most cautious of people feel adventurous.

Sweet Wines to Handle Spicy Asian and Mexican Foods

A steaming hot bowl of Thai tom yum soup or fresh tacos can lift your spirits right up on a dreary evening. Chinese, Indian, and Mexican takeaways continue to be wildly popular around the world, their tantalizing flavors exotic and delightful. Interestingly, the perfect wine can help you elevate these meals and also manage the spiciness.

Choose a sweet wine, such as a Riesling, to pair with Asian cuisine staples. A White Zinfandel can also be a lovely pick for its fruity (berry-like) flavor profile.

Another consideration here is the alcohol content. You don’t want a very strong wine, as it may aggravate a burning sensation compounded by the new spices on your plate. This is an occasion when you’re better off with a low-alcohol wine that focuses more on sweetness and lightness.

Some people adore sparkling wines with spicy foods. There’s something about the effervescence; it gives you a feeling of lifting the spiciness from the tongue.

Regardless of your beverage choice, it is best to have healthy prepared meals handy for the day after a global gastronomic adventure. Unusual spices or ingredients in Asian meals may not agree with some people. (Think chilli peppers and sesame.) The wine is unlikely to help you find the drive for a comforting meal the next day.

Convenience can be a big factor in helping us stick to our clean eating goals. According to Eat Crush Meals, pre-cooked and microwave-safe meals that provide balanced nutrition can facilitate fitness journeys. No one says you cannot indulge occasionally, but it helps to have a fallback plan.

Aromatic and Crisp Wines for Middle-Eastern Delights

What’s life without hummus? Middle Eastern cuisine can pack in a mighty punch with its flavorful shawarmas, falafels, and, of course, hummus in every form. These dishes have distinct ingredients from conventional Western cuisine, with their focus on herbs, cumin, and tahini. 

Select an aromatic and crisp white wine to pair with Middle Eastern recipes like hummus and tabouli. For example, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling can balance the flavors without disguising them. Pinot Grigio is another good option, especially for elaborate dishes like Baba Ghanoush. You want the wine to complement the grilled flavors of the eggplant.

The golden wine-pairing rule works well here: the flavor and acidity level should complement the food’s. So, a high-acidity wine, such as Vermentino, goes well with lemony/vinegary items. Think: a lemony chicken stew. On the other hand, a low-acidity option, such as Chardonnay, is better for creamy dips.

Choosing the right wine for the meal can be complex—no wonder they organize classes and workshops to help people with it. Still, remembering these basic ideas can help you make a better decision when you’re traveling or exploring a new hangout in town. The best combination can elevate the dish by bringing out the dominant flavors without overwhelming your senses.