Pairing wine with food is not simply about matching colours or regions. It involves careful consideration of flavour profiles, textures, and intensity of both the wine and the food. Red wines, with their robust and tannic nature, often pair well with hearty, meaty dishes. White wines, lighter and more acidic, beautifully complement seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces. Meanwhile, rosé and sparkling wines offer versatility, going well with a variety of dishes.

1. Pizza and Red Wine

Pizza, an iconic dish hailing from Italy, is a symphony of textures and flavours. The crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese create a complex dish that requires a robust companion. Italian Chianti red wines, like the Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Chianti 2019, make for excellent pairing options. The same can be said about Valpolicella wines like the Farina Amarone Classico DOCG Della Valpolicella 2019. These wines, teeming with acidity and tannins, effectively cut through the richness of the cheese while balancing the tangy tomato sauce.

Moreover, there's a regional harmony in pairing an Italian dish with a glass of Italian wine. Just as the diverse Italian landscape from the sunny southern coasts to the Alpine north influences the country's varied cuisine, so too does it shape the character of its wines. The depth and variety of Italian red wines, with their robust character and complex flavours, make them a versatile choice for pizza, regardless of its toppings.

2. Hamburger and Red Wine

Crossing the Atlantic, we land in the United States, the birthplace of the beloved hamburger. This hearty dish, characterised by its juicy beef patty, sharp cheddar, and variety of toppings, calls for a wine with a robust character and a body capable of standing up to its rich flavours. Enter the bold world of red wines.

The full-bodied profile of a Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Sauvignon (2020), known for its high tannin content and dark fruit flavours, stands up well to a rich, juicy burger. The wine's tannic structure interacts with the proteins and fats in the beef, resulting in a smooth and balanced mouthfeel. If you prefer your burger with strong, spicy sauces, a Zinfandel Sierra Foothills Old Vine Zinfandel (2020), known for its jammy, berry-forward profile and peppery notes, could be an exciting pairing, adding an extra kick to each bite.

From the West Coast vineyards of California, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel have proven to be as versatile as they are flavourful, holding their own against various dishes. This makes them excellent choices for pairing with a complex and multi-layered dish like a hamburger. Each sip offers a new layer of complexity, making the humble hamburger an elevated culinary delight.

3. Ramen and White Wine

From the land of the rising sun, Ramen stands as a testament to Japan's culinary ingenuity. The warming broth, tender meat, and slurpy noodles create a dish that's both comforting and complex. When it comes to pairing this delicate dish, white wine emerges as the perfect companion.

A glass of zesty, high-acid white wine, such as a Montes Classic Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing counterpoint to the savoury richness of the ramen broth. The bright citrus notes and crisp acidity cut through the umami complexity, enhancing the flavours without overpowering them. If your bowl of ramen leans more towards the spicy side, slightly sweeter Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett White Wine can provide a harmonious contrast, its subtle sweetness taming the heat while complementing the underlying flavours.

White wine, with its nuanced subtleties and range of profiles, beautifully encapsulates the nuances of a dish like ramen. Each sip weaves into the rich tapestry of flavours found within the ramen bowl, making each bite, and subsequent sip, a dynamic sensory experience.

4. Paella and Rosé Wine

Venturing into Spain, we encounter Paella, a vibrant and hearty dish brimming with diverse ingredients, from succulent seafood to flavourful saffron-infused rice. Pairing such a multifaceted dish requires a wine more versatile than most, and rosé comfortably fits the bill.

A Spanish Rosado - Bodegas Martinez Alesanco 2020 Young Rosé, echoes the vibrant character of a Paella. It has the body to contend with the array of flavours yet offers a freshness that doesn't overwhelm the delicacy of the seafood. Its strawberry and citrus notes interplay delightfully with the savoury and slightly spicy elements of Paella, while its crisp acidity refreshes the palate, readying it for the next bite.

Rosé wine's delicate balance between red and white wine characteristics makes it a suitable companion for complex dishes. Its versatility lends itself well to a range of food pairings, effortlessly adapting to match the array of flavours found within a dish as layered as a Paella.

5. Pierogies and White Wine

Travelling to Eastern Europe, we discover Pierogies, Poland's proud culinary contribution. These little dumplings, stuffed with a range of fillings from savoury to sweet, require a wine that can adjust accordingly. A flexible white wine such as a Chenin Blanc or a Grüner Veltliner comes into play here.

The Nederburg Private Collection Chenin Blanc (2021), with its high acidity and wide flavour profile ranging from honeyed florals to stony minerality, works well with both cheese- and meat-filled Pierogies. Its bright acidity cuts through rich fillings while harmonising with doughy exteriors. On the other hand, if your Pierogies are filled with a sweeter fare, an off-dry Domane Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen can provide a pleasing contrast, the wine's slight sweetness highlighting the filling's flavours.

6. Moussaka and Red Wine

A trip to Greece isn't complete without tasting Moussaka, a hearty dish with eggplant, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce. The savoury depth and richness of this dish call for a robust red wine to stand up to its bold palate.

A Greek Agiorgitiko, with its plum and berry flavours and subtle earthy undertones, is an ideal match for Moussaka. The wine's firm tannins and full-bodied structure balance the creamy béchamel and rich meat sauce, while its dark fruit profiles complement the earthiness of the eggplant. On a broader scale, many types of red wine, such as Montes Alpha Merlot or Montes Alpha Syrah, could also provide a delightful pairing, their ripe fruit characteristics and tannic structure contrasting and complementing the Moussaka's rich and savoury profile.

7. Boeuf Bourguignon and Red Wine

Journeying to France, we come across Boeuf Bourguignon, a quintessential French dish known for its slow-cooked beef in a rich wine-infused broth. It's only fitting that a robust red wine, the same kind used in the cooking process, pairs excellently with this classic dish.

A Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, with its red fruit flavours, earthy undertones and well-rounded tannins, can mirror the characters of the dish and amplify them. The wine's acidity cuts through the rich, meaty taste, offering a refreshing counterpoint, while its complex profile enhances the dish's savoury depth. Other types of red wine like a full-bodied Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon can also provide a pleasing contrast, their powerful structure and intense notes standing up to the dish's robust character.

8. Eisbein and Sparkling Wine

In Germany, Eisbein, or pork knuckle, stands as a hearty and rich dish that is overflowing with flavour. Despite its robust profile, it pairs exceptionally well with sparkling wine, offering an unexpected but delightful contrast.

A German Sekt or even a French Champagne, with their high acidity and effervescence, can cut through the fatty richness of the Eisbein, offering a much-needed palate cleanser. The bright citrus and apple notes of these wines contrast with the savoury, meaty dish, providing a refreshing juxtaposition that heightens the dining experience. The bubbles also add a festive, tactile element, making each bite and sip feel like a celebration.

9. Pad Thai and White Wine

Moving to the fragrant kitchens of Thailand, Pad Thai stands out as a signature dish. A delightful medley of sweet, sour, and umami flavours, it is best complemented by a white wine that can balance and highlight its complex taste.

A dry Riesling, with its high acidity and notes of green apple and lime, acts as a counterpoint to the dish's intense flavours. The wine's natural sweetness can harmonise with that of the Pad Thai, while its acidity cleanses the palate, readying it for the next flavour-packed bite. Alternatively, a crisp Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc can also be a suitable pairing, with its herbaceous notes complementing the fresh herbs typically found in the classic Thai dish.

10. Tacos and Rosé Wine

Travelling to Mexico, we come across Tacos, a classic street food dish that encapsulates the heart of Mexican cuisine. Bursting with vibrant flavours, tacos call for a wine that can match their intensity without overpowering them.

The perfect answer? Rosé wine. Its bright fruity notes, from strawberry to melon, can complement the fresh salsa and grilled meat in tacos, while its acidity and subtle tannins can cut through the dish's richness. Whether it's a Miraval Cotes Du Provence Rosé or a Spanish Rosado, a chilled glass of rosé wine can refresh the palate and enhance the tacos' zesty flavours.

11. Curry and White Wine

Our global culinary journey would not be complete without visiting India, a country known for its diverse and richly spiced dishes. Indian curries, with their bold flavours and heat, might seem challenging to pair with wine, but a well-chosen white can enhance this complex dish.

Léon Beyer’s Gewürztraminer, a white wine known for its aromatic qualities, lychee notes, and a hint of sweetness, can balance the spiciness of the curry. Its aromatic complexity can match the curry's depth, while its slight sweetness can temper the heat, creating a harmonious dining experience. Similarly, an off-dry Nederburg Private Collection Chenin Blanc, with its apple and quince notes, can complement the spiciness and richness of the curry.

12. Chilli Crab and Sparkling Wine

Finally, in Singapore, Chilli Crab is a must-try dish for all food enthusiasts. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness and the succulence of crab meat make it a beloved favourite. To accentuate these intense flavours, a bottle of sparkling wine serves as the perfect companion.

The refreshing acidity and lively bubbles in sparkling wine, such as a SalvaTerra Prosecco DOC Extra Dry or Castellblanch Cava Brut NV, can cut through the dish's robust flavours, while its apple and pear notes can complement the sweet and spicy sauce. The effervescence cleanses the palate, readying it for the next bite, and adding a touch of luxury to this dining experience.

Wine and food pairing is a captivating journey that unlocks a world of flavours and sensations. As you embark on this delightful adventure, let iShopChangi be your trusted companion in discovering the perfect wines to complement your favourite dishes. With an extensive selection of world-class wines available at duty-free prices for travellers and duty-absorbed prices for non-travellers, we bring the joy of pairing right to your fingertips.

Browse through our impressive wine collection online, featuring renowned reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from all corners of the globe. Whether you're seeking the perfect Chianti for your pizza night, buying a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to pair with seafood, or ordering a celebratory bottle of champagne for a special occasion, we have you covered.

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