Perfect wine pairings to impress your friends

Is there anything more sophisticated than a wine tasting night? If you want to show off your classy palette and prove that you have a nose for a wonderful wine, it’s important that you also get the pairings right. After all, the last thing you want is your friends laughing behind their wine glasses if you pair a robust red with a delicate platter of sushi. And no, originally, we didn’t know that was a thing either, but that’s why we’re here to help.

Inspired by our new partnership with Nyetimber, home to some of the finest sparkling wines in Britain, we’ve created a list of ultimate wine pairings. So if you’re ready to get your wine snob on, then let us suggest a few classic pairings for your next wine night that are bound to impress your friends and show off your sophistication.

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Steak and a Cabernet Sauvignon

There’s no better companion to a truly fine grilled steak than a robust, bold glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The char on a perfectly cooked steak pairs well with red wine as it the tannins refresh the palette between bites, and a good red wine will stand up to steak without overpowering it.

Mushrooms and Pinot Noir

The cherry and raspberry notes in a fine Pinot Noir pair perfectly with earthy flavours – so anything savoury and rich, like mushrooms or truffles, is bound to be a winner. We’d suggest serving a glass with a main like these mushroom and sage stuffed spatchcocks with a cream truffle sauce from Delicious.

Fish and Pinot Grigio

A classic pairing – any light seafood or fish-based dish is bound to be perfectly complemented by a deliciously crisp and cold glass of Pinot Grigio. The subtle flavour of the wine will help to play up the delicate flavour of seafood. Now just sit back, close your eyes, and pretend you’re on a beach in Southern France being served fish fresh from the ocean.

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Spicy food and a dry Rosé 

A proper dry rosé is versatile. There are so many kinds of rosé, most of which can stand up to big flavours like anchovies and garlic, but for our money, a really good dry rose pairs best with a little bit of heat. Spicy food and rosé are a great pairing – so whether your taste is for Thai, Indian, or Spanish cuisine, you can show off your cooking skills and impress with your wine choice.

Light nibbles and sparkling wine

For a classic sampling spread, or a British al fresco picnic, your perfect pairing is a crisp, sparkling wine – a fresh, easy glass to drink with nibbles and canapes (might we recommend a bottle of Nyetimber’s signature classic cuvee?). The fresh taste and fruity aromas will make a perfect match with light bites like salmon blinis and sandwiches, and will even pair nicely with fruit and strawberries.

 If this list has made you feel seriously in need of a drink, then check out our new collaboration with Nyetimber. You can enjoy a luxurious bottle of sparkling wine, grown with love in the South Downs – and send it along with any card.

Feeling thirsty? Check out our guide to what your favourite drink says about you, then head to the thortful blog for more lifestyle inspo and how-to guides.

 

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