Who doesn’t love a juicy pork chop? Whether it’s grilled, roasted, or sautéed, finding the perfect wine pairing can take your meal to the next level. Let’s explore some delicious wines that complement the flavors of pork and elevate your dining experience.
The Best Wine for Roast Pork
Roast pork is a classic dish that deserves a wine pairing as delightful as the meal itself. While white wine is typically a better match for roast pork, there are red wines that can impress. Consider a Northern Rhône or Italian red, such as a Crozes-Hermitage or Chianti Classico. These choices enhance the flavors, especially when the dish is cooked Italian-style with fennel, lemon, and garlic. For a more traditional pairing, a decent Côtes du Rhône Villages is a great match, particularly when served with roast pork and apple sauce. If you’re a fan of more delicate flavors, a light to medium-bodied red like a Portuguese Bairrada can work wonders.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing roast pork with white wine. Cold roast pork pairs brilliantly with old vine Chenin Blanc, while roast belly pork harmonizes beautifully with off-dry German Riesling. Just be cautious with tomato-based dishes, as they can interfere with the pairing.
Wine Pairing with Pork Chops
For pork chops, many of the aforementioned pairings work well, depending on the sauce. If you’re looking for something Italianate like salsa verde, opt for a dry Italian white or a decent Valpolicella or Chianti. These choices will enhance the flavors and create a delightful harmony on the palate.
Pork in a Creamy Sauce – with Mushrooms or Mustard
When it comes to pork in a creamy sauce, both red and white Burgundy wines shine. These classic French bistro dishes, often made with pork tenderloin, pair wonderfully with Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Additionally, a dry Alsace Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Vouvray will complement the creamy flavors perfectly.
Pork Casserole or Pie with Cider or Apples
Cider is an excellent accompaniment to pork casseroles or pies, providing the perfect match for these dishes. However, if you fancy wine instead, consider a good Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, or an easy-going inexpensive southern French red, like Côtes du Rhône. These choices will pair harmoniously with the flavors, creating a delightful dining experience.
Barbecued/Char Siu Pork
The spice and sweetness of barbecued or char siu pork call for a robust, jammy red wine. Consider a mid-weight Shiraz or Australian Cabernet-Shiraz, a Chilean Merlot or Carmenère, or a Zinfandel to complement the flavors. Opt for a wine with gutsy characteristics and sweet fruit to create a perfect balance.
Pulled Pork
While pulled pork often suggests beer, a surprising wine pairing option is pinot noir. Its delicate flavors harmonize surprisingly well. However, if the focus is more on the barbecue sauce, the previous recommendations still apply.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Pairing sweet and sour pork can be a challenge, but a fruity New World rosé, particularly a Merlot rosé, handles this dish with ease. It surpasses the often-suggested match of Riesling, providing a delightful complement. Additionally, a very fruity white, such as Colombard or Semillon-Chardonnay, can also work well.
Goulash
In goulash, the paprika takes center stage, suggesting a rustic red wine. Consider the Hungarian Kékfrankos (Austrian Blaufrankisch) for a regional pairing, or a Rioja or similar Spanish red as alternative options. These wines will complement the flavors of the dish wonderfully.
Wines with Pork and Bean Stews
Pork and bean stews such as Cassoulet, Feijoada, and Fabada pair excellently with medium-bodied red wines that are not too high in alcohol. Opt for a simple, fruity wine like an inexpensive Navarra or other Spanish red, or a Malbec if the stew has a touch of spice. These choices offer the perfect balance to the richness of the dish.
Charcuterie
Classic French charcuterie and pork are a match made in heaven. Celebrate the flavors with a French wine like Beaujolais. Beaujolais Villages or cru Beaujolais, such as Morgon, work exceptionally well with preparations like terrines, jambon persillé, and rillettes. For a different experience, try a rustic Marcillac or a dry rosé to elevate your charcuterie enjoyment.
So, the next time you savor a delicious pork chop, elevate your meal with the perfect wine pairing. From roast pork to pork in creamy sauce or barbecued pork, there are wines that will enhance every flavor. Discover the magic of these combinations and elevate your dining experience with the exquisite taste of Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.