Organic Wine and Food Pairings – What’s the Rule of Thumb?

First and foremost, know what you’re eating. White wines are generally paired with lighter foods, like fish, chicken, and creamy sauces. Bolder foods – think beef and tomato-based pasta sauces – are usually paired with reds. Many gourmets pair spicy foods with something sweeter. Red or white can complement a cheese plate, depending on the kinds of cheese you’re serving. I personally enjoy a complex red wine when I’m just relaxing, especially during colder winter months, and chilled bubbly Champagne, Prosecco, or Rose in the hot summer.

Practically speaking, what does all this mean? Take a look at these sample pairings to get some ideas of your own.

White Wine Pairings

Greek salad, avocado and butternut squash soup, deviled eggs, goat’s cheese with crackers or toast – Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio

Risotto dishes that are packed with tasty organic vegetables, most chicken dishes – Chardonnay

Organic pasta dishes in a white or vegetable sauce (think pasta primavera) – Rolle and Riesling

Shellfish – Sauvignon Blanc, Verdicchio, Chablis

Red Wine Pairings

Beef, Mushroom-based dishes, or any recipe involving roasted vegetables – Pinot Noir, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, red Zinfandel, Rioja or Shiraz

Tomato-based pasta dishes – Malbec, Barbera, Montepulciano, Chianti, or Sangiovese

BBQ – Sangria, Shiraz, Petite Syrah or red Zinfandel

What About Champagne?

Champagne can be a wonderful addition to organic meals. Acidic sparkling wines go well with organic cheese dishes, such as quiches or lasagnas. Rose champagne (like Franciacorta or Gayot) is divine with recipes where sweet or nutty flavours predominate, and organic chicken or fish dishes taste much better when paired with Spanish cava or Martinolles bubbly.

What Do YOU Like?

When it comes to any wine and food, ultimately the most important question is, what tastes good to you? Familiarize yourself with the many wonderful organic options available, then let us know what brands and varieties you prefer.

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Here’s specifically what to look for when shopping for organic or eco-friendly wine:

“USDA-certified organic” means that the wine was produced without herbicides and pesticides and with no added sulfites, preservatives that help wine maintain its color and taste but that can cause serious allergic reactions and headaches in susceptible people. (Sulfites occur naturally, so no wine is sulfite free.)

“Made from organically grown grapes” means grapes were grown without pesticides or chemicals; some sulfites may have been added as a preservative. If you’re allergic, read the label carefully.

“Sustainable” may indicate the vineyard practices pesticide-free viticulture, using sheep to suppress weeds and owls to kill rodents. However, “sustainable” is not as meaningful as “organic” unless it is backed up by independent third-party certification.

“Biodynamic” practices rely on viticulture techniques that build healthy soil and keep the vineyard in tune with the cycles of the sun, moon, and planets. When certified by the Demeter Association, it’s safe to assume the vineyard met standards for biodynamic production.

Whether you’re having a party or just want to enjoy wine with dinner, these organic brands are worth a taste:

Benziger (biodynamic-California; shown in picture above)

Ca’del Solo (biodynamic-California)

Cullen (organic-Western Australia)

Emiliana (organic-Chile)

Four Gates (organic, kosher-California)

Frey Vineyards (organic-California)

Frog’s Leap (organic-California)

Grgich Hills (biodynamic-California)

Santa Julia (organic-Argentina)

Sobon Estate (organic-California)

Yarden Chardonnay (organic, kosher-Golan Heights)

But don’t forget to look locally first. All 50 states produce wine.

Want more options? Visit  Trade Organic Wine.

Our guide to green party planning guide will help, too.

Enjoy!

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