Wine Pairings with Meat Chart
These heatmap show the most recommended meat pairings for each type of wine. These recommendations were found on different sites of meats and wine. Dishes were not included, only meats. Darker colors translate into more sites approving that pairing. Hover over the heatmap to see the number of approvals for each pairing.
Meat Classification
Meats were classified by flavor not by phylogenetic relations between animal species. For the wine and meats pairings, the meats where grouped as follows:
- Red Meat: Beef, Veal, Pork
- Other Meats: Sausage, Lamb, Venison, Game
- Poultry: Chicken, Duck, Turkey
- Lean and Flaky Fish: plaice, sole, perch
- Mild Flavor: Halibut, Trout, Red Snapper, Grouper, Cod
- Medium Textured fish: Flounder, Seabass,Tilapia, and Sole
- Meaty Fish: Salmon, Tuna, Bluefish, Swordfish
- Strong Flavored Fish: Herring, Mackerel, Sardines, and Anchovies
- Shellfish: Oyster, Scallops, Shrimp, Lobster, Prawns, and Crab
Wine Classification
Choosing what wine goes with your food is easier once you know what kind of wines are out there, and how they came to be.
Yes, the color is a good guide, but here is much more than color when it comes to choosing a wine.
The wines were represented and classified as follows:
| Wine Types | Names | |
 | Dry Wines | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio |
 | Sweet Wines | Moscato, Riesling |
 | Rich Wines | Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier |
 | Sparking Wines | Champagne, Prosecco, Cava |
 | Rose Wines | Dry Rose |
 | Light and Red Wines | Pinot Noir |
 | Medium Red Wines | Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet |
 | Bold Red Wines | Shiraz or Syrah, Malbec |
 | Dessert Red Wines | Sherry, Port |
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Wine and Meat Pairings
For the pairings, dishes or prepared food pairing sites were avoided. Also sites that give you hints or guides to pair wines and foods according to taste.
The summary was focused on specific names. Most common or referenced wines, and meats are included.
There are many different kinds of wines that go well with meats but were not mentioned in these lists.
This list is definitely biased towards wines common in English speaking countries.
If you cannot stop thinking about wine paired with meat, I suggest you get from Amazon Lobel's Meat and Wine: Great Recipes for Cooking and Pairing.
The book describes and integrates the flavors of wine and reveal which of its components are the most food-friendly.
If you want to learn about other pairings, go to cheese and wine pairings!
16 Best Wine and Meats Pairings
According to our review, these are the best wine and meats pairings and counts:
- Cabernet and Beef: 9
- Merlot and Beef: 7
- Chardonnay and Chicken: 6
- Pinot Noir and Tuna: 6
- Sauvignon and Oyster: 6
- Sauvignon and Scallops: 6
- Chardonnay and Pork: 5
- Chardonnay and Veal: 4
- Shiraz and Pork: 4
- Cabernet and Venison: 4
- Pinot Noir and Chicken: 4
- Pinot Noir and Duck: 4
- Pinot Noir and Salmon: 4
- Sauvignon and Shrimp: 4
- Chardonnay and Lobster: 4
- Sauvignon and Prawns: 4
Cabernet and Beef
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine known for its full-bodied and robust characteristics. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including beef.
The rich and complex flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon complement the savory taste of beef dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The wine's tannins and bold flavors provide a nice contrast to the meat's richness. The wine's tannins can cut through the richness of the meat, balancing the overall taste.
Overall, the wine's boldness can stand up to the intensity of the meat, providing a satisfying combination.
When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with beef dishes, consider the level of seasoning, sauces, and cooking methods used in the preparation.
Additionally, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combinations.
From the chart is obvious that beef pairs well with red wines.
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Merlot and Beef
Merlot is another popular red wine variety that pairs well with beef. It is known for its medium to full body, soft tannins, and fruity flavors.
When it comes to beef, Merlot can complement various cuts and preparations.
Merlot's smooth and fruity characteristics make it a great companion for roast beef. The wine's flavors can complement the savory and juicy flavors of the meat, enhancing the overall experience.
Its medium body and soft tannins won't overpower the dish, allowing the beef and other ingredients to shine.
Sauvignon and Chardonnay is preferentially paired with shellfish.
The meat grouping had little correlation with the most popular pairings found.
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Chardonnay and Chicken
Chardonnay is a white wine that can complement a wide range of chicken dishes. Its versatility and varying styles make it a popular choice when pairing with poultry.
Chardonnay's medium to full body and flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and buttery notes can beautifully complement the savory flavors of a roasted chicken.
The wine's acidity can cut through the richness of the chicken, creating a balanced pairing.
Chardonnay's crispness and fruit-forward profile can enhance the flavors of grilled or pan-seared chicken breast. It adds a refreshing contrast to the chicken's charred or caramelized exterior while complementing its inherent juiciness.
Map of Goat Production in Europe
Pinot Noir and Tuna
Pairing Pinot Noir with tuna can create a delightful combination. Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine that tends to have lighter body, bright acidity, and flavors of red fruits, earthiness, and sometimes a hint of spice.
When it comes to tuna, it's important to consider the preparation and seasoning to find the best pairing.
The wine's acidity and delicate flavors can complement the meaty and slightly smoky flavors of the tuna.
Look for a Pinot Noir with vibrant fruit flavors and subtle earthiness to enhance the pairing.
When enjoying fresh tuna sashimi, a light-bodied Pinot Noir with bright acidity can work well. The wine's elegance and subtle flavors won't overpower the delicate taste of the raw fish, allowing both to shine.
For your convenience Amazon can deliver wine to your home. Flowers Pinot Noir is a Sonoma county wine, with floral expressions of lilac and fresh roses. Fruit flavors of Santa Rosa plum and cranberry. Notes of cedar, clove and baking spice linger for a long, savory finish.
Follow Me
I expected a more comprehensive list. I expected every wine producer, fine dining restaurant, and Napa valley vineyard to have a wine, meat, cheese pairing suggestion. If you see a worthy list, send it to me. I will be pleased to add it to this graph.
Sources for Wine and Meat Pairings
The list of reference sites is as follows:
- Most Wine Pairings Make No Sense
- Easy Wine Pairings
- Wine and Food Pairings: http://sedimentality.com/list-of-wine-and-food-pairings/
- Food and Wine Tips
- The Ultimate Guide to Wine and Food Pairings
- Summer Wines and Food Pairings
- Wine and Food Pairing primer
- Williams Sonoma suggestions
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