This is a guest post.
When it comes preparing a romantic dinner, here’s what you have to ultimately consider: Should you lead with wine, or lead with food? Here are three different three course meals and wine pairings that will wow your significant other.
Appetizers
Oysters
Oysters are a known aphrodisiac and so are a perfect way to start a romantic dinner. Pair them with a sweet fruity wine or sparkling. The bubbly dances on the tongue and complements the oysters.
Salad
Salad is a healthy and delicious way to start a meal though it isn’t easy to pair with wine because of the ingredients–raw veggies and acidic dressing—usually involved. If you want to pair a wine to a salad, it’s best to use a dressing that’s not heavy on vinegar so as to lower the acidity. For a light, sweet salad, choose an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminers. With more acidic salad, try Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Côtes du Rhone.
Cheddar Cheese Ball and veggies
The creamy cheese ball pairs well with Spanish red wines, because these varieties are high in tannins. Wines high in tannins go with foods high in fats, like cheese.
Main Course
Beef or Spicy Chicken
For a main course with beef or spice, select a Merlot. It’s medium bodied with a touch of sweetness that pairs with cayenne and other heat creating spice.
Pasta
Chianti is a dry, Italian wine that pairs well with pasta dishes, particularly those with red sauces. It also has a pleasant smell that’s reminiscent of ripe cherries.
Dessert
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate is a great way to end a romantic meal because it stimulates parts of the brain that makes you feel good. Think about pairing chocolate mousse pairs with a lovely Chardonnay
Ice Cream Sundaes
Ice cream sundaes are a messy, tantalizing, and sweet way to your romantic dinner. Pair them with Sherry for an even sweeter conclusion.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a healthier, but still sweet, way to end your date. A dry Riesling can accent the natural sugars in fruit without overpowering the individual flavors.
With so many varieties of wine, there’s a bottle for every dish. However, because of the plethora of choices, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Come prepared with an idea of what you want to cook and ask the staff for recommendations and ideas.
Have you ever made a romantic dinner for your significant other? What wines did you use? Tell us about it.
This guest post was written by a content editor for Personal Wine. To learn more about Personal Wine, check out our site –> www.personalwine.com. Image courtesy of sodahead.com.
Michelle F. says
never really paired my wine well. thanks for the list.
ANN*H says
Im not a wine drinker either but my daughter and them are . So this is good for me to know so when I buy them wine I know what goes with what .Thanks for the information – very helpful to me
Michelle F. says
love Pinot Grigio
Elena says
I like to have Moscato with my dessert, it’s especially good with cheesecake
Robin Wilson says
I hate to admit it, but I am not crazy about wine. But my husband and son are wine lovers. I am sure that at some time in the last 30 years I have made a romantic dinner or two, but it has been a long time. With the hours that my husband works we don’t get to sup together. These tips are very helpful.
sandyvanhoey says
My daughter likes an occasional glass of win but I have never been a wine drinker at all.
anaudreymoment says
I’m not much of a wine drinker, but this a great guide!
Katie Gehrmann says
Thanks for the info!
Janet W. says
We don’t really drink too much. My husband will have a beer every now and then. But the foods you listed above all sound delicious!
Tammy S says
Great info. I don’t drink a lot of wine. I do like to give it as a hostess gift so this will help me out. Thanks.
Sandy Cain says
Silly me – I never pay any attention to the “right wine” – if it tastes good, that’s what matters. White, red, rose’, even sparkling. I once made a romantic dinner for my (ex)husband, complete with wine, candles, etc. He ate and then went to bed. Alone. AArrgghhh!
Jennifer H says
Poor Sandy! :/
Liz Mays says
I’m probably doing it totally wrong because I just drink whatever wine I like with everything!
YellowTennessee says
What a great list. My husband is not a wine drinker and I rarely drink it but this is handy to know.
thequirkymomma says
If I can drink wine (a true rarity) I like white wines,and fruity dessert wines.
strangedazeindeed says
I like Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Kait says
Oh wine how I miss you…just 4 more months until we reunite!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I haven’t had wine in SO long! Thanks for the suggestions!
Anne says
I never know what kind of wine to serve with dinner, thanks for the tips. I usually just go with read with beef and white with chicken, but I know it is more complicated than that
June S. says
My son bought me a bottle of wine not too long ago that was a red chocolate wine. It was so good.
Katie says
that’s a great guide – I am not really a wine drinker, but I stick to whites when I do
Jennifer H says
I enjoy whites myself. 🙂
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I usually gravitate towards Chardonnays and Cabs.