Dinner Party Ready: Best meals to cook and enjoy with Edenvale wines

Planning a dinner party and looking for perfect wine pairings? Whether you're organising a casual get-together or a more formal affair, choosing the right wine to serve with your meals can make all the difference. Wine and food should complement each other and enhance flavours, creating a more enjoyable dining experience.

When it comes to wine and food pairing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the weight of the wine; white wines are typically lighter than reds, so they match well with lighter foods, whereas red wines complement heartier dishes. Then there’s acidity; wines with higher acidity levels are a great accompaniment to fatty or rich foods, while lower acidity wines are best matched with lighter dishes.

With a little bit of trial and error, you can find the perfect pairing for any meal.

Chardonnay

As one of the most popular white wines, Chardonnay is a versatile varietal that can be paired with a wide range of foods. Whether you're serving a light seafood dish or heartier fare, Chardonnay is a standout choice.

Some popular food pairings include:

• Poultry – Chardonnay is an excellent match for poultry dishes, especially when the chicken or turkey is cooked with a creamy sauce. Look for a Chardonnay with a fuller body and creamy texture.
• Vegetables – This varietal can be a great pairing for vegetable-based meals, especially those with mushrooms or squash.
• Seafood – Chardonnay goes well with all kinds of seafood, from grilled fish to shrimp scampi. Choose a bottle with a light body and crisp acidity.
• Cheese – Chardonnay is a classic pairing for cheese, particularly soft and creamy varieties.

Our pick: Chardonnay

Shiraz

There are many types of Shiraz wines and each one pairs well with different foods. For example, a full-bodied Shiraz is the classic go-to for red meat, while a lighter Shiraz is best enjoyed with poultry or seafood.

• Full-bodied Shiraz – a great accompaniment to red meat, game, roasted lamb, beef brisket and dark chocolate.
• Medium-bodied Shiraz – opt for a menu of grilled vegetables, pizza, poultry, pork ribs, lamb or beef.
• Light-bodied Shiraz – enjoy with charcuterie, poultry, seafood or white meat.

Our pick: Shiraz, Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, full-bodied red wine that is an ideal partner to a variety of foods.

• It is an excellent choice for red meat (steak, lamb shanks or roast beef), as the tannins in the wine help to soften the fat in the meat.
• Cabernet Sauvignon also goes well with hearty stews and rich sauce-based pasta dishes.
• For a lighter option, try pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled chicken, salmon, vegetables and hard cheeses.

Our pick: Cabernet Sauvignon

Rosé

No matter what you're serving, Rosé is a versatile and food-friendly choice. Its light, refreshing flavour matches well with lighter fare such as antipasti, salads and seafood. It can also be enjoyed with heartier dishes such as grilled meats and pasta.

Some tried and tested pairings include:

• Cheese – Try a light, mild cheese like brie or goat’s cheese.
• Fruit – Rosé wine is particularly delicious with fresh berries or stone fruit.
• Salads – The acidity in Rosé pairs well with green salads or salads with vinegar-based dressings.
• Seafood – Rosé is a great choice for seafood dishes, especially those with a bit of spice.
• Chicken – The lightness of Rosé wine makes it a perfect pairing for many chicken dishes.

Our pick: Rosé, Sparkling Rosé

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc with its dry, crisp and refreshing palate is a popular choice for summertime gatherings. High in acidity, it’s a versatile drop that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. Often the acidity can make the wine taste sharp and can overwhelm some dishes, however, there are some foods that can stand up to the acidity of Sauvignon Blanc and even enhance the flavours of the wine.

Ideal food pairings with Sauvignon Blanc include:

• Shellfish
• Smoked salmon
• Poultry
• Pork
• Fresh salads
• Vegetables
• Cheese
• Fruit

Our pick: Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied wine with high acidity, moderate tannins and a complex flavour profile. It complements a wide variety of foods – everything from light salads to rich meats.

• Light salads – Try pairing Pinot Noir with a light salad for a refreshing and balanced meal.
• Rich meats – Pinot Noir has enough body to stand up to rich, hearty meats like lamb or steak. The acidity in the wine will also help to balance out the richness of the meat.
• Fish – Pinot Noir is a great choice for lighter fish dishes.

Our pick: Premium Reserve Pinot Noir

Grenache Shiraz

Although Grenache Shiraz wines can be enjoyed on their own, there are certain foods that can enhance their flavour. Grenache Shiraz matches well with a variety of dishes and as a medium-bodied wine, it is best served with food that is not too spicy or overwhelming in taste.

Here are a few favourite Grenache Shiraz pairings:

• Grilled salmon with a light lemon sauce
• Roast chicken
• Grilled or roasted vegetables with a light vinaigrette
• A simple cheese board with a range of different cheeses.

Our pick: Grenache Shiraz Mataro

Pinot Gris

When considering food pairings, Pinot Gris is a superb wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods.

• Its light body and acidity make it a great choice for pairing with white fish, chicken, tapas and salads.
• For heartier fare, Pinot Gris can also be enjoyed with grilled meats, pasta and roasted vegetables.
• And for a truly unique pairing, try serving Pinot Gris with a fruit-based dessert.

Our pick: Pinot Gris

Sparkling Wine

A lively, refreshing drop like a sparkling wine is a fantastic choice for lighter dishes such as salads, grilled fish and veggie-based meals. The bubbles in the wine will also help to cleanse the palate between bites.

Pop the cork and give some of these pairings a try:

• Seafood – Whether you're enjoying grilled prawns, oysters, calamari or lobster tail, Sparkling is the perfect wine to complement your seafood dish.
• Poultry – The light, delicate flavours in Sparkling wine are an ideal match for chicken or turkey.
• Vegetables – Sparkling is also a great choice for pairing with roasted or grilled vegetables.

Our pick: Sparkling Cuvee, Sparkling Cuvee Spanish

Edenvale wines offer the same varietal-specific flavour profile and aromas as regular alcoholic wines, without the effects of alcohol, making our range of premium alcohol-removed beverages a healthier alternative that can be enjoyed by everyone including pregnant women, non-drinkers and health-conscious individuals.

Looking for a premium non-alcoholic wine for your next dinner party? Explore the complete Edenvale range online or visit your nearest stockist.