Whether you are hosting a girls’ night, tailgate, or holiday celebration, there are a variety of Oklahoma wines to match your menu. When it comes to appetizers, the type of wine you choose can impact the dish’s flavors, so it is essential to pair the two carefully. As such, here are some general guidelines to follow when pairing wines with appetizers for your event.
Discover Oklahoma Wines and Food Flavors
When deciding on what wines to offer your guests, it is important to categorize your dish into one of the main flavor profiles. These profiles will help you determine which wines will work best for your appetizers of choice.
- Acidic – Acidic dishes can cause a wine to fall flat if not paired correctly. Generally, wines should be as acidic or more acidic than the dish to add freshness.
- Bitter – Bitter foods should not be paired with bitter wines. Instead, try pairing these foods with acidic whites or reds with lower tannins.
- Sweet – Sweet foods should be paired with wines that are as sweet or sweeter than the dish itself. If the food is sweeter, the wine will be overwhelmed.
- Salty – Acidic, fruity wines and sparkling wines are great for rounding out a salty appetizer.
- Umami – It is essential to consider the salt content of appetizers with an umami flavor palette. If it has a higher salt, go for acidic fruit wines. If it has lower salt, try sweet or off-dry wines.
What are Popular Oklahoma Grape Wine and Appetizer Pairings?
Whites
White discover Oklahoma wines bring in a lot of possibilities when it comes to your appetizers. Unoaked white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, pair well with zesty, crisp flavors and herbs, making it perfect for fresh salsa and guac with chips. Likewise, Riesling is an excellent choice for appetizers with more spice, such as teriyaki or buffalo chicken wings.
Reds
Most hosts shy away from serving full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon with starters because they are so heavy. Try medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Merlot if you want to incorporate red wines before the full meal. They will bring light fruit flavors without overpowering the appetizers. These wines pair well with meaty, savory flavors, so think pigs-in-a-blanket, beef sliders, a cheese ball, or nachos.
Sparkling
Sparkling Oklahoma wines remain a favorite for appetizers because of their crisp, light bubbles that refresh the palette. Although they are commonly associated with finer foods, like Champagne and caviar, sparkling wines are also great for basic starters. They pair beautifully with crisp, salty foods. Fried chicken, french fries, popcorn, and potato chips are great choices for sparkling wines.
Rosé
Rosé wines are a crowd favorite in the summer but delicious for any time of the year. They are versatile and widely popular. However, they pair best with soft cheeses like bruschetta, cured meats, salads, and tapas. If you plan to incorporate a charcuterie board or antipasti at your gathering, rosé is a recommended option to include on your menu.
Delicious Local Wines for Your Gatherings
If you are searching for the perfect Oklahoma grape wine for your gathering, consider visiting a local winery or vineyard. At the OGIC, we have members across the state serving delicious local wines you will surely enjoy. Please reach out for more information.