Women in Business

Pairing Basics

Leslie Sbrocco gives you pairing tips to confidently match any wine with any meal.

First, throw out the old idea of only white wine with fish and red wine with meat. You're really matching the texture - full with full, light with light. A delicate dish with a subtle sauce will pair with a lighter white, and a hearty dish will be enhanced by a full-bodied red or full-bodied white.
Complement aromas and flavors.
Contrast characteristics of the wine: use the acidity in wine like a knife to cut through rich dishes.
Consider the sauces: creamy mustard sauce on any dish deserves the same wine pick, whether the base is chicken, veal, salmon or vegetables.

Once you're armed with tips on wine business etiquette, you'll have the confidence to sit back, relax and seal the deal!