Here at Hickey’s Wine & Spirits, we pride ourselves on not only an outstanding wine selection but also a full spread of appetizers and snacks to go with them. We’ve built our experience and pantry over the 100 years we’ve been in business, and today we’re going to share some of our favorite wine-and-appetizer pairings to make sure your next dinner or party is outstanding.
Red Wine and Appetizer Pairings
Red wines are known for their strong flavors and acidity, which makes them best for balancing out heavier, stronger flavors.
- Bold Red Wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot: The strong tannins break down protein and pair well with rich food. Pair with beef, such as meatballs or sliders, hearty dips, and added cheddar.
- Lighter Red Wines, like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais: These wines have high acidity and earthy notes, which complement mushrooms and roasted appetizers. Pair with mushroom spanakopita, tarts or stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie, or grilled chicken.
- Rosé, Dry, Savory, or Sweet: Rosé is a very versatile wine that’s a great option if you’re going to have a limited selection of wines. It’s acidity means it pairs well with charcuterie, bruschetta, olives, and milder hard cheeses like cheddar.
White Wine and Appetizer Pairings
Most white wines pair better with seafood, fruits, and herbaceous dishes, while sweeter whites can also balance out salty or spicy dishes.
- Full Bodied White Wines, such as Chardonnay or Viognier: These creamy, buttery whites match like foods. Pair best with creamy dips such as artichoke-spinach or seafood like scallops, or with soft, mild cheeses like brie.
- Crisp White Wines, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio: The citrus and herbaceous notes best complement fresh, light flavors. Pairs best with goat cheese, fresh seafood such as shrimp cocktails or ceviche, and vegetable crudités.
- Sparkling White Wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco: These highly acidic, bubbly wines cut through fat and salt to refresh the palate. Pair with salty foods like salty snacks or fried calamari, savory charcuterie, and smoked salmon.
Other Wine and Appetizer Pairing Tips
Charcutier and cheese spreads are great because everyone can find something they like that also complements the wines on offer. Make sure it’s not just meat, but also soft and firm cheeses, vegetables (including pickled), and some seasonally appropriate fresh fruits. Some snack food options, such as chips and nuts, and desserts, are a great way to round it out. In the summer, grilling options like meat and vegetables can elevate both the cookout and the wine pairings.
At Hickey’s Wine & Spirits, we’ve been helping Worcester County with their next party for over 100 years now. Not only do we have an amazing selection of over 2000 wines from all across the world, but we also have a fully stocked store of pairings for these wines, including quick snacks, refrigerated meats and cheeses, and even a bakery for fresh bread. Need more ideas? Come in and talk to our experts, and don’t forget about our cocktail book and our annual beer and wine tastings.
