By Merilee Kern, MBA
Pairing wine with bitter foods is a nuanced art that can elevate the restaurant patron culinary experience to new heights…or undermine a great meal if not correctly considered. While some foods harmonize beautifully with acidic wines and others with sweet ones, navigating the complexities of bitterness requires a delicate balance.
Below the experts at VinoVoss.com—the wine search engine and recommendation system offering restaurants and event managers an AI Sommelier assist—offer insights on perfect pairings ensuring the flavors in both your wine and bitter-forward food complement each other flawlessly.
Some foods go well with acidic wines, while others pair nicely with sweet wines. However, bitterness in food can sometimes clash with certain wines if not matched carefully. The goal is to find wines that complement the bitterness without overpowering it, resulting in a harmonious taste in your mouth. These wines should enhance the bitterness without being too intense. The aim is to create a balanced flavor profile when pairing wine with bitter foods. Here are some expert tips to guide you through the world of pairing wine with bitter dishes.
Embrace Neutrality
When navigating the realm of bitter foods, opting for neutral wines can be a safe and surprisingly effective choice. Aromatic wines may impress at first, but neutral wines are better at enhancing flavors without overpowering them. Neutral wines can complement a wide variety of flavors without being too dominant.
Varietals like Jurancon Sec, Aligote, and Muscadet exemplify this neutrality. These white wines are acidic and have a subtle flavor. They pair well with bitter vegetables such as kale, endive, and artichokes.
The dish’s acidity balances the saltiness and richness. The subtle aromas and flavors of the dish prevent conflicts with the bitterness of the food.
Match Flavor Profiles
Aligning the flavor profile of your wine with the dish is fundamental to successful pairing. Opt for wines with grassy or herbal notes when facing bitter ingredients like chicory, endive, radicchio, or Brussels sprouts. Consider Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, Grüner Veltliner, or Sylvaner to complement the bitterness without intensifying it.
If you like dark chocolate, try pairing it with Amarone, an Italian wine that has a bitter taste. It’s a different option than the usual Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine has concentrated ripe fruit flavors, spiciness, and subtle bitterness. It pairs perfectly with cocoa-based treats that are not overly sweet. The flavors of the wine complement the flavors of the treats. It is a great combination for those who enjoy a balance of flavors.
Tread Lightly with Tannins
When selecting a red wine for bitter foods, tread lightly with tannins. While high acidity can balance bitterness, excessive tannins can accentuate it, leading to an unpleasant experience. Opt for red wines with low tannins and bright acidity, such as Gamay, light Pinot Noir, or Jura reds like Poulsard or Trousseau. Pineau d’Aunis from the Loire Valley also offers a delightful option for those seeking a red wine pairing.
If You are Still Hesitating, Go for Orange Wine
Orange wine, characterized by its skin maceration during fermentation, emerges as a versatile companion to bitter fare. The extended contact with grape skins gives the wine with depth, complexity, and delightful orange peel and dried citrus flavors that complement bitter dishes superbly.
Recommended Bitter Foods Pairings
Brussels sprouts: Pair roasted Brussels sprouts with goat cheese, walnuts, and pumpkin. Enjoy with a glass of Sancerre or Friulano. The wine will balance the rich flavors of the goat cheese and pumpkin. It will also enhance the earthy taste of the Brussels sprouts.
Kale Salad: Elevate the humble kale salad with the bright acidity of Aligote or Muscadet, creating a refreshing contrast to the bitterness of the greens.
Roasted Artichoke: Pair this indulgent treat with a Gruner Veltliner or Orange Wine to accentuate the artichoke’s natural sweetness while tempering its bitterness with layers of complex citrusy flavors.
