Introduction
As the air turns crisp, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves and the fragrance of fermented grapes and bonfires, it’s time to enjoy a beautiful pairing of wine with the comfort foods of the fall season. Whether you’re planning to host an intimate get-together as Halloween and Thanksgiving approach, or you want to enjoy a simple day at home, nestled in the warmth of the indoors, here are 5 wine pairings with the delicacies of fall season that must be included in your menu for this golden time.
5 Wine And Comfort Food Pairings: Fall Edition
Pinot Noir And Roasted Duck
Pinot Noir is known for being light to medium bodied with a symphony of sweet, fruity flavors, making it a great match for roasted and smoky meats. The primary flavors of a Pinot Noir consist of red fruits such as cherry, and raspberries, however, it also comes in hibiscus, vanilla, and sometimes even mushroom flavors with lower tannins. The dry texture of the wine is complemented by higher acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat to burst into a celebration of flavors.
Much like a roasted chicken recipe, a roasted duck pairs well with a glass of Pinot Noir. In fact, it’s one of the classic pairings that work amazingly well, especially for fall. If you want to spruce up the earthiness of the Pinot Noir, add a touch of spice to your roasted duck. The dish is simple to prepare, making it a perfect comfort food to enjoy with a slightly cold glass of Pinot Noir. To prepare the roasted duck, use a mixture of oils and spices, and roast it for about 30 minutes, almost the same amount of time that it would take to decant a Pinot Noir. Enjoy the delicacy as you watch the golden leaves of the trees falling like snowflakes.
Cabernet Sauvignon And Pork Chops
How can we talk about wines and forget Cabernet Sauvignon, the queen of red wines? Known across the world for its higher tannins and full-bodied flavors, this acidic liquor pairs well with any and every red meat delicacy. The oaky flavors of the wine are enhanced with a sophisticated touch of cherries, currants, vanilla, and chocolate. The full-bodied wine perfectly complements the rich taste of red meats.
This is where pork chops come into the picture. There are many ways to make pork chops, but all of them would work as a comfort fall dish when paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. If you want to experience the warmth of comfort food, cook your pork chops with a creamy garlic sauce. The flavors will pair well with the sweet acidity of the Cabernet Sauvignon. To make the most of your meal, serve the wine at a cooler temperature. It’s also a good idea to open up the bottle 2 to 3 hours before you plan to enjoy it to let the oxygen in and enhance the aroma and tannins of the wine.
Champagne And Butter Lobster 
A glass of champagne accompanied by rich seafood has always been considered a classy meal, but there’s something comforting about enjoying buttered lobster with a glass of champagne, as you sit outside on a crisp fall day. Just remember to put some heavy plastic sheets on the lawn to keep your grass protected and yourself warm as you sit outside for a beautiful at-home romantic wine tasting date.
Butter lobsters are simple to make and taste delicious, and what better way to enjoy them than with a sip of sparkling champagne. The fatty tones of the butter lobster are well complemented with the highly acidic champagne that makes the meal a pleasurable experience, something that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home, and still have a bougie experience.
Riesling And Fried Chicken
It might sound out of the ordinary, but a simple fried chicken meal with a glass of Riesling can be the ultimate fall comfort meal that’ll make you enjoy every minute of your eating. While dry Riesling is known for its earthy flavors such as herbs and spices, a sweet Riesling is usually made with berries and other fruits. If you want to enjoy a contrasting sweet flavor of Riesling with a spicy treat, go for fried chicken.
Whether you want to get takeout or make fried chicken from scratch at home, the spicy flavors of the white meat will beautifully complement the sweet taste of the wine. It’s a creative blend, and something out of the ordinary because you’re pairing a casual dish with a light-bodied wine that’s known for its high acidic content. But the pairing of the white wine with the white meat makes so much sense, and it’s delicious!
Orange Moscato And Vanilla Cake
How can you enjoy this season of holidays without a perfect dessert? If you plan to have a romantic wine tasting and dessert date night at home, or simply want to have something sweet this fall, a combination of orange Moscato with vanilla cake can seem like a match made in heaven. Known for its sweet light-bodied texture, the white wine has strong notes of orange and honey, giving it a citrus-sweet taste. Since a light-bodied wine should be paired with an easily digestible food type, a sweet vanilla dessert such as a cake can be a perfect accompaniment to the wine.
You can bake the cake from scratch or get a boxed cake to enjoy with the wine. The sweetness of the cake paired with the sweetness of the white wine makes the dessert even more special, something that you can look forward to sharing with your loved ones this holiday season. Feel free to add some fruits to the cake for an additional touch of flavors.
Final Thoughts
Fall is one of those seasons when you just want to be warm and cozy, eat your favorite comfort food, and sip your favorite wines with your favorite people. The wine pairings given above are easy to make and will make you feel warm inside. Whether you plan to enjoy a gourmet butter lobster with champagne or eat a delicious vanilla cake with orange Moscato, fall is the perfect time to do so. Make the most of your holidays with these easy-to-make delicacies and fine wine pairings.