Perfect Match: Everyday Wines, Everyday Food Pairings

Wine and food have always been a match made in heaven. A well-paired glass of wine can elevate a dish and bring out flavours that would otherwise remain hidden. While it’s easy to think of wine pairing as something reserved for fancy dinners and special occasions, the truth is that everyday wines can also be paired with everyday meals. 

Whether you’re enjoying a cosy night in or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, there’s a perfect wine to pair with your meal. Join us as we explore some easy and accessible wine and food pairings that you can try at home. Best of all? Our Straits Wine Company Everyday Wines special only showcases bottles for $100 and below. Hurray for major savings! For more information on promos and other exciting happenings – from wine tastings and masterclasses to chef collaborations – follow us on @straitswinecompany on Instagram and Facebook. 

De Martino Las Cruces Malbec / Carmenere 2019

De Martino Las Cruces Malbec/Carmenere 2019 is a red wine blend from Chile’s Maipo Valley, which is known for producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends. This particular wine is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Carmenere grapes. In terms of appearance, the wine has a deep ruby colour with hints of purple. On the nose, it presents an intense bouquet of blackberry, black cherry, and plum, with subtle notes of vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, De Martino Las Cruces Malbec/Carmenere 2019 is a full-bodied wine with ripe tannins and a balanced acidity. 

The flavours are reminiscent of the aromas, with prominent black fruit notes and a touch of oak from ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months. Overall, this wine is a great example of a classic Chilean blend, with bold fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and a long finish. It pairs well with red meat, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and aged cheeses.

Photo credit: Joel Gott Wines

Joel Gott Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2020

Overall, Joel Gott Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2020 is a delicious and well-balanced wine that showcases the best of California Chardonnay. Its richness and creaminess make it a great match for flavorful dishes, while its fruit-forward character and refreshing acidity make it a pleasure to drink on its own. 

On the nose, Joel Gott Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2020 has notes of apple, pear, and tropical fruit, along with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and has flavours of ripe peach, lemon, and butterscotch, with a subtle mineral finish. This vino pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood such as grilled shrimp or lobster, creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, roasted chicken or turkey, and rich, buttery cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

De Grendel Merlot 2019

Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape region, De Grendel Merlot 2019 is 100% Merlot and is aged in oak barrels for 14 months, which gives it a smooth and velvety texture. With this bottle, expect aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, with a hint of vanilla and spice. The wine is medium-bodied and has notes of red plum, blackcurrant, and a touch of chocolate, with soft tannins and a long finish. 

This wine pairs well with a range of dishes, such as grilled or roasted meats, particularly lamb or beef, as well as hearty stews and casseroles. It also pairs well with rich and tangy cheeses, such as blue cheese or mature cheddar. Looking for a vegetarian pairing? You’ll be pleased to know this goes well with mushroom-based dishes, like a mushroom risotto or even simple creations like roasted portobello mushrooms.

Photo credit: Altos Las Hormigas

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2020

We’re showing some love for Malbec wine with Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2020. This glorious option is a red wine from Argentina’s Mendoza region. The wine is made from 100% Malbec grapes and is aged in oak barrels for 12 months. 

The wine has a dark ruby hue and an intense aroma of dark berries, including blackberry, black cherry, and plum, with hints of vanilla and spice. Full-bodied with soft tannins and a well-balanced acidity, this Malbec Reserve carries tasting notes that are complex. Look forward to notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso, with a long and smooth finish. 

This Malbec Reserve pairs well with grilled meats, particularly beef and pork, as well as roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers. It also pairs incredibly well with hard cheeses such as Manchego and Gouda, and rich and spicy dishes like beef stew or chilli. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with lentil or bean dishes, such as lentil soup or black bean chilli.

Domaine Jacques Tissot AOC Arbois Poulsard 2018

Made from the Poulsard grape variety, which is known for its light colour and delicate flavours, the Domaine Jacques Tissot AOC Arbois Poulsard 2018 originates from the Jura region of France. Its refreshing acidity and delicate notes make it a great choice for warmer climates (hello, Singapore!) or for those who prefer lighter wines.

You’ll pick up aromas of red berries, such as raspberry and cranberry, with a hint of spice and earthiness. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied with low tannins and a refreshing acidity. The flavours are delicate, with notes of red fruit, rose petals, and a hint of minerality. 

This wine pairs well with a variety of lighter dishes. Think roasted chicken, grilled fish, and vegetable dishes like ratatouille or roasted root vegetables. It’s also a great wine to enjoy as an aperitif or with light appetisers like bruschetta or charcuterie. In terms of cheese pairing, Domaine Jacques Tissot AOC Arbois Poulsard 2018 goes well with soft and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as well as nutty and slightly tangy cheeses like Comté or Gruyere. 

Photo credit: Alpha Box & Dice

Alpha Box & Dice Very Special Riesling 2022

Boutique winery Alpha Box & Dice is a South Australian winery known for its experimental approach to winemaking, using unconventional grape varieties and blending techniques to create distinctive and complex wines. The Alpha Box & Dice Very Special Riesling 2022 boasts aromas of clean and crisp white flowers, citrus zest and crabapples, and one the palate, it bursts with generous flavour immediately that tightens towards a linear finish, with structure and acidity intertwined in a sweet, harmonious embrace.

When it comes to food pairings, you can go with shrimp, scallops, and oysters, as well as Asian dishes like sushi and Thai food. Rieslings also pair well with light salads and vegetarian dishes. The acidity of the wine can help cut through the richness of the dish and enhance the flavours.

Alois Lageder Conus Lagrein 2019 *Bio

With its firm tannins and high acidity, Alois Lageder Conus Lagrein 2019 *Bio makes a great choice for dishes with rich sauces or bold flavours, while its dark fruit and chocolate notes complement the richness of the dish. 

Alois Lageder Conus Lagrein 2019 *Bio is a red wine from the Alto Adige region of Italy. On the nose, Alois Lageder Conus Lagrein 2019 *Bio has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with hints of spice and chocolate. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a velvety texture and flavours of dark fruit, cocoa, and espresso. This wine pairs well with a variety of hearty meat dishes, such as grilled steak, roasted lamb, and game meats like venison or wild boar. It’s also a great wine to pair with rich and flavorful Italian dishes, like pasta with meat sauce, lasagna, or osso buco. In terms of cheese pairing, Alois Lageder Conus Lagrein 2019 *Bio goes well with aged and hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as nutty and creamy cheeses like Gouda or Fontina.