Description

General Tso Chicken is very similar to Sesame Chicken, just a bit sweeter. A slightly chilled glass of Lambrusco is the perfect wine match.

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Emilia Romagna that can have enough residual sugar to match the sweetness, and enough acidity to cut the fatty oil used to fry the chicken.

Gamay, with its combination of light body, high acidity and fruit explosion works well too.

A not too dry Rosé matches both the sweetness of the dish and the color of the sauce.

Bubbles are always a great choice, especially if the chicken is crispy fried.

Go Local if You Can

Let local wines complement the flavors of local food.

Pairing local wine with local food will enhance the dining experience by harmonizing the characteristics of the wine with the ingredients and cooking styles of the region:

Terroir

The environmental factors, soil, climate, and topography, that influence the characteristics of a wine, represent the Wine Terroir of a region. The ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques represent the Cuisine Terroir.

Culture and Tradition

Local wines are deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of a region. Pairing them with local cuisine creates an authentic culinary experience. For example, if a region is known for its hearty, red meat dishes, a robust and full-bodied red wine from the region will enhance the dining experience.

Ask for Help

Let local chefs and winemakers collaborate to create innovative pairings that showcase the best of the region.

A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine with the richness of the meat for the best pairing experience.

Examples

Pairing Italian Chianti with traditional Tuscan dishes like Pasta with Ragu or Beef Fiorentina.

Enjoy a Red Burgundy with classic French dishes like coq au vin or boeuf Bourguignon.

Matching Spanish Rioja with Paella or Tempranillo with Tapas.