Written by Matt Check, Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse and a Level Four Certified Sommelier from the Wine School of Philadelphia, combines over a decade of experience crafting award-winning wines with expert knowledge in food and wine pairings. Known for his innovative approach and passion for sustainable practices, Matt brings trusted guidance to every wine enthusiast’s journey.
Wine pairing is a science that can turn a meal into an experience. If you are a vegan, gluten-free, keto, or other particular diet eater, choosing the right wine is as important as selecting the ingredients. You can use food pairing principles to make delicious, balanced combinations that meet your nutritional requirements as you enjoy the delights of pairing wine with food—a complementary pairing guide to wines that work for specific diets, with thoughtful suggestions on harmonious pairings from Cellar Beast Winehouse.
Vegan Diets
Vegan food typically includes fresh vegetables, legumes, and plant-based proteins that make the dish airy, earthy, or bright. Wine is the key to vegan cooking, with acidity, fruitiness, and texture to match the food’s inherent flavors.
Pairing Principles (with guidance from PETA and VegNews)
- Consider white wines with high acidity for pairing with leafy, green salads.
- Select earthy or herbal wines with umami-loaded dishes such as mushrooms or lentils.
Example Pairing:
If you're serving mushroom risotto or lentil stew, serve a light-bodied wine with rich fruit flavors like the 2022 Pinot Noir Reserve from Cellar Beast Winehouse. Its delicate texture, earthy notes, and smoky flavor complement these dishes.
2. Gluten-Free Diets
Most gluten-free meals are made with rice, quinoa, or corn at the core and accompanied by adventurous sauces or soft proteins. The pairing trick is to look at the food's prominent flavor, whether it’s a creamy coconut curry or a spicy tomato sauce, according to BeyondCeliac.
Pairing Principles:
- Crisp, whites with bright acidity pair well with citrusy, herbal, or fresh foods.
- Medium-bodied reds or rosés are great for rounding out sauces that can get overwhelming.
Example Pairing:
Cellar Beast Winehouse’s 2022 Cabernet Franc Rosé is excellent with a quinoa salad or gluten-free seafood paella. Its red berry flavors and crisp acidity are perfect for light, flavorful dishes.
3. Keto and Low-Carb Diets
Keto dishes are high-fat, high-protein foods like cheese, meat, and seafood. Wines for such dishes must achieve the correct balance between fat and structure and lack excessive sweetness to align with dietary plans.
Pairing Principles:
- Robust reds with firm tannins stand up to fatty foods and meats.
- Dry sparkling wines bring a fresh bite to creamy or rich foods.
Example Pairing:
The Cellar Beast Winehouse 2022 Grand Mélange, a multi-award-winning tannic wine, pairs well with grilled lamb or a cheese platter. Its velvety texture and bold tannins slice through thick, high-fat entrees like butter. PaleoHacks offers many great special diet recipes for wine pairings.
4. Pescatarian Diets
Pescatarian meals focused on fish and shellfish are well served with lively, acidity, and mineral-driven wines. These wines compliment the delicate, salty subtle flavors of fish without overwhelming them.
Pairing Principles:
- Sweet whites and rosés enhance seafood freshness.
- Be wary of reds with flavor intensity that may conflict with the light, clean delicate flavors of fish.
Example Pairing:
Cellar Beast Winehouse 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve: Citrus aromas and juicy acidity make this wine excellent for salty foods like grilled white fish, ceviche, or shellfish.
5. Dairy-Free Diets
Diary-free recipes swap creamy texture, favoring olive oil, nut butter, or coconut milk. Red wines with acidity or nutty notes can go well with these other texture types. Spruce Eats offers many great dairy-free recipes for wine pairings.
Pairing Principles:
- Citrus or tropical whites counter coconut curries or nut sauces.
- Low tannin, luscious reds go well with roast vegetables or tomatoes.
Example Pairing:
The 2022 Gewürztraminer from Cellar Beast Winehouse is a classic pairing for a coconut curry or roasted vegetable casserole. Its flavor and floral notes complement these notes. Its aromatic notes mesh with the food, especially in a spicy dish, and provide the perfect sweetness and spiciness.
6. Desserts and Special Treats
Unique diet desserts such as gluten-free chocolate tarts or vegan fruit sorbets demand wines that intensify or intensify sweetness. For a lovely celebration, seek out wines with a natural sweetness or a sparkling character.
Pairing Principles:
- Sweet wines go well with chocolate or berry dishes.
- Sparkling wines cleanse the mouth and offset sweet foods.
Example Pairing:
The Cellar Beast Winehouse Blanc de Noir (2022), a sparkling wine made with in the traditional Méthode Champenoise, accompanies berry sorbets or vegan chocolate mousse. Its crispness gives the dessert a slight sweetness while presenting a festive touch.
The Joy of Thoughtful Pairing
Once you learn the science behind creating the perfect pairing for a glass of wine with food, you can prepare memorable meals to fit any diet. The vast selection in Cellar Beast Winehouse is as diversified as it gets, from bold reds to clean whites and supple sparkling wines. To find the perfect wine for any occasion, visit Cellar Beast to take the dinner to the next level.
Cheers to inclusive, flavorful pairings!
References : Special Diet Pairings
Plant-Based (Vegan/Vegetarian) Pairings
- PETA – Vegan Wines and Food Pairings
Link: https://www.peta.org/living/food/match-favorite-meals-wines/ - VegNews – 7 Vegan Wine Pairings for Spring
Link: https://vegnews.com/recipes/vegan-wine-pairings-spring
Keto and Low-Carb Pairings
- Healthline – Keto-Friendly Wines
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/keto-wine- Incorporate wine types that align with low-carb dietary restrictions.
- Delish – Low-Carb Wine Choices
Link: https://www.delish.com/food-news/a29080429/best-low-carb-wines/- Useful for recommending low-carb wine brands.
Gluten-Free Pairings
- Beyond Celiac – Gluten-Free Alcohol Guide
Link: https://www.beyondceliac.org/event/gluten-free-wine-pairing/ - Verywell Fit – Gluten-Free Wine List
Link: https://www.verywellfit.com/is-wine-gluten-free-5095182
Dairy-Free Pairings
- The Spruce Eats – Wine Pairings for Dairy-Free Dishes
Link: https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-goes-with-red-and-white-wines-1762418
Paleo Diet Pairings
- Paleo Hacks – Best Paleo Wines
Link: https://blog.paleohacks.com/paleo-wine-guide/
References : Health and Nutrition
- Mayo Clinic – How Alcohol Fits into a Healthy Diet
Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551- To clarify moderation principles and address health concerns for dietary wine pairings.
References : Wine Education Resources
- Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) – Wine and Food Pairing Tips
Link: https://www.bordeaux.com/us/Discover/Wine-and-Food- Provides region-specific pairing insights for Bordeaux wines.
- Decanter – Food Pairing with Wines from Around the World
Link: https://www.decanter.com/learn/food-pairing/- A respected source for advanced wine pairing techniques.
