When it comes to good food, nothing goes better than an excellent, sophisticatedly paired bottle of wine. However, wine pairing is all too often overlooked for personal preference. Don’t get us wrong, you enjoy what you enjoy, but when it comes to wine – some choices are better than others. As your favorite restaurant in Nashua, our team is making life easy with this helpful ‘how to’ guide on pairing the two elements for a seamless, unforgettable experience. We promise your taste-buds and senses will thank you.

Here, weight actually matters.

Yes, we said it. The ‘weight’ or balance of your food to the body of wine is one of the most essential elements in a proper pairing. For instance, our applewood bacon mac n cheese is considered heavy, while the tuna tartare is a light dish. Although this concept is simple enough, it’s a bit trickier once you introduce wine. A good rule of thumb is the higher the alcohol content, the heavier the wine.

• Light White wines are those with an alcohol content under 12.5%. This category generally includes: sparkling, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Champagne
• Medium to Heavy White have an alcohol content between 12.5 and 13%. Anything higher is considered full-bodied. Types include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and many Rosés.
• Light Red wines include some Pinot Noir and Dolcetto
• Medium Reds include Malbec, Merlot, Chianti, and Zinfandels
• Heavy or Full-Bodied Red wines include Port wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah

Pairing made easy

While you may be tempted to order your go-to glass of Pinot, knowing which dish complements your wine will have your senses heightened. Below is a list of the most commonly ordered types of wine with their perfect pairing.

• Chardonnay: Considered a medium to heavy white wine, chardonnays pair well with full seafood dishes like seared ahi tuna and those with creamier sauces.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Another heavy wine, this red complements steak and lamb very well.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Another excellent choice to pair with seafood. However, for this one, you’ll want to stay a bit lighter and tangier, like a dish focused on scallops.
• Pinot Grigio: A customer favorite that pairs exceptionally well with lighter dishes like our Thai coconut quinoa bowl.
• Malbec: As a medium red, malbec goes well with red sauces and barbequed proteins.

No matter what you prefer, there is always a perfect pairing to be had. If you’re not quite sure, just ask our staff! At Stella Blu, we love good food, and we certainly love good wine too. So much in fact that we’ve devoted hump day as Wine down Wednesday! Be sure to stop in the only Nashua restaurant sure to appease the senses with the widest range of offerings in town, Stella Blu!