{"id":19081,"date":"2024-03-15T00:00:31","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T00:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/?p=19081"},"modified":"2024-03-15T00:00:32","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T00:00:32","slug":"best-food-and-wine-pairings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carnival.com\/awaywego\/lifestyle\/food-drink\/best-food-and-wine-pairings","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to the Best Food and Wine Pairings on a Cruise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A cruise is a chance to embark upon new horizons\u2014 new destinations, new sights, new friends, and, of course, new flavors! Mastering the art of wining and dining isn\u2019t easy, but here at Carnival, we like to think we\u2019ve got it down. It\u2019s not just about enjoying some truly delicious food and wine; it\u2019s about the delectable delight of finding the perfect pairing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, we\u2019re here to give you a rundown of some of the best cruise drinks and food pairings onboard a Carnival cruise vacation with a little help from pros like Eric Brown, Director of Beverage Operations with Carnival, and Certified Cicerone! Ready, set, sip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complementary vs. Congruent Wine Pairings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, now for the main event\u2014 the art of choosing the perfect pairing. From the bold flavors of a Pinot Noir or Cabernet to the crisp bubbly taste of prosecco and champagne, get ready to find the perfect balance of sipping and savoring. But before we start pairing, Eric thinks you should know that pairings can be either complementary or congruent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A complementary pairing is one in which your chosen wine has an opposite flavor profile than your food. Think steak and red wine\u2014 the high fat content of the meat contrasts the wine\u2019s tannins (compounds in wine that make varietals fuller-bodied, and also highlight fruity and savory notes), which also soften the fat and release more of the meat\u2019s flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A congruent pairing is one in which the food and beverage share a flavor, like dessert paired with sweet wines, or a spicy red varietal paired with smoked meat. Just make sure that neither overwhelms the other\u2014 the purpose of a congruent pairing is to make the food and beverage enhance one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Red Wine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll tell you a little secret: the trick with red wine pairings is finding a dish that enhances the bold flavors without overpowering them. Hearty, rich dishes are still fair game\u2014 in fact, they\u2019re preferred! Strong tannins pair beautifully with foods rich in flavor and tenderness. When in doubt, just remember that reds should be more acidic than the food you pair it with. Here are some of our top onboard pairing picks for red wines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n