3 Unusual Wine and Food Pairings that Actually Work
Prepare your taste buds for an unexpected culinary adventure that challenges traditional wine pairing norms. This article explores unconventional combinations that surprisingly complement each other, from sparkling rosé with spicy Korean chicken to Malbec paired with dark chocolate and blue cheese. Drawing on insights from seasoned sommeliers and culinary experts, discover why these unusual pairings actually work and how they can elevate your dining experience.
- Sparkling Rosé Elevates Spicy Korean Chicken
- Rooftop Rosé Meets Mexican Grilled Grasshoppers
- Malbec Marries Dark Chocolate and Blue Cheese
Sparkling Rosé Elevates Spicy Korean Chicken
One of the most unexpected pairings I've tried was sparkling rosé with spicy Korean fried chicken. Honestly, I didn't think it would work—the chicken was rich, crispy, and packed with heat, while the rosé felt a bit too delicate at first glance.
But once I tasted them together, I was genuinely surprised. The wine's bubbles cut right through the oil and crispiness, and its bright berry flavors complemented the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly. It didn't just hold up—it actually elevated the whole dish. The heat mellowed out, the flavors popped, and it turned into this really fun, refreshing experience.
It reminded me that great pairings aren't always about sticking to the rules. Sometimes, the most unlikely combinations turn out to be the most memorable.
Rooftop Rosé Meets Mexican Grilled Grasshoppers
Grilled grasshoppers and chilled rosé on a rooftop in Mexico City—yes, it actually worked.
I once had a client from San Francisco who booked a full-day city tour with us, and I decided to surprise them with a local food detour in Coyoacán. We ended up at a hidden rooftop overlooking the neighborhood's colonial rooftops, where I offered them a chilled bottle of Mexican rosé from Valle de Guadalupe and a platter of chapulines (grilled grasshoppers) with lime and chili. They hesitated, of course—but the pairing blew them away. The crisp acidity of the rosé cut through the earthy, umami crunch of the chapulines in a way that was bizarrely perfect.
That moment taught me something valuable for my business: luxury isn't always foie gras—it's authenticity with flair. Since then, I've curated similar surprise pairings for select guests who want a bit of adventure with their private driver experience. It's not just about getting from A to B—it's about discovering something unforgettable in between.
Malbec Marries Dark Chocolate and Blue Cheese
The most unusual wine and food pairing I've experienced that actually worked was a bold red wine, a Malbec, with dark chocolate and blue cheese. I know it sounds odd, but the richness of the Malbec and the strong flavors of the cheese balanced each other beautifully. The wine's deep berry notes complemented the bitterness of the dark chocolate, while the blue cheese added a savory, tangy contrast. The key was the texture contrast: the smooth, velvety wine paired perfectly with the crumbly, intense cheese and the creamy melt of the chocolate. It was an unexpected balance of sweet, savory, and umami that made the flavors pop in a way I hadn't anticipated. It worked so well because the boldness of the wine didn't get overwhelmed by the strong flavors of the cheese and chocolate, but instead enhanced them.
