I am doing a birthday dinner for my boyfriend and thought I would keep it simple with some good quality whole foods. I know very little about wine pairing and am trying to figure out if his fav foods together will be good with the wine I've got. I've got fresh goat cheese, crackers, good quality jam and homemade bread, porcini mushroom ravioli and pesto, and some tiramisu. I've also got some Muscato and a good merlot. Will the merlot go, and what should we drink the Muscato with? thanks!!
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
You certainly have an eclectic mix of food, which makes pairing with wine rather more complex. Honestly, I think you'll probably need another wine or two to work with all the flavors. If your Moscato is a typical Moscato d'Asti, it has a delicate effervescence, a pronounced grapey perfume, and a sweet taste. It will be best either on its own at the end of the meal, or with delicate fruit-based desserts which are not too sweet as the jam could be. Tiramisu, with strong accents of cocoa, mocha and coffee, will kill a fine Moscato of this type; it calls for something like a Passito di Pantelleria (also Moscato-based) or a glass of Tawny Port. A Merlot (origin and price level?) would be best with the mushroom ravioli and, possibly, the pesto. Fresh goat cheese is mild and a bit tangy and salty; it will pair best with a young,unoaked white wine with firm acidity (Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc) or a basic brut sparkling wine. Adding these wines won't cost a fortune, as you can find good options for $10 to $20 per bottle, including a wine suitable for tiramisu in half bottle. I'm sure your boyfriend is worth the extra!
