Pairing Wines And Friends: 5 Winning Matches

Pairing food and wine is an art, but let's play a game and try to match the friends we all have to different bottles of wine. Here's what you should drink with your girlfriends and what with your man.

Showing up to meet a friend with a bottle of wine is already a fantastic approach to bonding, but tastes in wine is very personal. Just like food, certain types of friends match better with certain types of wine. Think about it: you have your favorite wines and so do they.

1. The girly crew: Prosecco

girls drinking wine

When sugar, spice and everything nice get together, the result is as lively as the bubbles of this refreshing Italian sparkling wine. Don’t be shy to bring it chilled for a sleepover, or order a bottle to mark the start of an unforgettable girl’s night out.

The beauty of Prosecco is that it is an affordable alternative to sparkling wines such as Champagne, but still a lovely wine in its own right so you won’t feel you’re missing out. Its floral and delicate aromas and light acidity are delightful by themselves, but add some summer fruit to it or freshly squeezed orange juice for some fabulous and absurdly easy brunch cocktails.

2. The sophisticated friend: Chablis

We all have that friend that is pure elegance. Although she’s not necessarily into fashion, you admire her timeless style and know that she puts effort and love into it.

girls with wine

Catch up with this chic lady over a bottle of Chablis, one of France’s most popular white wines—and for good reason. It’s made in a privileged region where the land gives the grapes a distinctive mineral touch, which translates into a crisp, dry white wine that is graceful and neat just like this friend.

Chablis is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes, but in the wine, the result is never too sweet or overly ripe. The fruit aromas are greener and even some fresh cut grass can be perceived as can a dainty taste of both limestone and graphite.

3. The cool mentor: Australian Shiraz

people cheering with wine

Whether they’re a dream boss, a successful colleague or a friendly teacher, having a senior person to look up to and who happens to become our friend is amazing as you get to learn and have fun while you’re together while getting valuable advice and guidance.

I’d say uncorked but with Australian Shiraz, we’re likely talking about a screw cap bottle (so you’ll be forgiven if you forgot the wine opener!). Just open it and enjoy this wine that has lots of flavor but doesn’t feel astringent as other strong reds might.

A lot of red and black fruits will be the main feature of its taste, with a blend of sweet spices and maybe even leather or chocolate to add complexity to the mix.

4. The quiet book lover: Pinot Noir

She’s not into small talk and identifies as an introvert. This is the friend with whom you love to discuss books and movies; she’s the one who will roll her eyes at weather-related conversations, but will jump to chat about the big questions in a small group that has earned her trust.

Show up with a delicate bottle of Pinot Noir—one of the pickiest grapes to grow who is just like this friend who only shows how interesting and cool she is when she feels safe and comfortable.

The tannins (compounds that cause the wine’s astringency) of this wine are very mild, so it is very easy to drink—even for those that are not big fans of red wines. If you really want to make her weak, show up with two bottles: one for you to share and one for her to have later as she catches on her reading.

5. The guy friend: Albariño

man and woman drinking wine

Your friendship is completely platonic: you both know that, and no matter how many times people ask if you are dating, he’s almost like family and you’re actually rooting for him to get the girl.

Catching up with a friend who happens to be a guy is easy over some quirky craft beers, but hanging out together can also be matched to a wine that, like him, is manly and energetic but has a warm and friendly personality that gets along with everyone.

Albariño is a Spanish white wine that will make you think about a fun day by the beach at the first sip. A mix of citrus, white flowers and minerals come together in this zesty, life-loving Galician treat.

There’s a wine to match every personality, which means that there’s never a reason not to enjoy a bottle of wine while hanging out with friends. Although these are the most common types of friends, there are certainly more wines out there that would match these personalities, so don’t be scared to try them out. What wines would you recommend?

About the author

Gabriela Guedez Hamerlok

Gaby’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.

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