Kölsch

Alsatian tarte flambée (flammekueche) is a thin, crisp flatbread topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and lardons (bacon). The savory, smoky flavors from the pork and the creamy base call for wines with bright acidity and subtle fruit notes to cleanse the palate between bites.

Asian stir-fries typically feature a complex balance of umami, sweet, salty and sometimes spicy flavors with varying textures. Aromatic white wines with a touch of sweetness like Riesling help balance any heat while cutting through rich sauces, while crisp beers with moderate hop character cleanse the palate between bites.

Classic bruschetta features fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil atop toasted bread, creating a vibrant appetizer with bright acidity and herbal notes. The recommended pairings complement bruschetta's freshness without overwhelming its delicate flavors, while providing enough structure to stand up to the garlic and acidity of the tomatoes.

The vibrant spices and complex seafood flavors of a Cajun boil demand beverages that can both complement the heat and cleanse the palate between bites. Off-dry white wines provide a touch of sweetness to balance the spice, while beers with high carbonation and lighter bodies help cut through the richness while cooling the palate.

Crab cakes feature sweet, delicate crabmeat with a rich, satisfying texture, typically enhanced with herbs, spices, and a crisp exterior from pan-frying. The ideal pairings balance this richness with either complementary creaminess or contrasting brightness and acidity, while respecting the subtle sweetness of the crab meat.

Empanadas are versatile Latin American pastries that can be filled with various proteins, vegetables, or cheeses, offering a balance of savory pastry exterior with flavorful fillings. The recommended beverages complement the baked, savory qualities while providing enough acidity or carbonation to cut through the richness of the pastry.

Fish tacos feature delicate white fish with bright citrus, herbs, and often creamy or spicy elements that call for crisp, refreshing beverages with good acidity. The recommended wines offer citrus and mineral notes that complement the fish while cutting through any richness, while the suggested beers provide refreshing carbonation and subtle fruit or spice notes that enhance rather than overwhelm the tacos.

Fresh lake fish typically offers delicate, clean flavors that call for beverages that won't overpower the subtle qualities of the fish. Crisp, high-acid wines and lighter beers with good carbonation help cleanse the palate while enhancing rather than competing with the fish's natural characteristics.

The clean, herbaceous qualities of Sauvignon Blanc and the crisp minerality of Grüner Veltliner accentuate the natural flavors of fresh summer vegetables without overwhelming them. Similarly, the bright effervescence of a Saison or the crisp clarity of a Pilsner will complement the vegetables' natural sweetness while providing refreshing counterpoints to their earthy notes.

Freshwater fish typically has a more delicate flavor profile compared to saltwater varieties, calling for beverages that won't overwhelm its subtle qualities. Crisp, high-acid white wines and lighter, clean beers complement the fish while providing refreshing contrast that enhances rather than competes with the natural flavors.

Grilled chicken offers a versatile canvas with smoky char notes that pair exceptionally well with both white and light red wines. The moderate intensity and lean protein content of grilled chicken benefits from wines with bright acidity to cut through the smokiness, while beers with refreshing qualities and complementary malt characters enhance the caramelized exterior of the meat.

Grilled fish typically offers a clean, delicate flavor profile with subtle smoky notes from the grilling process. The recommended pairings focus on crisp, high-acid wines and refreshing beers that complement rather than overpower the fish, while providing enough structure to match the light char and natural oils.