Are you a fan of hoisin sauce?
This sweet and savory sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce.
But have you ever wondered what wine pairs well with hoisin sauce?
With so many different types of wine out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Fear not, because we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the best wine varietals to pair with hoisin sauce and other Asian-inspired dishes.
From sweet Rieslings to bold Cabernet Sauvignons, we’ll help you elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with the perfect wine pairing.
So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, and let’s dive in!
What Wine Goes With Hoisin Sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a complex sauce made from soybeans, garlic, chilies, and sugar. Its strong flavor can be difficult to pair with wine, but fear not, there are several varietals that complement its unique taste.
For those who prefer a sweet wine, Riesling or Gewürztraminer are excellent choices. The sweetness of these wines helps to balance the strong flavors of the hoisin sauce.
If you prefer a dry red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are great options. The bold flavors of these wines stand up to the sauce and won’t be overwhelmed by its strong taste.
But what about other Asian-inspired dishes that feature hoisin sauce?
For pork dishes with hoisin and honey sauce, we recommend pairing it with Pinot Gris from Alsace, France. This off-dry wine has fruity flavors and high acidity that balance the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors of the dish.
For spicy dishes like Kung Pao chicken, look no further than Chenin Blanc from South Africa or Riesling from Germany or Australia. These wines have a high acidity that complements the spicy qualities of the dish.
Understanding Hoisin Sauce And Its Flavor Profile
Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. It is made from soybeans, garlic, chilies, and sugar, giving it a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of spiciness. The sauce has a strong umami taste that can be difficult to pair with wine.
The sweetness of hoisin sauce makes it a good match for sweet wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines have a fruity taste that complements the sweetness of the sauce, while their high acidity helps to balance the strong flavors.
If you prefer red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are great options. These wines have bold flavors that can stand up to the strong taste of hoisin sauce. They also have tannins that help to cut through the richness of the dish.
When pairing wine with hoisin sauce, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish as well. For example, if the dish has spicy qualities like Kung Pao chicken, a wine with high acidity like Chenin Blanc or Riesling can help to complement and enhance the spiciness.
Factors To Consider When Pairing Wine With Hoisin Sauce
When pairing wine with hoisin sauce, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to keep in mind is the sweetness of the sauce. Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce with a strong flavor, so it’s important to choose a wine that won’t be overwhelmed by its sweetness.
The second factor to consider is the intensity of the flavors in the dish. Hoisin sauce is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. It’s important to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the dish.
Another factor to consider is the spiciness of the dish. Some Asian-inspired dishes that feature hoisin sauce can be quite spicy. In this case, it’s important to choose a wine with high acidity that can complement the spiciness of the dish.
The body of the wine is also an important factor to consider when pairing with hoisin sauce. A full-bodied wine like Shiraz/Syrah or Merlot can complement the richness of hoisin sauce, while a lighter-bodied wine like Pinot Gris can balance out the sweetness and acidity of the dish.
Lastly, it’s important to consider personal taste preferences when pairing wine with hoisin sauce. Some people may prefer sweeter wines, while others may prefer drier wines. Experimenting with different varietals and finding what works best for you is key to finding the perfect wine pairing for your hoisin sauce dish.
Best Wine Varietals To Pair With Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. It has a strong flavor that can be difficult to pair with wine. However, there are several wine varietals that can complement the taste of hoisin sauce.
First up is Riesling, which is a great option for those who prefer a sweet wine. The sweetness of Riesling helps to balance the strong flavors of hoisin sauce. Gewürztraminer is another sweet wine that pairs well with hoisin sauce due to its floral and fruity notes.
For those who prefer dry red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot are excellent choices. These bold wines have strong flavors that can stand up to the strong taste of hoisin sauce.
When it comes to pork dishes with hoisin and honey sauce, Pinot Gris from Alsace, France is a great option. This off-dry wine has fruity flavors and high acidity that balance the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors of the dish.
If you’re looking to pair wine with spicy dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Chenin Blanc from South Africa or Riesling from Germany or Australia are great options. These wines have a high acidity that complements the spicy qualities of the dish.
White Wines To Pair With Hoisin Sauce
When it comes to white wines, there are several varietals that pair well with hoisin sauce. One great option is Chardonnay, which has a rich and buttery taste that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. Its full-bodied nature can stand up to the bold flavors of the dish.
Another white wine that pairs well with hoisin sauce is Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp and refreshing wine has herbal and grassy notes that complement the complex flavors of the sauce. It also has a high acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
For those who prefer a sweeter wine, Moscato is a great choice. This sweet wine has low alcohol levels and an easy-drinking style that pairs well with the strong flavors of hoisin sauce. Its fruity and floral notes also complement the sweet and sour elements of the dish.
Red Wines To Pair With Hoisin Sauce
While sweet and white wines are often recommended for pairing with hoisin sauce, red wines can also be a great choice. For those who prefer a full-bodied red wine, Zinfandel is an excellent option. Its rich and full flavor profile, with notes of pepper and cinnamon, can stand up to the strong flavors of hoisin sauce.
Another great choice for red wine lovers is Lambrusco, an Italian red wine that is slightly sweet and known for its fruity flavors. It pairs well with the sweet and sour flavors of hoisin sauce and can also provide a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes.
For those who prefer a lighter red wine, Pinot Noir is a good option. Its subtle fruit flavors and soft tannins won’t overpower the hoisin sauce, allowing the flavors of both the wine and the dish to shine through.
When pairing red wine with hoisin sauce, it’s important to choose a wine with enough body and flavor to stand up to the strong flavors of the sauce without being overwhelmed. With these recommendations, you can confidently choose a red wine that will complement your hoisin-based dish perfectly.
Sweet Wines To Pair With Hoisin Sauce
If you have a sweet tooth and love hoisin sauce, then you’re in luck. There are several sweet wines that pair perfectly with this flavorful sauce.
First up, we have Riesling. This wine has a fruity sweetness that complements the savory and sweet flavors of hoisin sauce. Its high acidity also helps to cut through the richness of the sauce, making it a perfect pairing for dishes like Peking duck.
Another great option is Gewürztraminer. This wine has a distinct floral aroma and a sweet taste that pairs well with the bold flavors of hoisin sauce. It also has a slightly spicy finish that complements the heat in many Asian-inspired dishes.
For those who prefer a sparkling wine, Lambrusco is an excellent choice. This Italian red wine has a slight sweetness and effervescence that pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of hoisin sauce. It also has a refreshing acidity that helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
