Pho Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Pho

When it comes to enjoying a delicious bowl of pho, beer or iced tea may immediately come to mind as the beverage of choice.

However, have you ever considered pairing your pho with wine?

Pho wine pairing may not be the most traditional option, but it can certainly enhance your dining experience.

So, what wine goes with pho?

The best wines to pair with pho are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. These light-bodied wines complement the flavor of the broth and provide a crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the soup. Chablis can also be used for lighter dishes like chicken Pho.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wines for pho, including the top red, white, and rosé options, as well as some alternative wine pairings.

We’ll also provide you with 5 tasty pho and wine serving ideas, as well as some tips on serving temperature and glassware.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your pho game, let’s dive into the world of pho wine pairing.

Why Consider Serving Wine With Pho?

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish that is renowned for its comforting and savory flavors.

Traditionally, pho is served with a variety of condiments and herbs, such as bean sprouts, lime wedges, and Thai basil, which complement its complex and aromatic broth.

While beer or iced tea may be the go-to beverages for pho, wine can also be a great pairing option.

One of the reasons to consider serving wine with pho is that it can help balance the dish’s complex flavors.

The acidity and tannins in wine can help cut through the richness of the broth and meat, while the fruitiness can complement the dish’s fragrant spices.

Additionally, wine can also enhance the dining experience by adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your meal. Whether you’re enjoying a casual night in or hosting a dinner party, pairing wine with pho can elevate the overall ambiance and create a more refined atmosphere.

Overall, serving wine with pho can be a great way to enhance the flavors of the dish and create a more elevated dining experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the best wines to pair with pho, so you can take your pho game to the next level.

The Best Red Wines For Pho

When it comes to red wine pairing options for pho, it’s important to consider wines that have bold flavors and can stand up to the rich and complex broth.

Here are some of the best red wines to pair with pho:

• Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a bold and fruit-forward wine that can pair well with the aromatic spices and rich broth of pho. Look for a Zinfandel with medium tannins and a good amount of acidity to balance out the dish.
• Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes, including pho. Look for a Pinot Noir with earthy and spicy notes to complement the dish’s complex flavors.
• Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah or Shiraz wines have bold and intense flavors that can pair well with the strong flavors of pho. Look for a Syrah/Shiraz with medium tannins and high acidity to balance out the dish.
• Merlot: Merlot is a smooth and medium-bodied wine that can pair well with the rich broth of pho. Look for a Merlot with low tannins and a good amount of acidity to complement the dish’s flavors.

The Best White Wines For Pho

While red wines are typically the go-to option for pairing with pho, there are also some great white wine options that can complement the dish’s flavors.

Here are some of the best white wines to pair with pho:

• Riesling: Riesling is a versatile white wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes, including pho. Look for a Riesling with off-dry or semi-sweet flavors to balance out the dish’s spiciness.
• Gewürztraminer: Gewürztraminer is a floral and aromatic white wine that can pair well with the fragrant spices of pho. Look for a Gewürztraminer with a slightly sweet taste to balance out the dish’s flavors.
• Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing white wine that can pair well with the lightness of the dish’s noodles and herbs. Look for a Pinot Grigio with crisp and citrusy flavors to complement the dish.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and acidic white wine that can pair well with the rich and savory broth of pho. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with grassy and herbaceous notes to complement the dish’s flavors.

The Best Rosé Wines For Pho

If you’re looking for a wine that sits between red and white in terms of flavor and intensity, a rosé wine could be a great option for pho pairing.

Here are some of the best rosé wines to pair with pho:

• Grenache-based rosé: Grenache-based rosé wines have fruity and floral flavors that can pair well with the fragrant spices of pho. Look for a Grenache-based rosé with a dry finish to balance out the dish’s flavors.
• Syrah-based rosé: Syrah-based rosé wines have bold and intense flavors that can pair well with the rich and complex broth of pho. Look for a Syrah-based rosé with high acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.
• Pinot Noir-based rosé: Pinot Noir-based rosé wines have light and refreshing flavors that can pair well with the lightness of the dish’s noodles and herbs. Look for a Pinot Noir-based rosé with crisp and citrusy flavors to complement the dish.

Other Wines To Pair With Pho

In addition to the classic red, white, and rosé wine options, there are also some alternative wine choices that can pair well with pho.

Here are some other wines to consider for pho pairing:

• Sparkling wine: Sparkling wine can be a great option for pairing with pho, as the effervescence can help cleanse your palate between bites. Look for a dry sparkling wine with high acidity to balance out the dish’s flavors.
• Chardonnay: Chardonnay can be a good pairing option for pho, especially if the dish has creamy or buttery notes. Look for a Chardonnay with medium acidity and a subtle oak flavor to complement the dish.
• Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes, including pho. Look for a Chenin Blanc with a slightly sweet taste to balance out the dish’s spiciness.
• Gamay: Gamay is a light and fruity red wine that can pair well with the lightness of the dish’s noodles and herbs. Look for a Gamay with low tannins and high acidity to complement the dish’s flavors.

5 Tasty Pho And Wine Serving Ideas

Now that we’ve explored some of the best wines for pho pairing, let’s dive into some tasty pho and wine serving ideas:

1. Pair a bold and fruity Zinfandel with a beef pho that has plenty of fresh herbs and spices.
2. Serve a floral and aromatic Gewürztraminer with a vegetarian pho that has lots of mushrooms and soy-based protein.
3. Pair a light and refreshing Pinot Grigio with a chicken pho that has a squeeze of lime and lots of bean sprouts.
4. Serve a dry sparkling wine with a seafood pho that has lots of shrimp and scallops.
5. Pair a bold and intense Syrah/Shiraz with a spicy pho that has lots of chili peppers and sriracha sauce.

Serving Temperature And Glassware

When it comes to serving wine with pho, it’s important to consider the temperature and glassware to enhance the flavors of both the wine and the dish.

For red wines, it’s best to serve them at room temperature or slightly below (around 60-65°F) to allow the bold flavors and tannins to fully develop. Red wine glasses should have a wide bowl to allow for proper aeration and enhance the wine’s aroma.

For white and rosé wines, it’s best to serve them chilled (around 45-55°F) to enhance their crisp and refreshing flavors. White and rosé wine glasses should have a narrow bowl to help maintain the wine’s temperature and focus the aroma.

When serving pho and wine together, it’s also important to consider the serving temperature of the dish. Pho should be served hot to fully enjoy its rich and aromatic flavors, but be sure not to let it become too hot, as this can dull the wine’s flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pho wine pairing may not be the most traditional option, but it can certainly enhance your dining experience.

Whether you prefer bold and intense red wines or light and refreshing white wines, there are plenty of options to choose from that can complement the complex flavors of pho.

When pairing wine with pho, it’s important to consider the boldness of the flavors in the dish and choose a wine that can stand up to them.

It’s also important to consider the serving temperature and glassware to enhance the flavors and aromas of both the wine and pho.

So, what wine pairs well with pho?

The best wines to pair with pho are dry white wines such as Chablis, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. These wines bring out the delicate flavors of the broth and enhance the herbal notes that make a good bowl of pho so delicious.

With the 5 tasty pho and wine-serving ideas provided in this article, you can take your pho dining experience to the next level and impress your guests with your sophisticated wine-pairing skills.

So the next time you’re enjoying a delicious bowl of pho, consider pairing it with a glass of wine and elevate your dining experience.