The best wines to pair with Pork Chops are light and fruity wines, such as, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Torrontés, Beaujolais Villages and Chardonnay. Pork Chops are neutral in flavour and taste slightly sweet and savoury. Stronger red wines can obliterate your Pork Chops, which is why it is necessary to stick to lighter red wines.
Breaded vs Non Breaded Pork Chops & Wine Pairing
For this pairing guide, we are going with simple preparations of Pork Chops. Like a Pork Chop pan-fried and sprinkled with salt or a few herbs. In this instance, and when not overcooked, the Pork Chops should taste slightly sweet and savoury and satisfying with a juicy texture. Due to fears of bacteria and getting ill, many people overcook their Pork Chops, making them taste bland. Pairing with light but fruity wines helps mask the dryness of your Pork Chops as you are introducing some refreshing acidity to the mix.
To get around this overcooking their Pork Chops, many people often bread their Pork Chops and pan fry it in oil. This breading process helps ensure that your Pork Chops won’t dry out and adds extra flavour with the breading and grease. All of the pairings we mention below will go well with breaded Pork Chops, however, I find that crisp and acidic white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc tastes best as they help cut through the grease and breading.
Adding a sauce to your Pork Chops also complicates matters, and a wine should always be selected to match the sauce and not the Pork Chop. Fortunately, you can use our food and wine pairing database to help you narrow down your choice in wine to select. All you need to do is type in the dominate ingredient and flavour, and the database will report on some fantastic wine choices.
+ Click on the plus sign in the table below to expand upon why these individual pairings work! +
Best Wine with Pork Chops
Type
Varietal
Food
Why This Pairing Works
Rating
Beer
Rauchbier
Grilled Pork Chops
Rauchbier's distinctive smoky flavour profile pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork chops. The beer's smokiness enhances the charred notes from the grill, creating a harmonious flavour combination. Its malty sweetness balances the savoury aspects of the pork, while the beer's crisp finish refreshes the palate. This is one of the strongest pairings, offering a robust and complementary flavour experience.
Brouilly's fresh red fruit flavours and floral notes create a delightful pairing with grilled pork chops. The wine's light tannins and bright acidity complement the meat without overwhelming it. Brouilly's mineral undertones can enhance the savoury aspects of the dish, while its fruity character balances any char from the grill.
Beer
Beer
Grilled Pork Chops
Nearly every beer pairs well with grilled pork chops, enhancing the charred flavours of the meat. The crisp, refreshing notes of beer dance well with the savoury seasoning, creating a harmonious balance. Its effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites, ensuring a smooth flavour transition. While not the strongest pairing, beer offers a pleasant and casual accompaniment to this dish.
Pinot Gris brings a richer profile to grilled pork chops, with hints of stone fruit and floral notes that enhance the meat's flavours. The wine's medium acidity helps to lift the dish's seasoning, creating a wonderful balance. Its slightly fuller body compared to Pinot Grigio allows it to stand up to the grilled flavours.
Pinot Noir's earthy undertones and berry flavours create a delightful pairing with grilled pork chops. The wine's elegance and acidity enhance the dish without overshadowing the subtler flavours of the pork. Its light to medium body allows the grilled notes to shine through while adding complexity to each bite.
Zinfandel's jammy fruitiness and hint of spice, black pepper, and smoke make it an intriguing complement to grilled pork chops. The wine's bold flavours jive well with the savoury pork, while its acidity cuts through the richness. Notes of black pepper in the wine can enhance the seasoning of the chops, creating a more complex flavour profile.
Chénas, known for its floral aromas and red fruit flavours, pairs beautifully with grilled pork chops. The wine's light to medium body doesn't overpower the meat, while its bright acidity refreshes the palate. Chénas' subtle tannins provide structure, complementing the charred flavours from the grill.
Chiroubles, known for its light body and delicate flavours, pairs exceptionally well with grilled pork chops. The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, while its red fruit and floral notes provide a refreshing contrast. Chiroubles' subtle tannins have enough bite to dig into the charred flavours from the grill without overpowering.
Merlot's smooth, fruit-forward profile complements grilled pork chops nicely. Its notes of plum and black cherry enhance the natural sweetness of the pork, while the wine's moderate tannins provide a balanced structure. The medium body of Merlot doesn't overpower the dish, allowing the flavours of both to shine. This pairing, while enjoyable, is not the strongest option for grilled pork chops.
Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing counterpoint to grilled pork chops with its bright acidity and citrusy notes. The wine's light body complements the seasoning without overwhelming the dish's flavours. Its crisp character helps cut through the richness of the pork, creating a balanced pairing. While not the strongest match, Pinot Grigio provides a pleasant, palate-cleansing accompaniment to grilled pork chops.
Nero d'Avola's bold fruit flavours and spicy notes are pretty good with grilled pork chops, provided you've added some bold seasonings/sauces. The wine's robust tannins stand up well to the charred flavours from the grill, while its dark fruit characteristics enhance the meat's savoury qualities. Its Mediterranean herbs notes can accentuate any seasoning used on the pork.
Lagrein's bold flavours and firm tannins create a robust pairing with grilled pork chops. The wine's dark fruit notes and hints of spice complement the charred flavours from the grill. Its high acidity helps cut through the richness of the pork, while the wine's full body stands up well to the grilled meat.
This pairing does overwhelm the pork chops, meaning you won't taste much of the subtle flavours. However, if you are adding some bold seasonings and a fruit sauce to the mix, this pairing works out to be very tasty
Red Wine
Bobal
Grilled Pork Chops
Bobal's robust character and dark fruit flavours create a delightful pairing with grilled pork chops. The wine's firm tannins stand up well to the charred flavours from the grill, while its notes of blackberry and plum complement the meat's richness. Bobal's natural acidity helps refresh the palate between bites.
Other
Pear Cider
Roasted Pork Chops
Pear cider's crisp, fruity character pairs exceptionally well with roasted pork chops. The cider's natural sweetness complements the caramelized flavours from roasting, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. The pear notes in the cider can enhance any fruit-based sauces or glazes.
Beer
Beer
Roasted Pork Chops
Nearly any beer is going to offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savoury flavours of the meat. The maltiness of the beer can enhance the caramelized notes from roasting, while its carbonation helps cleanse the palate. Different styles of beer can bring out various aspects of the dish, from light lagers highlighting the pork's delicate flavours to darker ales complementing the roasted notes.
Pinot Gris brings a slightly richer profile to roasted pork chops compared to its Italian counterpart, Pinot Grigio. Its fuller body and more pronounced fruit flavours, often including notes of peach and apricot, can stand up well to the savoury richness of roasted pork. The wine's balanced acidity helps cut through the fat, refreshing the palate. While not the strongest match, this pairing offers an interesting interplay of flavours that many would find enjoyable.
Zinfandel's bold fruit flavours and spicy notes create a robust pairing with roasted pork chops. The wine's jammy characteristics can complement the caramelized flavours that develop during roasting, while its higher alcohol content and tannins stand up well to the richness of the meat. Zinfandel's inherent sweetness can also balance out any saltiness in the dish. This pairing might be a little too strong for naked Roasted Pork Chops, as it will overwhelm the subtle flavours of the pork. However, if you have a strong sauce or bold seasonings, Zinfandel will work quite well.
Merlot's soft tannins and plush fruit flavours make it a gentle companion to roasted pork chops. The wine's notes of plum and black cherry can enhance the natural sweetness of the pork, while its medium body doesn't overpower the meat's flavours. Merlot's subtle oak influences, if present, can complement the roasted notes in the dish.
Pinot Noir's light to medium body and bright acidity make it an excellent match for roasted pork chops. The wine's red fruit flavours, often including cherry and raspberry, can complement the subtle sweetness of the pork. Pinot Noir's earthy undertones can also enhance the savoury aspects of the dish. Its silky tannins provide structure without overwhelming the meat.
Pinot Grigio's crisp acidity and light body make it a refreshing partner for roasted pork chops. The wine's subtle fruit flavours, often reminiscent of green apple or pear, can complement the natural sweetness of the pork. Its clean finish helps to cleanse the palate between bites, preventing flavour fatigue. While not the strongest pairing, Pinot Grigio offers a pleasant, unobtrusive accompaniment that allows the flavours of the roasted pork to take centre stage.
Beer
Amber Ale
Fried Pork Chops
Amber Ale's malty sweetness and caramel notes pair well with the crispy exterior of fried pork chops. The beer's moderate hop bitterness helps cut through the richness of the fried coating, while its carbonation cleanses the palate. The ale's toasty flavours complement the savoury aspects of the dish, creating a satisfying combination. While not the strongest pairing, it offers a pleasant and refreshing contrast to the hearty fried pork chops.
Other
Hard Cider
Pork Chops
Hard cider is a refreshing pairing with pork chops, as its natural acidity and slight sweetness enhance the pork's savoury flavours. The crisp apple notes in cider cut through the richness of the meat, balancing the dish beautifully and bringing out any caramelized or smoky flavours from grilling. This pairing adds brightness without overwhelming, making each bite lighter while accentuating both the cider's and pork's nuanced, subtle flavours.
Chardonnay's buttery texture and notes of apple and pear complement the richness of pork chops beautifully. The wine's acidity helps cut through the fat, while its subtle oak flavours can enhance any seasoning on the meat. Chardonnay's full body stands up well to the hearty nature of pork chops, creating a harmonious balance.
Beer
Wheat Beer
Pork Chops
Wheat beer's light body and refreshing character make it a pleasant accompaniment to pork chops. The beer's subtle fruity esters and spicy notes from the wheat can complement various seasonings used on the pork. Its effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites, while the beer's crisp finish provides a refreshing contrast to the flavourful meat.
Savennières, with its rich texture and complex flavours, creates an excellent pairing with pork chops. The wine's high acidity cuts through the fat of the pork, while its notes of quince and honey complement the meat's natural sweetness. Savennières' mineral undertones can enhance the savoury aspects of the dish. This is one of the strongest pairings, offering a sophisticated and nuanced flavour experience.
Régnié's light body and vibrant fruit flavours create a delightful pairing with pork chops. The wine's bright cherry and raspberry notes provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury meat. Its subtle tannins and lively acidity help cut through the richness of the pork, while the wine's floral undertones can complement herb seasonings.
Rosé wine's crisp acidity and delicate fruit flavours create an excellent pairing with pork chops. The wine's refreshing nature helps cut through the richness of the pork, while its subtle red fruit notes complement the meat's natural sweetness. Rosé's versatility allows it to adapt to various pork seasonings and preparations. This pairing is quite strong, offering a light and balanced combination perfect for warmer weather or lighter meals.
Barbera's high acidity and low tannins make it an excellent match for pork chops. The wine's bright cherry and plum flavours complement the meat's natural sweetness, while its acidity cuts through any richness. Barbera's medium body stands up well to the pork without overwhelming it.
Torrontés, with its aromatic profile and crisp acidity, creates an intriguing pairing with pork chops. The wine's floral notes and hints of tropical fruit provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury meat. Its bright acidity helps cut through the richness of the pork, while the wine's subtle sweetness can complement any fruit-based sauces.
Beer
Altbier
Pork Chops
Altbier's clean, crisp profile and subtle maltiness pair excellently with pork chops. The beer's balanced bitterness helps cut through the fat of the pork, while its toasty malt flavours complement the meat's savoury qualities. Altbier's smooth finish allows for easy sipping between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience. This pairing is quite strong, offering a harmonious blend of flavours that elevate both the beer and the dish.
Cabernet Franc's medium body and herbaceous notes create an interesting pairing with pork chops. The wine's red fruit flavours and subtle peppery undertones can enhance the savoury aspects of the dish. Its moderate tannins provide structure without overpowering the meat, while the wine's acidity helps cut through the fat. While not the strongest pairing, (it's a bit too green and fruity) the refreshing acidity of Cabernet Franc is quite welcoming if you are dealing with dry pork chops.
Beer
Biere De Garde
Pork Chops
Biere De Garde's complex malt profile and subtle fruitiness pair exceptionally well with pork chops. The beer's toasty and caramel notes complement the meat's savoury flavours, while its carbonation helps cleanse the palate. The beer's subtle hop bitterness can enhance any herbs used in seasoning the pork.
Beer
Hefeweizen / Hefeweissbier
Pork Chops
Hefeweizen's light body and refreshing wheat flavours complement pork chops nicely. The beer's subtle banana and clove notes can enhance various seasonings used on the pork. Its effervescence helps cleanse the palate, while the beer's slight sweetness balances any saltiness in the dish. This pairing, while not the strongest, offers a pleasant and refreshing contrast to the savoury pork chops.
The versatile Vinsobres makes an excellent match for Pork Chops. Its flavours of ripe plum and blackberry offer a fruity counterpoint to the savoury pork, while subtle notes of herbs and spice enhance the meat's seasoning. The wine's medium body and balanced acidity refresh the palate between bites, preventing flavour fatigue. Vinsobres' moderate tannins provide just enough structure to chew into the lean meat without overpowering it.
Primitivo's rich, fruity profile pairs excellently with pork chops. The wine's bold flavours of ripe berries and plums hold up to the savoury notes of the pork, while its moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming. Primitivo's subtle spiciness can enhance various seasonings used on the pork.
Beaujolais Villages' light-bodied nature and fruity character pair wonderfully with pork chops. The wine's vibrant red fruit flavours and subtle floral notes provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury meat. Its low tannins and bright acidity help cleanse the palate between bites, while the wine's versatility complements various pork preparations.
Red Wine
Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre (GSM)
Pork Chops
GSM blends offer a complex flavour profile that pairs beautifully with pork chops. The Grenache contributes bright red fruit flavours, Shiraz adds depth and spice, while Mourvèdre brings structure and earthy notes. This combination complements the savoury aspects of pork chops while providing enough body to stand up to the meat. The blend's balanced tannins and acidity help cut through the fat.
Côtes du Rhône reds, typically blends dominated by Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, pair excellently with pork chops. The wine's medium body and red fruit flavours complement the meat's richness, while its subtle herbal notes can enhance various seasonings. The blend's moderate tannins provide structure without overpowering, and its balanced acidity refreshes the palate.
Chianti's bright acidity and red fruit flavours create a delightful pairing with pork chops. The wine's cherry and plum notes complement the meat's natural sweetness, while its herbal undertones can enhance various seasonings. Chianti's moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming the pork. This pairing is quite strong, offering a classic Italian combination that balances the richness of the pork with the wine's lively character.
Red Wine
Saumur - Red Wine
Pork Chops
Saumur red wines, typically made from Cabernet Franc, offer a medium-bodied profile that pairs excellently with pork chops. The wine's red fruit flavours and subtle herbaceous notes complement the savoury aspects of the pork. Its bright acidity helps cut through the meat's richness, while the wine's moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming.
Grüner Veltliner's crisp acidity and distinctive white pepper notes make it an interesting match for pork chops. The wine's green apple and citrus flavours provide a refreshing contrast to the rich meat, while its herbal undertones can complement various seasonings. Grüner Veltliner's light to medium body allows the pork's flavours to shine through. While not the strongest pairing, it offers a unique and enjoyable combination that many would appreciate.
Beer
Stout
Pork Chops
Stout's rich, roasted flavours create an interesting contrast with pork chops. The beer's coffee and chocolate notes can complement caramelized or grilled aspects of the dish. Its creamy texture provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the roasted bitterness helps cut through the fat.
This pairing improves if there are heavier elements to your dish, such as mashed potatoes with a rich gravy, or some earthy mushrooms.
Malbec's plum and blackberry flavours create a delightful pairing with pork chops. The wine's medium body holds up the richness of the meat, while its soft tannins provide structure without overpowering. Malbec's subtle spice notes can enhance various seasonings used on the pork.
Valpolicella's light to medium body and bright fruit flavours pair well with pork chops. The wine's cherry and red berry notes provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury meat, while its low tannins don't overpower the dish. Valpolicella's subtle almond notes can complement various pork chop preparations.
Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with Com Tam Tau Hu Ky Suon Bi (pork chop with broken rice) as its light tannins and berry notes harmonize with the grilled pork’s charred flavours. The wine’s gentle acidity enhances the rice’s subtle texture and offsets the richness of the dish’s components, like egg, tofu skin, or shredded pork from the pork chops. Together, this pairing highlights the savoury, umami flavours while adding a touch of brightness that keeps the meal balanced and refreshing.
Pinotage pairs well with Com Tam Tau Hu Ky Suon Bi (pork chop with broken rice), enhancing the dish’s savoury depth with its earthy, smoky profile. The bold red fruit flavours and moderate tannins in Pinotage balance the rich, grilled pork and umami-driven accompaniments like egg, tofu, and shredded pork. This pairing adds a touch of warmth and intensity to the meal, while the wine’s natural acidity keeps each bite and sip lively and engaging.
Merlot’s soft tannins and fruity, earthy flavours pair smoothly with pork chops Milanese. The wine’s plum and berry notes add a refreshing contrast to the crispy, golden-breaded crust of the pork, while its gentle acidity cuts through the richness, balancing each bite.
Chianti Classico's bright acidity and red fruit flavours pair exceptionally well with pork chops served with salsa verde. The wine's cherry and herb notes complement both the meat and the herbal sauce, while its higher tannins provide structure to match the dish's complexity. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the pork and balances the tanginess of the salsa verde. This pairing is quite strong, offering a harmonious and traditional Italian flavour combination.
Valpolicella's light to medium body and bright cherry flavours create an interesting contrast with pork chops and salsa verde. The wine's low tannins don't overpower the herbal sauce, while its acidity complements the tanginess of the salsa verde. Valpolicella's subtle almond notes can add an intriguing layer to the overall flavour profile.
Dry Riesling's high acidity and aromatic profile pair beautifully with pork chops served with sauerkraut. The wine's crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the pork and complements the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Its subtle sweetness can balance the dish's salty and sour notes, while the wine's mineral undertones add complexity.
A rich, oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with stuffed pork chops. The wine's notes of vanilla, butter, and toasted oak harmonize with the pork’s savoury stuffing, creating a warm and balanced pairing. Chardonnay’s acidity also helps cut through the dish’s richness, refreshing the palate between bites. For pork chops with an herb or mushroom stuffing, the wine’s oak-derived spices like nutmeg or clove bring depth, while its buttery mouthfeel enhances the texture, making each bite of the pork feel more satisfying.
Zinfandel's bold fruit flavours and spicy notes create an excellent pairing with stuffed pork chops. The wine's jammy, smoke, and black pepper, characteristics can complement various stuffing ingredients, like spices, herbs and dried berries, while its higher alcohol content and tannins stand up well to the richness of the dish. Zinfandel's inherent sweetness can balance out any saltiness in the pork or stuffing.
Pinot Noir's light to medium body and bright red fruit flavours pair exceptionally well with pork chops served with sour cherries. The wine's cherry and raspberry notes complement the fruit sauce perfectly, while its acidity balances the dish's richness. Pinot Noir's subtle earthy undertones can enhance the savoury aspects of the pork.
Petite Sirah's full body and intense dark fruit flavours create an interesting contrast with pork chops served with sour cherries. The wine's bold tannins can stand up to the richness of the pork, while its blackberry and plum notes offer a counterpoint to the sour cherry sauce. However, the wine's intensity may sometimes overpower the more delicate flavours in the dish.
Chardonnay's buttery texture and citrus notes pair beautifully with pork chops served with a Dijon lemon pan sauce. The wine's acidity complements the lemony flavours in the sauce, while its richness matches the creaminess of the dish. Chardonnay's subtle oak influences, if present, can add complexity to the pairing.
White Wine
Semillon
Pork Chops with Apples, Grain Mustard & Cream
Semillon's full body and waxy texture create an excellent pairing with pork chops served with apples, grain mustard, and cream. The wine's notes of apple and citrus complement the fruit in the dish, while its richness matches the creamy sauce. Semillon's subtle herbal undertones can enhance the mustard flavours.
I love apple sauce with my grilled Pork Chops, but sometimes apple chops are not available when I go to a restaurant. In this instance, I’ll often request a glass of Chardonnay, which features notes of apple, citrus, pineapple and peach, which are delicious with Pork Chops. If you only want these fruity flavours, request an unoaked Chardonnay or a Chablis. However, not every restaurant will offer this by the glass, unfortunately.
While I love the vibrant green apple flavours of Chablis, I much prefer a full-bodied and oaked Chardonnay with Pork Chops. Oak introduces some flavours of vanilla, toast, caramel, butterscotch and smoke that all complement the charred flavours of Grilled Pork Chops. Meanwhile, you still get those delicious apple and pineapple notes that contrast the savoury pork flavours.
I wouldn’t go overboard with your Chardonnay as you don’t want something too oaked or inexpensive. Certain Chardonnay producers often use chemicals and oak chips to make their wines taste like perfumed vanilla and butter, which is popular and sells well, as they can keep prices low. You might enjoy this style, and that’s okay, more power to you, however, once your tastes mature, you’ll quickly discover how well-balanced and delicious authentic Chardonnay tastes, and you’ll never want to turn back.
Pinot Noir Matched & Loin Pork Chops Pairing
Pinot Noir is the best red wine to pair with Pork Chops as you have a light but subtlety earthy red wine. Bright with silky flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, Pinot Noir adds a refreshing contrast to the savoury but slightly sweet flavours of a Loin Pork Chop. The velvety acidic nature of Pinot Noir also heightens the subtle Pork flavours, making them taste more pronounced and delicious. With low to medium amounts of tannin, Pinot Noir will never overpower the tender flavours of your pork chop.
Meanwhile, the earthy flavours of Truffle, Smoke, and mushroom zero in on the earthy flavours you may find in your pork chop, complementing the dish. If you’ve grilled your Pork Chops, Pinot Noir is even more delicious, as you’ll find hints of dark chocolate, smoke and tobacco, which mesh beautifully with any charred flavours.
While I give this wine pairing with Pork Chops four out of five-star pairings, I put it as the best red wine to pair as Pinot Noir is easily accessible and can be found easily. Unfortunately, good Pinot Noir is expensive, and there are a lot of tempting value-priced Pinot Noir’s on store shelves that will be okay with Pork Chops, but not amazing. Understanding what makes Pinot Noir so remarkable also takes a lot of time and effort. So if you are new to wine and food pairing, a well-produced Pinot Noir (that’s going to cost you $40 or more) might be wasted on your palate as you haven’t learned what to look for. Meanwhile, a $20 bottle of Pinot Noir won’t win you over either, as it’s going to taste cheap, artificial and perfumed like candy, which is everything real Pinot Noir isn’t.
Rib Pork Chops & Zinfandel Pairing
While Rib Pork Chops are fatty, they as bold as a thick and juicy NY Strip Steak. Thus, you don’t want a wine packed with a lot of tannin to pair with Pork Chops as it will crush the meat’s tender flavours. Instead, you want a red wine like Zinfandel which features jammy berry flavours, a touch of smoke and a zippy amount of acidity. This style of Zinfandel will cost you around $25. Once you hit the $40 range, you’ll venture into monster truck Zinfandels which are syrupy fruit bombs that would destroy your pork chops, so be sure to stay away from those.
The ripe flavours of blackberry, cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plum that Zinfandel feature makes the dry wine taste slightly sweet, which complements the sweet pork flavours. The fruitiness also offers a refreshing contrast to the savoury flavours of your pork chops. You’ll also find hints of black pepper, smoke, vanilla and chocolate in Zinfandel which makes it exceptional with grilled Rib Pork Chops.
Finally, if you’ve overcooked your Pork Chops, a juicy glass of Zinfandel will save the day. Zinfandel’s high acidity helps balance the scale against the tougher nature of your overcooked chops due to the refreshing jammy flavours it provides.
Torrontés Wine With Pork Chops
Torrontés is a full-bodied Argentinian white wine that has aromatics and flavours of flowers, peaches, lemon, mineral, coriander and citrus. Sweeter styles of Torrontés exist, but for pairing with pork Chops, you’ll want the drier style, which often goes under the guise of Torrontés Riojano. While Torrontés is full-bodied, it’s not so bold that it will swamp out the tender flavours of your Pork Chops.
Torrontés is also high in acidity, which brings out the flavours of your Pork Chops even further. Often under $15, Torrontés is a good match with all cuts of Pork Chops if you are craving a white wine. Fresh, rich and round, you’ll love all the notes of apple, honey, jasmine, lemon zest, lime, lychee, orange, oregano, spice and tropical fruits this white wine delivers.
Loin Blade Pork Chops are inexpensive but also tougher than a regular loin Pork Chop. Thus, they are often marinated, before being grilled, broiled or pan-fried. I feel Beaujolais-Villages makes a good match for Loin Blade Pork Chops as it is a versatile and acidic red wine. Because Loin Blade Pork Chops are inexpensive, they are frequently purchased and experimented with. You might try cooking in different ways, with different sauces or breading it, and Beaujolais-villages will always pair well.
With Beaujolais-Villages, expect lively notes of cherry, raspberry and strawberry to provide plenty of refreshment. Beaujolais-Villages also delivers subtle flavours of black pepper, earth, mushroom, and spice if you are looking for something deeper.
I should also mention that certain Beaujolais Crus will go even better with your Pork Chops. I have listed these Beaujolais Crus in the table above. These fruity red wines are a step up from Beaujolais in quality and bolder flavours but are harder to track down in North America as they are often imported once a year and sell out instantly.
Types of Pork Chops
Buying Pork Chops can be confusing as there are so many styles. There’s Loin Blade Chops, Center Cut Rib, or Loin Chops, and they all differ in tenderness. You’ll also find Shoulder Blade Chops (also known as Boston Butt Steak), Rib Chops, Sirloin End, Fore Loin, Middle Loin, and Loin Sirloin Chops. A lot of the terminology is regional (and amped up with Marketing flair), which further adds to the confusion. However, I’ve done my best to simplify the most common Pork Chops you’ll come across.
Loin Sirloin Chops
The most tender and expensive pork chops are cut from the pig’s long loin and rib sections. Here you’ll find the Loin Sirloin Chop, which are lean, tender and flavourful, but should never be overcooked as they dry out easily. Loin Sirloin Chops require a lighter flavoured wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais-Villages to pair up with it as you never want to overpower the subtle flavours.
Loin Blade Chops
The loin blade chop has more fat and connective tissue than loin sirloin chop, but they are also much chewier, making them inexpensive. Loin Blade Chops often require marinating or brining to help improve the chewiness.
Rib Chops
You’ll also find rib chops that have more fat, which means they are less likely to dry out. The Rib Chop is still lean but has a layer of fat on one side that helps keep it moist. Rib Chops have one large eye and with the rib bone still attached and are great grilled, broiled or pan-fried.
Shoulder Blade Chops
Finally, Shoulder Blade Chops are fattier but tougher as they contain a lot of connective tissue. The higher fat content gives Shoulder Blade Chops the most flavour out of all the pork chops. However, since they are tough, Shoulder Blade Chops are best served braised. These are the cheapest and smallest chops available.
Can you Drink Red Wine with Pork Chops?
Yes, you can enjoy red wine with pork chops! The richness and tenderness of pork chops complement the diverse flavours found in various red wines, enhancing the overall dining experience. When choosing a red wine to accompany pork chops, consider choosing lighter varieties like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Beaujolais, or Grenache. These wines often have fruit-forward notes that harmonize well with the pork chops’ savoury and slightly sweet profile.
Does Cabernet Sauvignon go with Pork Chops?
Cabernet Sauvignon does not go with Pork Chops. Cabernet is a full-bodied red wine bursting with flavours of cassis, blackberry, plum, pencil shavings, mint and smoke. High in tannin, Cabernet Sauvignon is a chewy red wine that will destroy the savoury and tender flavours of your Pork Chops.
With all that said, if you love Cabernet Sauvignon and want to drink it with Pork Chops – go for it. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon will not ruin your meal. However, it won’t enhance your Pork Chops either. Furthermore, if your Pork Chops are in a heavy sauce, like maybe some sort of homemade BBQ sauce, it will make for a better pairing.
What is the Best Italian Wine with Pork Chops?
The best Italian red wine to pair with Pork Chops is a Chianti. Chianti is a red wine hailing from the picturesque region of Tuscany in Italy, known for its vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. When enjoyed alongside succulent pork chops, Chianti’s lively acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, cleansing the palate and leaving a satisfying balance. Meanwhile, the wine’s cherry, strawberry, and earthy herbal notes complement the pork chops’ savoury and slightly sweet profile, creating a mouthwatering symphony of taste.
The best Italian White Wine to Pair with Pork Chops is Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing white wine with citrus, apple, pear and melon notes. Not overly flavourful, Pinot Grigio won’t get in the way of all those tender and savoury flavours of your Pork Chops. Instead, Pinot Grigio keeps you refreshed and engaged in your meal, much like a glass of light beer would.
What Wine Goes with Pork Chops and Sauerkraut?
Riesling is the best wine to pair with Pork Chops and Sauerkraut. A dry Riesling is acidic, crisp and tastes of citrus, green apples, apricot and peaches.
The high acidity of Riesling ensures it won’t taste flat when pitted against the Sauerkraut. Meanwhile, the notes of honey, green apple, apricot and pear are divine with the meaty flavours of your Pork Chops.