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Meat · Wine pairing

What wine goes with pork?

Pork works with both red and white. Pinot Noir is the safest red; off-dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc shine when there’s fruit, mustard or spice.

The rule: Think about the sauce: fruit and spice → off-dry white; herbs and mushrooms → Pinot Noir.

By Rate This Wine editors · Updated · How we rate

Pork

The 3 best wines with pork

  1. Pinot Noir

    1 Pinot Noir Light-bodied red

    Light, silky red that never overpowers pork tenderloin.

    Serve 55-60°F Decent from $15; good from $25; Burgundy can be any price

  2. Riesling

    2 Riesling Aromatic white, dry to sweet

    Brilliant with pork and apples, mustard sauces and sweet glazes.

    Serve 45-50°F From $12

  3. Chenin Blanc

    3 Chenin Blanc Medium white, dry to sweet

    Vouvray’s quince and honey notes match roast pork.

    Serve 45-52°F From $12

Best on a budget: German Riesling Kabinett or a Chilean Pinot Noir.

Also good

MerlotGrenache (Garnacha)RoséCabernet FrancViognier

What to avoid

  • Heavy, tannic reds. They overwhelm lean pork.

It depends how you cook it

If you’re having…Pour
Pork with applesOff-dry Riesling or Chenin Blanc.
Pulled porkZinfandel or Grenache.
Pork chops with herbsCabernet Franc or Pinot Noir.

Frequently asked questions

Is pork better with red or white wine?

Both work. Pinot Noir is the go-to red; Riesling and Chenin Blanc are the go-to whites, especially with fruity sauces.

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