The Best Type Of Wine To Pair With Eggs

Just because you head to brunch doesn't mean you have to stick with mimosas — especially if you order eggs. But if you want to steer clear of the popular brunch drink and other sparkling wines, you might feel a little lost while scanning the wine menu. Fortunately, Amanda Davenport, Beverage Director for Noisette, explained to Tasting Table the best type of wine to order that you might not have thought to pair. 

Eggs can be challenging to pair with wine because of their unique flavor. Unlike other foods, eggs have a delicate flavor that can be easily overwhelmed by bold or overpowering wines. This is why many wine connoisseurs often turn to sparkling wine as a pairing option, as the bubbles can cut through the richness of the yolks and provide a refreshing contrast. But Davenport explains that it doesn't have to be your only option. 

"Aside from champagne or other sparklers, I like to pair lighter, more delicate white wines with egg dishes," Davenport says. "Eggs themselves are a very delicate food, so you don't want anything with super bold flavors to overpower what you're eating. Especially if you have a luxurious, runny yolk, you'll want something fresh to cut through that rich texture."

When breaking eggs, plan to leave the reds on the rack. That's because the crisp acidity and bright flavors of light white wines offer a clean and refreshing contrast to the richness of the yolks, that's subtle enough not to overpower the delicate flavor of the eggs (via Wine Enthusiast). This creates a harmonious pairing that is both delicious and enjoyable. Pinot Grigio, for example, is known for its subtle notes of pear and apple, making it an excellent choice for eggs (via Vino Vest). 

When making a wine selection, you must consider the type of eggs you are serving. For example, if you are serving a dish with rich and creamy Hollandaise sauce like eggs Benedict, a Sauvignon Blanc with its bright acidity will be a perfect pairing. If you are serving eggs that aren't quite heavy, like scrambled eggs with herbs, a Pinot Grigio with its subtle fruit flavors won't overpower the dish's more delicate flavors.

So next time you're enjoying eggs, consider reaching for a light white wine instead of sparkling wine and discover a new world of flavor and balance.