Author Seema Pal Published 1-5-2023
Pho is a Vietnamese soup dish that is gaining popularity around the world due to its variety of bold flavors, versatility of ingredients, plus it is a relatively healthy main course. The delicious broth simmers all day with beef bones, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and star anise. The meat, noodles, basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, scallions and fresh lime juice come together in perfect harmony and of course there are wines that we can pair with it to elevate our dining experience!
Wine Characteristics To Pair With Pho
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Acidity | Medium Plus-High |
| Tannins | Low to Medium |
| Body | Light -Medium Plus |
| Notes | Red and Black Berries, Citrus, Orchard Fruits, Herbs Spices |
Best Red Wine to Pair with Pho
The great thing about Pho is that it is highly variable in terms of what can go in it. It can have beef or chicken, or can be vegetarian. This allows for a wide variety of wines we can use to pair it. A higher acid wine that has bold fruit flavors is always a safe bet. Medium to medium plus bodied wines will bring out the rich flavors of the broth without overpowering it. It is best to stay away from wines that are too intense that might overpower the delicate nuances of the broth that took all day to prepare, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo. Here are some great options to pair with your pho main course.
Chilean Merlot
This red wine has bold red fruit flavors that will bring out the aromatic richness of the broth. The medium tannins go well with the meat in the broth, but will not overpower the more delicate components of the soup. Chilean red wines have a characteristic herbaceous green pepper or jalapeno notes, making them food friendly with dishes like pho that are loaded with herbs.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir around the world is a fruity wine that boasts of complexity, even in youth. Both an aged or young Pinot Noir will have some earthy characteristics that will pair nicely with the matching notes in the meat. It also has delicate spice character from gentle oak exposure which gives it which mirrors the similar spices in the pho.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Wines that have a focus on fruitiness also will go very well with a dish like pho. This wine focuses purely on the red fruit and confected notes that will create balance. Try this wine with vegetarian pho and you will find the light tannins will be a perfect match. The richness of this wine will complement the richness of the broth to create a harmonious pairing.
Schiava
This is a light bodied red wine that is full of juicy red fruit and high acidity from Northern Italy. Its high acidity cuts through the richness of the broth and cleanses the palate for the next bite. The red fruit notes create a delicious contrast with the herbs that often go into pho.
Loire Valley Cabernet Franc
This is a red wine that is often overlooked but is very food friendly. Its light tannin and the pyrazine compounds in the grape skin give it a unique herbaceous character that pairs so well with foods that have herbs in it, such as pho. Its light to medium body and tannin level do not overpower the delicate nuances of the soup, while still creating a smooth texture on the palate as the tannins bind to the meat protein.
Best White Wines to Pair with Pho
The variety of white wines with this main course is truly endless. A medium to full bodied white wine will go perfectly as it complements the richness of the broth and meat. Conversely, a fresh light bodied option will give your palate an aromatic lift. Selecting a wine with high acidity is important to freshen the palate.
Cava
This is a Spanish sparkling white wine that is loaded with bubbles which is known to be food friendly. It is bursting with citrus, apple, and brioche notes that give it complexity as well as a lightness that refreshes the palate. Since the broth is also complex with herbs, spices and umami, this high acid and multi-nuanced wine will pair beautifully.
Clare Valley Riesling
This is a high acid wine that will go nicely with Pho. This is a region where the Rieslings are famous for its lime juice notes. All pho has lime wedges served with it to brighten the dish up. This makes this dry, fruit forward and acidic wine a really great choice. A younger option would be better since an aged one will create petrol-like flavors that are not for everyone.
Roero Arneis
This wine from Northwestern Italy boasts of high acidity, herbaceous and fruit forward flavors. These characteristics create balance with the umami flavors of the soup broth, and the high acidity refreshes the palate. This type of wine is also floral, which goes well with the aromatics of the soup and ingredients.
Napa Valley Chardonnay
On the other side of the spectrum, a rich and buttery white wine will pair nicely with pho as well. The ripeness of these grapes creates wines that are bold enough to stand up to the strong flavors of the soup. Pho has many flavors infused in it and will do well with these wines that are also complex. These wines will have toast and spice, fruit, as well as buttery notes from malolactic conversion.
Pinot Grigio
Every wine lover is familiar with this neutral and recognizable wine style. It is a great food wine because its neutrality goes well with a wide variety of dishes without conflicting. Additionally, it’s high acid levels will liven up the dish. This light bodied wine is typically served chilled and will create a refreshing contrast with the hot pho.
Best Wine to Pair with Pho
As we can see there are many to choose from! It makes it a fun endeavor to think of a great pairing because we can get creative. Try to find a wine that is higher acid, and not high in tannins so as to not overpower the dish. Anything fruit forward will be a great option which brings out the umami richness and the aromatic complexity of the soup base.
Pairing Wine With Vietnamese Food
