Wine Connoisseur's Delight: Pairing Low-Calorie Wines with Gourmet Meals

Get ready to elevate your dining experience with our expert tips and recommendations for a guilt-free gourmet food and wine adventure!

We are no stranger to making health-conscious choices about food and drink. After all, it’s the whole reason why we love our Happy Healthy Daily Juice, SYLTBAR. Sometimes, however — especially during the holiday season — there is a lot of indulgence when it comes to eating, whether it’s at someone’s home for dinner, a big social gathering or out at a restaurant. And regardless of how clean your wine pairings are, you may still overdo it on your food selection. The idea of indulging in a gourmet meal paired with low-calorie wines may seem like a paradox, but we are here to show you that is not the case.

We’ve put together a beautiful 5-course gourmet meal, all while emphasizing healthier eating and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, that will pair perfectly with your low-calorie SYLTBAR wines during the holiday season and all year long!

This meal can be created as individual portions for friends and family in a more intimate setting, or you can certainly make smaller “passed appetizer” or larger “buffet style” versions of each to cater to larger groups at a party.

Our Gourmet Menu Recommendations

Appetizer: Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
SYLTBAR Wine Pairing: Silk Friulano, 2021, 125 calories/6 oz.

Start off your meal with a burst of freshness. Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad combines the sweetness of ripe peaches, the creaminess of burrata, and the smokiness from the grill. You can also add in beautiful heirloom tomatoes. Depending when you live, if they are in season, use local varieties. A simple and elegant drizzling of balsamic reduction makes an easy dressing, and if you want to add an extra element of texture, try toasted pine nuts or chopping pistachios. For a holiday meal, add bright pomegranate arils for a festive twist.

A crisp wine like a Sauvignon Blanc goes well with this dish — and we like to call our Silk the “Sauvignon Blanc of Italy.” Friulano is a rare wine, not commonly found in the US. It has notes of peach kernel to complement one of the main stars on the plate. Silk is floral and fragrant, but well balanced enough that it won't overpower the delicate flavors.

Pasta Course: Shellfish Risotto
SYLTBAR Wine Pairing: Junior Ramato Pinot Grigio - 98 calories/6 oz.

This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, using a medley of shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, and lobster, letting their natural sweetness infuse into the rice. Enhance the dish with a touch of saffron for a warm, golden hue and a subtle earthy note. The Ramato Pinot Grigio, with its coppery tones and nuanced palate, complements the brininess of the shellfish and the richness of the risotto. Its crisp, dry and savory edge provides a complementary backdrop to the seafood flavors. The wine's acidity serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture of the risotto, creating a well-balanced and harmonious pairing.

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a burst of freshness, and you'll have a sophisticated and flavorful meal that perfectly complements the distinctive characteristics of our Junior, the Ramato Pinot Grigio.

Fish Course: Lemon-Butter Herb Sea Bass
SYLTBAR Wine Pairing: White Linen Pinot Grigio, 2020 125 calories/6 oz.

This preparation complements the crisp and refreshing characteristics of Pinot Grigio, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Make sure to use an abundance of fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme to really enhance the flavor of this rich and delicate fish. The acidity of the Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy notes in the dish, while the wine's body and subtle fruitiness enhance the overall dining experience. Serve this pairing with sides like sautéed green beans or a light salad to complete a delightful and well-rounded meal. We nicknamed our Pinot Grigio ‘White Linen’ because of its light, airy notes, which will balance out the creamy texture of the sauce.

Meat Course: Filet Medallion with Pepper Cream Sauce
SYLTBAR Wine Pairing: Cashmere Cabernet Franc, 2020 115 calories/6 oz.

This pairing creates a rich and indulgent dining experience. The bold and robust nature of Cabernet Franc complements the hearty flavors of the filet medallion, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish. The wine's velvety tannins and notes of red fruit, cinnamon, and spice provide a perfect counterbalance to the creamy and peppery sauce that accompanies the filet.

The Cabernet Franc's structure and depth stand up to the meat's succulence while allowing the nuanced flavors of the pepper cream to shine through. This pairing is a harmonious marriage of boldness and finesse, creating a luxurious and memorable culinary symphony that tantalizes the taste buds. Serve the filet with a side of roasted root vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes to complement the vibrant qualities of both the dish and the wine.

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse
SYLTBAR Wine Pairing: Mr Premium Prosecco, 49 calories/6 oz. and Mrs Sparkling Rosé 63 calories/6 oz.

End your gourmet experience on a sweet note with a guilt-free Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse. Boost the presentation of this dessert with toppings of shaved dark chocolate, homemade whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

This decadent yet healthy dessert pairs beautifully with sparkling wine, so of course our duo of Mr and Mrs are the perfect pairing. The wine's effervescence cleanses the palate after each velvety spoonful, while the crispness complements the chocolate’s rich texture and flavor. Not only is this a delicious dessert option, but the antioxidants in dark chocolate and the avocado base add a nutritional twist to this sweet finale.

When you choose SYLTBAR’s low-calorie — but full-flavored — wines to pair with your gourmet meal, you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with fresh, wholesome ingredients and a wine option that won’t derail your health goals. Elevate your dining experience, celebrate local flavors, and savor the satisfaction of a health-conscious feast that's as indulgent as it is mindful. Cheers to a harmonious blend of flavor, health, and the love of wine!

Shop for the best low-calorie wine to serve with gourmet dishes at syltbar.com, or look for a retailer nearby that carries our wine.