Wine & FoodPairing Guide
Master the art of pairing wine with Mediterranean and Persian cuisine. From grilled kebabs to sweet baklava, discover your perfect match.
Quick Pairing Reference
Syrah, Cabernet
Viognier, Chardonnay
Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc
Muscat, Port
Detailed Pairing Recommendations
Expert recommendations for every dish on our menu, with alternates for different taste preferences.
Red Wines with Grilled Meats
Bold pairings for lamb, beef, and mixed grills
Lamb Kebab (Koobideh)
→ Syrah / Shiraz
The smoky, peppery notes of Syrah complement the charred lamb perfectly. Look for Australian Shiraz or Northern Rhône Syrah.
Lamb Chops
→ Cabernet Franc
The herbal, slightly peppery character of Cab Franc matches herb-crusted lamb beautifully. Loire Valley versions are classic choices.
Mixed Grill Platter
→ GSM Blend (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre)
This versatile blend handles the variety of a mixed grill – from chicken to lamb to beef. Its fruit-forward profile complements every protein.
Ghormeh Sabzi (Herb Stew)
→ Pinot Noir
The earthy, herbaceous stew needs a lighter red with good acidity. Oregon or Burgundy Pinot Noir work wonderfully.
White Wines with Poultry & Seafood
Lighter pairings for chicken and fish dishes
Joojeh Kebab (Saffron Chicken)
→ Viognier
The aromatic, stone-fruit character of Viognier echoes the saffron's exotic perfume. Its richness stands up to the grilled char.
Zereshk Polo ba Morgh
→ Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
The slight sweetness and tartness of barberries meets its match in the crisp, fruity Pinot Gris. Choose Alsatian for more body.
Grilled Fish
→ Sauvignon Blanc
Citrusy, herbal Sauvignon Blanc is the classic match for fish. Its bright acidity cuts through any richness.
Salmon with Za'atar
→ White Burgundy (Chardonnay)
The za'atar's herbal complexity calls for a wine with structure. Burgundy's minerality complements the fatty fish.
Rosé & White with Mezze
Versatile wines for shared appetizers
Hummus
→ Dry Rosé
Provençal rosé is ideal – its acidity cuts through the tahini richness while its subtle fruit doesn't overpower the delicate flavors.
Baba Ganoush
→ Grüner Veltliner
The smoky eggplant needs a wine with enough character. Austrian Grüner's white pepper notes complement the dish beautifully.
Falafel
→ Sparkling Rosé
The crispy texture calls for bubbles! Sparkling rosé cleanses the palate between bites while its fruit enhances the herbs.
Cheese Borek
→ Champagne / Sparkling
Flaky pastry and cheese is a natural match for Champagne. The bubbles cut through the richness, the yeast complements the cheese.
Fattoush Salad
→ Vinho Verde
The light, slightly effervescent Portuguese wine matches the fresh, tangy salad perfectly. Its low alcohol makes it ideal for starters.
Sweet Wines with Desserts
Finishing your meal with the perfect sip
Baklava
→ Muscat (Moscato d'Asti)
The honey and nut-laden baklava needs a wine with matching sweetness. Muscat's floral, honeyed notes are a perfect echo.
Kunafa
→ Late Harvest Riesling
The cheese-filled pastry's complexity calls for an equally complex sweet wine. Riesling's acidity balances the sweetness.
Turkish Coffee
→ Vin Santo
The Italian dessert wine's nutty, caramel notes complement the coffee's intensity. Serve them together for a luxurious finish.
Expert Pairing Tips
Pro advice from our sommeliers to elevate your dining experience
Match Weight, Not Color
Forget the "red with meat, white with fish" rule. Focus on matching the wine's body to the dish's richness. A light Pinot Noir can work with chicken, while a rich Viognier can handle lamb.
Embrace Regional Pairings
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean wines are underrated gems. Lebanese reds, Israeli whites, and Greek varieties naturally complement the cuisine they grew up with.
Acidity is Your Friend
Many Mediterranean dishes feature olive oil, tahini, and rich sauces. Wines with good acidity (Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese) cut through this richness beautifully.
Don't Fear Spice
For dishes with warm spices like saffron, sumac, or za'atar, choose aromatic wines (Gewürztraminer, Riesling) that can dance with the complexity rather than clash.
Rosé is the MVP
When in doubt, order rosé. Its versatility makes it the perfect companion for shared mezze plates where you're eating multiple dishes simultaneously.
Sweetness Matches Sweetness
For desserts, your wine should be as sweet or sweeter than what you're eating. A dry wine will taste sour next to baklava.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wine goes best with lamb kebabs?
Medium to full-bodied red wines like Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec pair excellently with lamb kebabs. The bold tannins complement the rich, gamey flavor of lamb while standing up to the charred exterior from grilling.
What wine pairs with hummus and Mediterranean appetizers?
Crisp white wines with good acidity work best with mezze appetizers. Try a Sauvignon Blanc, Assyrtiko, or dry Rosé. The acidity cuts through the richness of tahini-based dips like hummus and baba ganoush.
Can I drink red wine with Persian rice dishes?
Yes! Persian rice dishes like Zereshk Polo (with barberries) pair wonderfully with lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Grenache. The fruity notes complement the tartness of barberries, and the wine's acidity balances the buttery saffron rice.
What wine goes with grilled chicken (Joojeh Kebab)?
For saffron-marinated chicken like Joojeh Kebab, choose aromatic whites like Viognier, Gewürztraminer, or oaked Chardonnay. These wines have enough body to match the grilled char while their aromatic profiles complement the saffron and citrus marinade.
What wine pairs with Mediterranean lamb chops?
Herb-crusted lamb chops call for structured reds with herbal notes. Try a Cab Franc from Loire Valley, a Lebanese red blend, or an Australian Shiraz. The wine's complexity should match the herb crust while its tannins cut through the lamb's fat.
What wine pairs best with baklava and Middle Eastern desserts?
Sweet, honeyed baklava pairs beautifully with dessert wines. Try a Muscat, late-harvest Riesling, or Vin Santo. The key is matching sweetness levels – the wine should be as sweet or sweeter than the dessert.
Experience Perfect Pairings at Carnys
Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to recommend the perfect wine for your meal. Visit us to explore our curated wine selection.