Wine and Cigars are objects of luxury with values that complement each other. In fact, wine and cigar pairings are indeed an intriguing and rewarding experience due to the surprising interplay between their flavors. More than anything else, it is important to get the right combination as it can be overwhelming for each other. A cigar has a stronger body and a robust flavor, which can dominate over a lighter wine. However, if matched well, there is a nice synergy between a cigar and a carefully chosen wine. Both after all are experienced with a similar woven tapestry uniting them.
First and foremost it is important to match the depth and flavor according to the cigar. Generally speaking, a stronger red wine will match a strong cigar since the wine can match up to the flavor. White wine may be too light and would be easily overwhelmed by the cigar. While white wines are not exactly forbidden, it is best paired with a light-bodied cigar for the matching flavor. It can be the perfect companion for light smoke.
Red wines, with a fruity undertone at the nose, do not disappear against the strong smoky taste from a full-bodied cigar. The strong taste of wine with a light bitter note filters through and you will enjoy both. Hence, try and always pair a fruity and a glass of bold red wine with your medium/strong-bodied cigar.
Hence a wine with a lighter intensity of taste like a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio may not be ideal while something like a Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir plus a Syrah with ranging from a medium-bodied to a rich, full-bodied wine will do the job better.
You can also look at a Rosé wine since it is formed by combining red and white wine. Hence, it features a broader spectrum of traits, it can work with most cigars quite well but we recommend the medium-bodied cigars. On the other hand, you can try out a section of sweeter wines like fortified wines including Port, Madeira, Marsala, and sherry. The sweetness matches a cigar and complements its distinct nuttiness.
In the end, it is important to experiment and get the right combination- some of the joy is reveling in the aromas and tastes of both. It is also important to match a cigar over the time it takes to smoke it. While normally you find wine and cigars paired with other things, these two are indeed a perfect match in many ways. After all, as D.L. Hughley succinctly put it “There’s something about having a great bottle of wine and a great cigar. Nothing compares to it.”