The 7 Best Pork Chop Wine Pairings You’ll Find

That’s right, we said it!

What wine goes with pork chops? We list 7 ways to cook pork chops each with a wine pairing. That’s 7 pork chop wine pairings.

When it comes to your wine pairing with pork chops, fewer proteins have quite as much versatility. 

After all, pork chops can be made in countless different ways akin to both white meat and red meat. They’re mild in flavor, with a very subtle sweetness, and they take to any preparation incredibly well. 

From grilled to pan-fried to oven roasted, no matter how you slice it, pork chops can easily be paired with all styles of wine. Seriously.

Check out our tips for how to customize your pork chop wine pairing. You’ll walk away with recommendations on our favorite red wines and white wines to pair with pork chops! 

Spoiler alert! Both red wine and white wine (and, even Rosé wine) make great pork chop pairings. It all depends on how you’re preparing your dish.

What cut is a pork chop?

Pork chops come from the loin cut of the pig, which runs from the hip to the shoulder. This makes for a tender cut that is low in fat and packed with protein. 

You can expect to find pork chops labeled as shoulder chop, loin chop, rib chop, boneless chop, and sirloin chop. While each cut is similar, they have slightly different flavors and textures. 

Tips for Your Wine Pairing with Pork Chops

So, let’s go over the differences in each cut of pork chops.

Shoulder chop: Cut from the shoulder, also known as blade chops. They’re flavorful but have tougher gristle and bone, so they’re best braised or tenderized before cooking. The best cooking method is a low and slow braise in a slow cooker. 

Loin chop: Cut from the hip, also known as the center loin chop. Known for being very lean and mild in flavor. They’re best cooked quickly by either searing, grilling, or broiling. 

Rib chop: Cut from the rib section of the loin, also known as the center-cut rib chop. They’re very tender, mild in flavor, and slightly fattier. They’re best cooked by quickly grilling, broiling, or searing. Brining is great for keeping the meat tender.

Boneless chop: Cut from the top loin, essentially rib chops with the bone removed. They’re lean and have the mildest flavor due to the lack of bone. Quickly grilling or broiling is best, and brining is recommended.

Sirloin chop: This is the cheapest cut from the loin end. It’s also known as sirloin steak. While richer in flavor, they can be tough and are best braised or slow-cooked. 

Best White and Rosé Wines for Pairing with Pork Chops

Pork chops are the perfect white meat protein for a white wine pairing since they’re so mild in flavor and take to their seasoning well. The combination of delicate flavor and zippy acidity will help to tenderize and accentuate the nuanced flavors of the pork.

Sparkling (Oregon) Argyle, Brut Vintage 2017

Sparkling wine is always a good idea, especially when talking about crispy fried anything! Sparkling Argyle Brut Vintage sparkling wine, in particular, is from the Willamette Valley of Oregon and comes loaded with fresh green fruit, citrus, and subtle toasted flavor. 

It’s the perfect high-acid wine pairing that can help tenderize the meat while cutting through that oh-so-delicious fried coating. 

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Pan-fried pork chops

Pinot Grigio (Italy) Tenuta Ulisse, Pinot Grigio 2021

Another high-acid wine, Pinot Grigio, is perfect for cooking with and accentuating the acidity in these pork chops.

With punchy acidity, dryness, and lush stonefruit and pear flavor, the Tenuta Ulisse, Pinot Grigio is sure to accentuate the fresh flavors in the pork chops and appear more fruity and sweeter in comparison.

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Seared pork chops in a Dijon & white wine sauce

Chardonnay (California) Rombauer Vineyards, Chardonnay 2021

I can hear your yummy noises from here. Chardonnay is the ideal pairing to compliment the richness, fullness, and buttery flavors in a dish like pork chop piccata. The Rombauer Chardonnay, in particular, is full-bodied, with rich flavors of butter, oak, toast, and subtle green apple acidity.

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Pork chop piccata

Rosé (France) Château d’Esclans, Whispering Angel Rosé 2019

Considering pork chops are nicknamed “the other white meat,” it’s unsurprising that rosé is a great pairing partner. The wine’s dry and snappy acidity is perfect for tenderizing the pork, while the flavor of fresh summertime red fruit will stand out in an otherwise mild dish.

The Château d’Esclans, Whispering Angel Rosé abounds with vibrant red fruit, stonefruit, and melon flavor, perfect for pairing with tart applesauce.

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Pork chops with applesauce

Best Red Wines for Pairing with Pork Chops

When cooked on an open flame or braised in an herbaceous sauce, pork chops require a red wine that can accentuate the dish without overpowering it. 

Light and aromatic red wines are best for brightening a recipe, while more juicy, meaty red wines complement a smoky or grilled recipe. 

Beaujolais (France) Domaine Chardigny, Saint-Amour À la Folie 2019

We love this French wine from Beaujolais. Gamay Noir, along with Pinot Noir, is perfect for maintaining the delicateness of the pork chops. Its low tannins, crisp acidity, and vibrant red fruit flavor make it the ideal pairing partner that won’t overpower.

The Saint-Amour À la Folie Beaujolais is acidic enough to tenderize the pork chops, while its raspberry, blueberry, and cherry flavors will compliment the cherry sauce perfectly. 

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Oven-roasted pork chops in a cherry sauce

Rioja (Spain) Finca el Recreo, Reserva 2017

The Finca el Recreo Rioja is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes and balances acidity, body, and tannins. Provided the pork chops are cooked with enough herbs and heat, this wine should not overpower but rather complement the dish’s flavor.

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Pork chops a la madrilene (Spanish pork chops)

Zinfandel (California) Michael David Winery, Earthquake Zinfandel

The Michael David Winery, Earthquake Zinfandel from the Lodi Valley is packed with rich flavors of black fruit, red fruit, chocolate, and oak spice. It might seem like the enemy to a plate of mild-mannered pork chops, but the balance of the fruity, tannic red wine and the smoky barbequed pork chops are actually a match made in heaven. 

Best Wine Pairing Pork Chops: Dry-rubbed & grilled pork chops

Pork chops are among the few meats that pair equally well with red, white, and rosé wines. However, when it comes to making the perfect pairing choice, it really comes down to the rest of the ingredients. 

Stick to a light-to-medium-bodied red wine if your pork chops are smoky, grilled, or rich with aromatic herbs. If your pork chops are cooked in butter or citrus, stick to a white wine with high acidity. 

My favorite wines to pair would be Pinot Grigio or Gamay Noir since they’re equally versatile and will satisfy a variety of palates.

Pork Chop Wine Pairing FAQ