Herb or Spice
Basil
About This Entry
Basil is the defining fresh herb of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cooking — sweet peppery leaves anchor pesto, caprese, and Thai dishes that pair with Sauvignon Blanc and crisp whites.
Wine Pairing Explanation
Primary wine styles
Alternative wine styles
Why These Wines Work
Sauvignon Blanc — Basil fresh sweet herbal profile suits Sauvignon Blanc herbaceous acidity in Mediterranean and Thai accent use.
Pinot Grigio — Basil in light tomato accent also pairs with crisp Pinot Grigio without oak masking herbal aroma.
Herbal — Basil sweet herbal character aligns with herbal notes in Sauvignon Blanc and Loire whites.
Common Culinary Uses
- asparagus
- feta
- goat chevre log
- oregano
- parmigiano reggiano
- parsley
- thyme
- tomato
At a Glance
Group
Fresh Herbs
Classification
Herbs & Spices
Usage intensity
primary
Scientific name
Ocimum basilicum
Scientific Classification
- Display name
- Basil
- Classification
- Herbs & Spices
- Group
- Fresh Herbs
- Scientific name
- Ocimum basilicum
Taxonomy
- Usage intensity
- primary