Wine can generally be taken on its own, but when paired with the food that can make it stand out more or complement it, the perfect wine and food pairings can truly satisfy your craving for an elegant, sophisticated, and great dining experience. Other beverages as well have to be paired perfectly. It might be difficult to enjoy Eggs Benedict when you’re having soda as well or scones
when you’re having a pineapple shake. More so with wines, the pairing of food with this beverage can be quite tricky. Here are some pointers to help you enjoy your meal with wine.
In pairing food and wine, remember that as with any pairing, light food should be paired with a light wine, and heavier meals should be paired with heavier wines. However, at the same time, wines tend to take the center stage, so a pairing wherein the wine will not be overpowered by the food can also work. At times, you can make the food match with your wine, and not the other way around. Select your food choices around your favorite wine. Make your food adjust to the taste of the wine. As long as the best wine or your favorite wine is there, you will be able to create the perfect meal.
White wines tend to go with fish or mild cheese, while the reds can be paired with meat. Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can work well with red meats, roast beef, chicken barbeque, steaks or smoked meats. Sauvignon Blanc can work with a light fish course, light cheeses, grilled salmon or shellfish. Lighter wines such as Pinot Noir, can work well with almost any dish because of its delicate texture, it does not require any stronger taste to complement it.
The proper wine glass is crucial in making the pairing work. The taste of the wine will only be brought out by the right choice of wine glass. Use the wrong glass and a perfect meal will already be ruined because the taste that is required from the wine cannot be delivered. The meal would have been perfect if not for the wine glass that was poorly matched.
A fun way to get the right pairing is by trying out dishes with two or three different wines and determining which ones will work best. You might be surprised at what food and wine pairings work out, so feel free to experiment.
Alternatively, there are restaurants that offer their food choices already with the best wine accompaniment. For a full course meal, the meals are already paired with the wines and it is up to you whether you go for a meal because of the food choice or your favorite wine and the food choice has been made accordingly.
Remember that when enjoyed on its own, wine can definitely satisfy. So when pairing it with any food, make sure that you will still get to enjoy the wine at its best as if you are taking it on its own. Or better yet, the taste of the wine should be enhanced and make you feel you are having a five-star dining experience.
Criss White is a professional article writer on wine and wedding topics. To view some wine wedding favors, or to check out some wedding colors, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.