| Many people with even just a basic understanding | | | | then between red or white wine; since it's all |
| of wine know that there are certain "rules" about | | | | grapes, why go so far so as to even make rules |
| what is and is not proper when it comes to your | | | | about what foods to serve it with? However, |
| menu and your choice of red or white, specifically, | | | | think about the difference between coffee and |
| red meat means red wine, and everything else | | | | tea. Typically you think of coffee as a "heavier" |
| means white. But what's the real difference | | | | beverage and tea as something lighter. Coffee |
| between these two choices, and how can you tell | | | | has a much more pungent flavor and is typically |
| which is going to be best for your particular | | | | stronger than tea. You can also compare cola |
| menu? | | | | with lemon-lime soda; cola is a heavier drink while |
| It's important to remember that wine is just a | | | | the lemon-lime soda is crisper and lighter. In the |
| beverage made when you ferment grapes or | | | | same way, red wine is typically "heavier" than |
| other fruits; the fermentation process is when | | | | white, and usually has a much stronger flavor. It |
| sugars are converted to alcohol. When you | | | | is usually more pungent in taste. White wines are |
| make beer, the natural starches in the barley or | | | | usually crisper, lighter, and have a fruitier flavor. |
| other grains is much like sugar, and this is what | | | | The main reason that certain wines are |
| converts to alcohol during that fermentation. | | | | recommended with certain foods is that you |
| Many people assume that any type of wine is | | | | never want the food to interfere with its flavor, |
| just made from grapes, but there are many | | | | and vice versa. You also want something that's |
| fruits that can be used, including apples, bananas, | | | | strong enough to complement the flavors of the |
| strawberries, elderberries, blackberries, and so | | | | food as well. For example, people rarely have |
| on. | | | | tea with chocolate; the strong flavor of the |
| Wines are named after the fruit they are made | | | | coffee is a better fit for the sweetness of the |
| from, and when they are made from grapes, it is | | | | chocolate. Of course, recommendations for wine |
| the type of grape it is made from. For example, | | | | are not hard and fast rules, and there's no reason |
| Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot are all types of | | | | you can't mix things up and stick with the flavor |
| grapes. If not named after the grapes, they are | | | | that you prefer regardless of what you're |
| named after the area they are grown in, such as | | | | eating. Try a few different combinations and |
| Bordeaux, Rioja, Chianti, or Cotnari. | | | | see what makes you palate the happiest. |
| You may not think that there is much difference | | | | |