| Wine pairing is the process of matching the food | | | | meal. This is because a great wine acts similar to |
| and wine to accentuate the taste in both. Wines | | | | a spice. The features in wine interact with the |
| are often times paired with foods of | | | | food to provide certain sensations, as spices do. |
| complimentary flavors and textures. Some wine | | | | Here are some successful food and wine |
| connoisseurs even like to eat multi-course meals, | | | | combinations: |
| where each course is paired with a separate wine. | | | | White Zinfandel. This wine can be served with |
| Although food and wine pairing depends on one's | | | | traditional dishes like chicken, pork or seafood. |
| individual taste, there are universal guidelines. | | | | White Zinfandel also tastes great with foods that |
| One basic wine pairing guideline is to match by | | | | have a red pepper or chili quality. |
| color. This means red wine with red meats (beef, | | | | Sauvignon Blanc. This wine pairs exceptionally well |
| lamb etc.), and white wine with white meats (fish, | | | | with grilled poultry, pork marinated with lemon, or |
| chicken etc.). This general pairing rule is universal, | | | | smoke trout. Other great pairs with this wine are |
| but can be viewed as an over simplification of a | | | | vegetarian cuisine, exotic Asian meals, artichoke |
| complex process. Wine pairing is a subtle artistry, | | | | dip, creamy Italian sauces, Thai food, sushi, and |
| and this general pairing rule is just the starting | | | | salads. |
| point. It is important to point out that many | | | | Riesling. Riesling will go well paired with any spice |
| different foods can be paired with wine | | | | Asian cuisine, fresh fruit, salad, pork, poultry or |
| successfully, regardless of color. The reason for | | | | fish. |
| this is that foods can be prepared in different | | | | Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled salmon |
| ways. Foods prepared differently provide a | | | | and pasta dishes that are lightly sauced. This wine |
| different taste. When pairing wine with food, you | | | | also tastes great paired with seafood, |
| want to go for tastes that compliment each | | | | light-flavored meats and mild-flavored cheese. |
| other. Another basic guideline to follow in wine | | | | Sangiovese and Chianti. These wine pairs well with |
| pairing is to match the sauce and not the protein. | | | | fowl, meat and pasta dishes. You can also try |
| For example, food prepared with red wine can | | | | beef, chicken and tomato-based sauces over |
| also be matched with other red wines of a lighter | | | | pasta with this wine for a brilliant meal. |
| taste. | | | | Zinfandel. This wine is best paired with a wide |
| Another useful guideline to follow when trying to | | | | range of foods. Zinfandel can taste great with |
| match a particular food with wine is to match the | | | | barbequed beef, grilled chicken and roast game. |
| region. You can match wine and foods of the | | | | This wine is vary versatile and can even be paired |
| same country or region. If you are eating a pasta | | | | with highly seasoned foods and sauces. |
| dish, you will do well with an Italian wine. An | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon. This type of wine tastes |
| exception to this guideline is foods that are not | | | | exceptionally well with rich roasted meats like |
| prepared traditionally. If a dish is not prepared with | | | | prime rib. |
| a traditional recipe or uses spices not indigenous | | | | Pinot Grigio. This wine pairs nicely with seafood, |
| to that country, the wine of that country will not | | | | pastas, cheese and crackers. |
| pair well. | | | | Chardonnay. Chardonnay can be paired with |
| The basic goal of wine pairing is to provide a | | | | poultry, pork and seafood. |
| synergy or balance with the wine and food. The | | | | Merlot. Merlot pairs well with poultry, red meat, |
| food should not overpower the wine. Likewise, | | | | pork, pasta and salad. |
| the wine should not over power the food. When | | | | When pairing wine you can follow the general |
| you are pairing wine with food, treat the wine as | | | | guidelines and these suggestions. However, the |
| you would treat a condiment. The wine should | | | | true tester of how good a pairing is is your own |
| always compliment the food. Wine alone, tastes | | | | senses. Try what you like, experiment and enjoy |
| differently than it does when paired with the right | | | | the process. |