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Wine has usually been an important part of fine dining. But finding the perfect bottle with the perfect meal is an art in itself. So, here is how to find the best food that pairs perfectly with wine. If you’re a newbie you would genuinely benefit from this list.
History of Wine with Foods
Have you ever wondered how wine became such a delicacy with fine or luxurious meals? It can be divided into three steps mainly:
Earliest Use
The use of wine can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks. Initially, it was used for medicinal purposes because it was used in many scientific experiences. Lately, it is mainly associated with wealth or high status, and that explains why it’s still used in complements with fine dining.
Wine in Europe
Wine production was mainly predominant in Europe because of the developing vineyard techniques and management.
Wine Today
Today, wine is produced in countries all over the world especially in the United States with different regions and climates yielding distinct flavors and styles. It is interesting how wine was so rare before and now can be found in any online wine marketplace and delivered right to your doorstep!
10 Foods That Go Best with Wine
Cheese
Wine and cheese are a fan favorite. Why? It’s because the different cheeses complement different wines perfectly. The key is matching the two flavors well! For example, a sharp cheddar pair well with a full-bodied red wine, while a slice of light goat cheese is better suited for a crisp white wine.
Chocolate
Chocolate and wine are a match made in heaven, so they are so often gifted together! The sweetness of the chocolate can balance out the tannins in red wine!
Meats
Grilled meats, such as steak or lamb, with their intense charred taste, go great with red wines. It brings out their flavor.
Seafood
Seafood, such as oysters or shrimp, are generally very rich in flavor. Because it’s very acidic it would taste better with simple white wines.
Pizza
you might be confused, but the article doesn’t discuss the fast-food pizza you’re usually used to. Wine works very well with authentic Italian pizza. A red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs well with a tomato-based pizza.
Pasta
Like pizza, pasta dishes with a tomato dish work with a glass of red wine, such as Sangiovese or Zinfandel. Cream-based pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo, pair well with a bottle of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Charcuterie Boards
They are specifically popular because they include all the factors mentioned above.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods are usually risky as the heat overpowers the wine’s flavors. However, a sweet white wine, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can balance out the heat of spicy foods.
Fruits
Fresh fruits, such as berries or peaches, can pair well with a variety of sweet wines that can be served as desserts.
Nuts
Nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can pair well with a variety of wines but more preferably those with rich flavors.
Things to be Careful of When Having Wine with Food
While pairing wine with food can enhance the dining experience, there are some things to be aware of to avoid pitfalls or anything that might ruin your fine dining experience.
Spicy Foods
As mentioned before, spicy foods can overpower the flavors of wine, so it isn’t easy to find a complementary pairing.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like tomato sauce or citrus can make tannic wines taste bitter. Pair acidic dishes with low-tannin wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to avoid this.
Salty Foods
If your meal has too much salt, it can make the wine taste almost bland or ruin its flavor. That is why salty foods should be paired with acidic or fruity drinks!
Conclusion
Despite all these tips and tricks, please remember that all taste is subjective. You can try out the suggested pairing, but the key is to go for whatever taste you prefer at the end of the day.
If you’re new to the fine dining and wine-tasting habit, please try all the pairings mentioned to find your favorite.
