There is many wines to choose from these days that it can be a puzzle just to know which is best for your dinner. You have probably seen wine pairing suggested with certain foods on restaurant menus or in magazines. Wine can really bring out the best in a dish, so it’s worth taking the time to learn about wine pairings. Did you know there is over 10,000 different wine grape varieties being produced in the world today?1 So knowing which to choose is a bit more difficult than you may think but read on to discover just how to know which type of wine suits which dish!
When Did Wine Originate?
Wine has been around for thousands of years. The earliest wine production was thought to be in the Middle East region, specifically in Georgia, Iran, and Armenia. The oldest winepress was found in Armenia and is thought to date back to 4100 BC.2 The grapevine is native to the Caucasus region and wine was being made there by 3000 BC. From the Caucasus, wine making spread to Greece, Italy, and France. It is believed that the Phoenicians helped to spread wine throughout Europe and Africa. The United States now creates an astonishing 800million lites of wine annually which is just a jaw dropping amount.3
What Makes Wine So Different?
Wine is made from grapes that have been crushed and fermented. The type of grape, the climate where it was grown, and the process of fermentation all contribute to the wine’s final flavor. Wine is also affected by how it is stored as the barrel its contained in also has its own unique variety of wood made by the cooper. Another interesting note to understand is you can alter the wine profile by the way it is served, hence why wine glasses are the traditional format for drinking wine out of as the large open area allows the oxygen to react with it and increase the flavor.
What Goes Best With Red Meat?
Most people believe that red wine is the best choice for red meat. The tannins in red wine are thought to help cut through the fat in steak and other red meats. The acidity in wine also helps to brighten the flavors of the meat. If you’re having a grilled steak, a bolder wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah would be a good choice. For a more tender steak like filet mignon, a lighter wine like a Pinot Noir would be better.34
What Goes Best With Fish?
White wine is generally considered to be the best choice for fish. The acidity in white wine helps to bring out the delicate flavor of fish. A wine with a little bit of sweetness, like a Riesling, can also be a good choice for fish. If you’re having a richer fish like salmon, a fuller-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay would be a good match.
What Goes Best With Pasta and Rice?
Pasta and rice are both fairly neutral in terms of flavor, so they can go well with either red or white wine. If you’re having a tomato-based pasta dish, a red wine like a Sangiovese would be a good choice. If you’re having a cream-based pasta dish, a white wine like a Chardonnay would be better. For rice dishes, either red or white wine would be a good choice.
In general, it’s best to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the dish. So, if you’re having a light dish like fish or pasta, choose a lighter wine. If you’re having a heavier dish like steak, choose a fuller-bodied wine. And if you’re not sure what to choose, ask your server or wine shop owner for their recommendation. With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll find that wine pairings can really enhance your dining experience.
What About Dessert Wines?
Dessert wines are sweet wines that are generally served with dessert. These wines can be made from a variety of grapes, and they range in sweetness from off-dry to syrupy. Dessert wines are usually higher in alcohol than table wines, so they should be served in small glasses. Some popular dessert wine varieties include Port, Sauternes, Icewine, and Moscato d’Asti. When pairing wine with dessert, it’s important to match the sweetness of the wine with the sweetness of the dish. So, if you’re having a very sweet dessert like chocolate cake, you would want to choose a sweeter wine like Port or Sauternes. If you’re having a less sweet dessert like fruit pie, you would want to choose a less sweet wine like Moscato d’Asti.
Impress Your Friends Next Dinner Party!
Pairing wine with food can be a fun and delicious way to experiment with different flavors. By matching the wine with the dish, you can really bring out the best in both. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, take some time to consider what wine you’ll serve. Your taste buds will thank you!
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