Wine pairing
A wine pairing is a combination of wine and food. The appeal of wine pairing is that by pairing wine and food in a way that brings out their individual characteristics, you can enjoy both of them even more deliciously.
When considering wine pairings, it’s a good idea to keep the following three factors in mind.
- Balance of taste
- Balance of sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetness
- Harmony of fragrances
1. Balance of taste
The basis of wine pairing is to find a balance between the flavors of the wine and the food. For example, pairing a richly flavored dish with a full-bodied red wine will bring out the flavors of each other. On the other hand, if you have a light-tasting dish, pairing it with acidic white wine will bring out the refreshing taste of the dish.
2. Balance of sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetness
It is also important to balance the acidity, bitterness, saltiness, and sweetness of wine and food. For example, pairing a highly acidic dish with a wine with a milder acidity will prevent the acidity from being overemphasized. On the other hand, pairing a low-acidity dish with a sour wine can add an accent to the dish.
3. Harmony of scents
Harmony between the aromas of wine and food is also an important element of wine pairing. For example, if you pair a wine with a fruity aroma with a dish that uses fruit, the aroma will stand out even more. On the other hand, if you pair a spicy-scented wine with a dish that uses spices, the aroma will become more complex and deep.
Of course, there are no rules when it comes to wine pairing. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste and the atmosphere of the place.
Below are some classic examples of wine pairings.
White wine and fish dishes
White fish dishes are dishes using seafood with a light flavor. Therefore, it goes well with white wines with acidity and minerality. For example, we recommend dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
White fish (cod, shrimp, crab, etc.)
Clean, crisp white wines (such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling) are best. Wine with acidity neutralizes the oiliness of fish and brings a refreshing taste.
Seafood
Mineral, refreshing white wines such as Chablis and Pinot Grigio pair well with seafood.
Red wine and meat dishes
Meat dishes are dishes that use meat with a rich flavor. Therefore, it goes well with rich red wine. For example, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are recommended.
Red meat (beef, mutton)
Pairs well with full-bodied red wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, etc.). Wines with more tannins combine with the fat in the meat to create a rounder flavor.
Chicken and poultry dishes
Pinot noir and light red wines (gamay, primitivo, etc.) are suitable. This light-bodied wine complements the delicate flavors of the chicken.
Rose wine and light dishes
Rosé wine has a character that is somewhere between red and white, and goes well with salads, light pasta, vegetable dishes, appetizers, etc. It is characterized by a light yet fruity taste.
Sweet wine and dessert
Sweet wines (Saternay, Eiswine, Moscato, etc.) pair very well with desserts. Sweet wines complement the sweetness of desserts and enhance each other’s flavors.
Wine and Cheese
Cheese and wine are an age-old pairing, and many types of cheese pair well with wine. For example, red wine goes well with rich cheeses (Camembert, Gorgonzola), while white wine goes well with lighter cheeses (Brie, Gouda).
The possibilities are endless. Learn your own wine pairing skills.
Wine pairing is the art of pairing specific foods and wines to bring out the flavors of each other.
Appropriate pairings will vary depending on the characteristics of the individual dish and wine. By choosing the right wine, you can enhance the flavor of your food and also enjoy the characteristics of the wine itself.
Part of the fun is finding a pairing that suits your tastes while considering the wine’s flavor, acidity, body, sweetness, tannins, etc.
Also, by trying many different wines and foods, you will be able to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Mastering wine pairing will make your meal even more enjoyable. Please try out various combinations and find your favorite pairing.
