Wine has long been celebrated as the ideal companion to a sumptuous meal. The combination of good food and great wine can take the dining experience to new heights. But getting the pairing right is an art, and the art that comes with creating a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. when it comes to decision making wine and food pairing, the possibilities are endless. The key lies in understanding the flavors and characteristics of both the wine and the food. It’s about finding that meeting point where the wine brings alive the flavor of the food and vice versa. You too can become a sommelier in your own right by gaining a basic knowledge of wine and food pairing.
Why do we pair wine with food?
The qualities of wine are such that they combine with food to create an enjoyable dining experience. without overpowering each other’s offerings, they work magically together to enhance the qualities of both wine and food. A wine connoisseur always knows what to pair with their wine, and now you can too.
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What food goes with which wine:
1. Sparkling Wine
The sparkling and bubbly sparkling wine makes an excellent aperitif and is often enjoyed on its own. However, if you must pair it with a meal, choose light appetizers to complement its fizz and acidity.
- A platter of cheese or fruit, or both, goes well with sparkling wine.
- Champagne goes well with cheese and olives because the bright flavor blends well with the crispness of the wine.
- A glass of Prosecco can be enjoyed with light seafood and fresh fruit.
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2. Red Wine:
Red wines tend to have more bitterness than other wines but can range from light and fruity to bold and strong.
- Pinot Noir, with its silky texture, medium body and notes of red fruits, goes well with dishes such as roasted chicken or Indian tandoori paneer.
- The dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon make it an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats, barbecue, or the burnt notes of dishes with smoky flavors.
- Merlot, with its medium body and smooth tannins, complements dishes such as mutton, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pastas. The Indian dish of Biryani is another great option.
- Enjoy your favorite pizza with red wine. The tartness of the wine will complement the flavor of your pizza.
red wine and pizza is a good combination
photo credit: iStock
3. White Wine
white wine They come in a wide spectrum of flavors – some are light and crunchy and some are rich and buttery. White wines have more acidity and are lighter, and lighter foods should be chosen to accompany them.
- Light snacks such as cheese, fish or grilled chicken are some of the best foods to pair with white wine.
- Sauvignon Blanc, with its high acidity level and herbaceous nature, complements salads and seafood.
- Chardonnay works well with rich seafood dishes like lobster or creamy pasta dishes.
4. Rose Wine
Rose wine, with its mildly sweet flavor, has gained much popularity in recent years as a light drink. It offers a balanced mix of fruit and acidity.
- Dried rose goes well with grilled vegetables, light pasta and roasted chicken.
- A contrasting pairing also works wonders when it comes to rosé wine.
- Sweet rosé served with spicy snacks is a great idea.
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5. Sweet Wine
Desert wine gives a perfect end to the meal on a sweet note. So, any kind of sweet dish can be paired with a dessert wine.
- Consider healthy fresh fruit or fruit yogurt to round out your meal.
- Light pastries and creamy desserts are a delight to end a drinking session.
- Blue cheese can be chosen as a lighter accompaniment to avoid the sweetness.
6. Fortified Wine
Wines such as Sherry and Madeira are fortified wines and usually have a higher alcohol content due to the addition of spirits.
- Dry sherry can be served with salted nuts, olives and cured meats.
- Sweet sherry is best paired with rich desserts.
- Madeira has a distinctive caramelized flavor and is a good match for chocolate desserts and aged cheeses.
Wine pairing is not an exact science. Experimentation can also help you find your perfect pairings.
(This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own doctor for further details. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information does.)