Tips For Pairing Wine with Food
It is generally considered that there are two main ways of pairing wine and food. First, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Second, it can be done by drinking and enjoying wine with the food we eat. Of course, the first activity should always be followed by the second for maximum wine and food enjoyment! And, of course, there’s no reason not to enjoy both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of wine and food.
Enjoying Wine While Eating
A good wine will aid digestion, enhance the flavor of the food and, in the case of red wine, assist in keeping your heart healthy. There are several theories regarding which wine to match to a particular food. However, I’d like to suggest that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing wine and food in this manner.
Cooking With Wine
Italian and French chefs are world renowned for successfully combining food and wine. Both these cuisines make extensive use of wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.
Pairing wine and food like this avoids any alcoholic taste in the dish as bringing the wine to the boil removes the alcohol.
A rule to remember when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you don’t want to drink. This can mean opening a bottle of wine just for the recipe you are planning but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Do not be tempted to cook with a wine that has been sitting on the kitchen counter for the last week since it was opened. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it. You’ll find more ideas for cooking with wine, how to store wine and how to taste wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.
