Classic Wine Pairings for Every Meal
If you are a lover of fine dining then the chances are that you also like to indulge in delicious wines that are paired to the menu. Choosing the right pairings for a meal is key to bringing harmony to your dining experience and can go a long way to elevating a lunch or dinner. Even a simple, homemade meal can be brought up to the next level with the right bottle of wine, and you don’t need to spend a fortune because modern wines on the budget end of the spectrum have dramatically improved in quality in recent years.
You will notice that high end restaurants will often give you the chance to enjoy a wine flight with your meal. These are often included in your menu or are available as an optional extra to make your dinner that much more special. A wine flight is a selection of wines that are served together in order to allow the drinker to compare and contrast the different flavours. Wine flights are often served at restaurants, but they can also be purchased at many wine stores.
Typically, a wine flight will include three or four different wines, all of which will usually come from the same region or winery. This allows the drinker to get a sense of the different styles of wine that are produced in a particular area. Wine flights can be a great way to learn about new wines and hone your taste buds during dinner service.
Pairing wines with chicken dishes
When it comes to pairing wine with chicken, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, chicken can be delicate, so you'll want to choose a wine that is relatively light-bodied. Second, chicken is often flavoured with spices, herbs, or other seasonings, so you'll want to choose a wine that can complement those flavours. Finally, chicken is typically served with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans, so you'll want to choose a wine that pairs well with those dishes. With all of that in mind, here are a few of the best wines to pair with chicken:
White wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
Red wines: Pinot Noir, Beaujolais Nouveau, Chianti Classico
Sparkling wines: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
Pairing wines with beef dishes
When it comes to pairing wine with beef, there are a few general principles to keep in mind. First, the wine should be more robust than the beef. This means that lighter wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau are not ideal choices. Second, the wine should have enough acidity to cut through the fat of the beef. This is why wines like Chianti or Barbera are often recommended. Finally, the wine should be compatible with any sauces or spices that are used in the dish. With these guidelines in mind, here are a few specific wines that pair well with Beef:
Bordeaux: A classic choice for beef, Bordeaux and Pomerol wines are full-bodied red wines with high acidity. They pair well with grilled or roasted beef, and can handle strong flavours like garlic and thyme
Zinfandel: Another good option for grilled beef, Zinfandel is a fruity red wine with moderate acidity. It can also stand up to bold flavours, making it a versatile choice for pairing with beef
Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red wine with high tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs with rich, fruity sauces and mushroom-based beef dishes
Pairing wines with seafood
When it comes to pairing wine with seafood, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of seafood you will be eating. Salmon, for example, is a richer fish that pairs well with a full-bodied white wine like chardonnay. If you are having a light seafood dish like shrimp, on the other hand, you will want to pair it with a lighter wine such as sauvignon blanc. It is also important to consider the sauces and seasonings that will be used in the dish.
A lemon butter sauce, for example, pairs well with a white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio. If your seafood dish is spicy, on the other hand, you may want to try a wine with slightly more acidity to balance out the heat. In general, however, there are many good wines that pair well with seafood. So don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect match for your next meal.
0コメント