Wine 101: Understanding Tasting Notes and How to Pair Wine with Food
Tasting Notes
Tasting notes help those tasting wine to describe what they are experiencing. They can include:
- Aroma:The primary characteristic aroma of the wine
- Bouquet:A deeper, more complex and integrated aroma
- Flavor: The sensations in the mouth, usually divided into bitter, salty, sour, and sweet
- Body: The texture or heft of the wine which can be light, medium or full-bodied(rich and mouth coating)
- Finish: The aftertaste or sensations and flavors that linger in the mouth
By using these terms, you will be able to describe and share your experience of different types of wine in more detail and with more confidence.
Pairing Wine with Food
Pairing the type of wine with the type of food eaten is one of the most enjoyable aspects of wine tasting. Here are some tips for pairing wine with food:
- Same Type: Match the type of wine with the type of dish. For example, a full-bodied red wine would pair nicely with a full-bodied dish such as beef stew or lasagna.
- Complementary Flavors: Match the flavors of the dish and the wine. For example, sweet dessert wines pair nicely with desserts that have a similar sweetness.
- Contrasting Flavors: Match the opposite flavors in the food and wine. For example, a dry white wine will contrast with a creamy sauce.
With practice, you will become confident in your ability to pair wine with food.
Conclusion
Tasting notes and pairing wine with food can be intimidating for beginners. But with a little practice and by using the tips mentioned above, you will soon be an expert in understanding and describing the flavors of wine and pairing it with your favorite dishes.
