Wine Pairing 101: Matching Your Meal to the Perfect Bottle
Wine and food are a match made in heaven. Wine not only enhances the flavour of your meal, it can also elevate the experience. With so many types of wines to choose from, it can be a daunting task to find the right one. Luckily, these guidelines can help you select the best wine pairing results in no time.
Factors That Make a Good Wine Pairing
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- Balance: It’s important to select a wine that will balance the flavours of your meal. Red wines with bold, tannic characteristics can stand up to the bold flavours of heavier dishes, while creamy white wines pair better with lighter meals.
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- Body: Select a wine with a similar body as the dish you’re serving. A light pasta dish is best paired with a light-bodied wine, while a full-bodied wine is better with a richer main course like beef or pork.
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- Region: Many dishes are inspired by certain regions, so pairing the wine with the region makes sense. For example, if you’re serving French food, pair it with a French wine.
Tips For Selecting the Right Wine
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- Choose a wine with similar levels of acidity, sweetness, tannin, and alcohol as the dish you’re serving.
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- Use different wines for each course of the meal.
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- Opt for a sweeter wine with desserts and spicy dishes.
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- Serve sparkling wines with snacks and appetizers.
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- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of wines.
Finding the perfect wine for a meal can be tricky, but with the right guidelines you’ll be sure to make the best pairing. So take the time to experiment and find the perfect wine for your next meal.
