Pairing Wine With Food
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 choosing a wine to accompany a particular meal. Of course, the first activity should always follow the second to provide maximum enjoyment! And, of course, one can always participate in both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of food and wine.
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 as to which wines best combine with particular foods. 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
The Italians and French are masters of combining food with wine. Both these cuisines make extensive use of wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.
Pairing wine and food in this way does not impart an alcoholic taste to the food as heating the wine or other liquor is designed to boil away the alcohol component.
An important rule 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. Never be tempted to add that wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week to the recipe you are cooking. If it isn’t a wine you would drink, don’t attempt to 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.
