There are so many questions surrounding wine and food. Especially, what food to pair with what wine?
When to take wine with food; is it better before, after or during a meal? wine and weight gain. Today we lay to rest some of your worries by sharing what we know about this particular topic.
Basic Rule of Food and Wine Pairing
Contrasting Pairing
A matter of dissimilarities as the name insinuates, it is a pairing in which the food and the wine share no compounds or flavors. Balance is brought about by the contrast as the differences empower the wine and the food to complement each other. A yin and yang pairing. Take, for instance, a spicy meal with a sweet white wine. The sugar in the wine will balance and cool the spiciness in the meal.
Congruent Pairing
A harmonious pairing, in which the wine and food share similar compounds and or flavors. The food and wine enhance each other’s flavors ensuring there is no overwhelming of flavors of the meal or wine. Case in point, red wine and steak, a sumptuous and balanced congruent pairing.
Food and Wine Flavors
Acidity
Rose, Sparkling and Rich Whites
These wines are described as being acidic. Pink and crisp dry rose has acidity with a fruity taste alongside low tannins. This will pair well with; spicy seafood and grilled chicken. Besides, sparkling wines will pair well with a variety of foods, most likely salty and fried foods. The carbonation of the wine cuts through the saline and balances the meal.
Rich whites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc pair well with plates of seafood, tilapia and vegetables as well as dishes with rich sauces. Fruity flavors in Chardonnay and crispy, highly acidic and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc complement the food.
Bitterness
Bold Reds
Bold, full-bodied reds have high tannins with a dark and fruity taste. A bitterness due to the tannins that increases as it ages. This taste refreshes the palates after every bite of steak, lamb chops and other red meats which pair delectably with red wines.
Sweetness
Sweet wines pair well with sweet foods and snacks such as chocolates, brownies and cookies. Suitable for deserts
Nibbles With Wine
Suitable snacks with wine ideas to cater for dessert, wine-tasting parties or during leisure while enjoying some ‘me – time.
Cheese
There is a variety of cheese to be snacked on and experimented with with wine. Read up on FRENCH CHEESE AND WINE and get more intel on cheese and wine. However, do not put up any restrictions on a particular wine, be experimental and figure out what taste you like for cheese and wine have never disappointed as a couple.
Chocolate
Plain dark chocolate, yum! A girl’s best friend after diamonds can be a great dessert nibble. pair it with white or red wine, simply divine. Dry wines will similarly pair well with richer truffles.
Berries
Simply beautiful garnishes for wine. Edible and appealing aesthetically. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries can be taken alone or mixed, more phenomenal when frozen and dropped into the wine glass.
Grapes
Fermented juiced grapes with fresh fruit grapes seem absurd. Although, the taste of these two cousins will blow your mind. Black and purple rich grapes are great with heavy wine varieties as sour green grapes are with lighter wines.
Cashew nuts
A dash of cinnamon on cashews with sweet wine will get you stuck on this snack pair for a long while.
Eating with Wine
During
We love to eat and drink as a normal occurrence for most if not all humans. Wine with food will aid in slowing down the process of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Moreover, it protects the liver as the alcohol takes much longer in the tummy before the breakdown starts.
Before
Nonetheless, if you want to maintain your weight or shed some, please ensure you do not consume wine 30 minutes earlier. This will only increase your appetite and lead to overeating.
After
Fine to drink after you are full and can enjoy with some nibbles as a dessert choice.
Wine and food is a broad topic that can go deeper into wider more detailed pairings and tips. Read more of our articles to know more about your favorite wines.
