It takes a special talent to pair wine and food well. This can be a complicated undertaking for many people. However, becoming familiar with the pairing rules can make the process easier and even fun.
Certain wines pair best with a specific type of cuisine. For example, any Pinot Noir is the perfect complement to foods with an earthy flavor. This includes pizza and other foods that have mushrooms. It also pairs well with truffles, as does Dolcetto.
A glass of Chardonnay is best paired with any fish that is served in sauce, and also goes well with fatty fish. Salmon is one example of fish that perfectly complements Chardonnays from all over the world.
When it comes to pairing champagne with food, salty dishes are the best choice. Dry sparkling wines are slightly sweet. They offset the salty taste of food and make the whole meal more enjoyable. Crispy urban noodles are one food commonly served with this type of wine.
Red meat eaters should know that a Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect complement to their meal. It can be paired with lamb chops and steaks for a delicious burst of flavors.
Many wine drinkers have caught onto the dry rose phenomenon. This type of wine pairs best with dishes that are rich in cheese. Dry rose has elements of both white and red wine, making it the ideal choice for virtually any dish with cheese as an ingredient. When pairing cheese with other wines, some work better with white, and others work better with red.
Moscato and other sparkling wines are perfect for any dish with fruit and can even be paired with desserts. Honeyed figs are one of the most popular dessert foods which pair well with Moscato.
Zinfandel is the best type of wine to pair with various mousses and pates. While people may think of dessert mousse, there are also dinner dishes that include chicken-liver mousse.
Any spicy or sweet dish is one that can be paired with Reisling. This is especially true in both Indian and Asian dishes. One example of a dish that pairs well with Reisling is Thai green salad, topped with duck crackling.