Wine Me Up! The Art of Wine Pairing
At Flights & Bites, when we are entertaining guests in our Tasting Room, I get several questions about the wines we are enjoying, and many times I get questions about pairings, mainly, what food might go best with the wines we are featuring. I conduct several wine workshops; one focuses on how to pair wines.
Wine pairing is an art as much as it is a science—a delicate dance of flavors, aromas, and textures that brings out the best in both food and drink. Understanding the basics of wine pairing can transform an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience. This month we delve into the different nuances of wine. Next month, Part 2 will offer some classic combinations tips to refine your palate.
Understanding the Basics
Pairing wine with food involves finding a balance where neither overpowers the other. The goal is to create harmony, enhancing the flavors of the dish and the wine simultaneously. This balance is influenced by several factors, such as acidity, sweetness, tannins, and body.
Key Components of Wine
- Acidity: Wines with high acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chianti, pair well with rich and fatty dishes, as the acidity cuts through the richness.
- Sweetness: Sweet wines like Riesling or Moscato complement spicy dishes or desserts, providing a counterbalance to heat or sweetness.
- Tannins: Tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon are ideal for fatty or protein-rich dishes, as tannins bind with proteins and soften their astringency.
- Body: The body of a wine—light, medium, or full—should match the weight of the dish. A heavy dish like steak calls for a full-bodied wine, while a light salad pairs better with a crisp white wine.
Wine Cocktail recipe of the month:
White Wine Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup chopped peaches
- 1 cup orange slices
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup triple sec (or, orange liqueur of choice)
- 1 bottle (.750ml) of Riesling (or Gewurztraminer) ****
- 2 cups lemon/lime soda
Instructions
- Add the fruit to a large pitcher. Sprinkle sugar on top and use a spoon to muddle and stir until sugar dissolves.
- Add the triple sec (or liqueur of choice), stir.
- Pop in fridge for 1 hour or overnight. Just before serving, add the cold lemon/lime soda. Garnish with fresh basil or mint. YUM on a HOT Florida day!
(*) To help you relax and enjoy your Sangria,
Flights and Bites is offering the following Kelly Plantation exclusive promotion:
Lucien Albrecht Riesling Reserve Alsace, France
Riesling Reserve is made from their best selection of this noble varietal. The wine is 100% Riesling and is distinguished by a piercing and beautiful aroma suggesting spring flowers. The wine is bone dry and delicious.
$17.99 a bottle.
15% discount for orders of 6 or more bottles; Free delivery to your door.
Send your orders to Bob@flightsbites.com email your desired order, contact information and receive an invoice, with discounts. Deliveries will be coordinated for your convenience.