Whether you are hosting a small dinner or a large party or gathering, one of the most important things that you can do is to make sure that you choose the right food and beverages. One of the most common misconceptions is that there is a single perfect wine that goes with each individual type of food.
Thankfully, the truth is that a dish can have a number of beverages that are complimentary and that excite and satisfy the palate. By following a few tips for creating successful wine food pairings, you can plan your menu to accommodate your guests and enhance the mood and the style of your event.
Basic Rules
There are several rules of pairing that are commonly known among the general population. By following these guidelines, you are more likely to create a successful match as you plan your event.
- White wines pair well with white meat such as chicken or fish; red wines pair well with red meat such as steak.
- Don’t pair a strong food with a delicate beverage or vice versa. Not only do the flavors clash, one will surely outdo the other, rather than becoming a good combination.
- Temperature is also important. Serving food and drinks at the right temperature will enhance their natural flavors.
Star of the Show
Choosing the right combination of food and beverage should begin with one or the other. If you have a fabulous bottle of wine that you have chosen for your event, especially one that is an older vintage, one of the most important things that you can remember is to choose a complementary food that isn’t too exotic or too complex. When you choose a dish that is simple, it draws attention to the beverage.
Match Beverages to Sauces
One of the best ways to pair food and beverages is to match the flavor of the sauce rather than going simply by the type of meat that you have chosen. For example, the dominant flavor in many dishes is determined by the sauce or the seasonings. When you choose a drink to pair with for Italian food, for example, you are often choosing one that will bring out or counter the flavor of tomato-based sauce or creamy sauce. In some cases, the dominant flavor of the food is more determined by the sauce or the spice mixture than by the type of meat.
Pairing Beverages with Desserts
In most cases, it is best to pair sweet wines with desserts. The sweetness of dessert can ruin the flavor of dry wines. Of course, when pairing, it is also important that you gage the level of sweetness of the food and the drink. If you choose two things that are extremely sweet, you may find that they overload the taste-buds and neither is very enjoyable to eat.
As you plan a food and drink menu for an event, one of the best things that you can do is rely on your own taste. Try different foods and wines together so that you know what you like. When you taste different combinations and when you follow these tips, you will be much better prepared to make wine food pairings.
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