A successful pairing is not just the right wine with the right food. It's also the right moment, country, event, people, weather, etc.
Each wine has a distinct taste that comes mostly from the grape or blend of grapes. Along with this are the many nuances that result from the earth in the vineyard, the temperature in the day and night, the rain and sun on the grapes, the way the wine is made and many more factors. When you take the time to inhale the aroma and notice its taste before and after you swallow, these subtle flavors become more apparent and your wine experience expands.
Choosing the right food for your wine adds another dimension to your enjoyment. Choice goes way beyond the old adage “Red with meat. White with fish.” In fact you should forget that saying because it isn’t always true!
When you taste the wine, imagine what might go with it… a big, hearty wine will need a big hearty dish; a subtle, delicate wine will go best with a light, delicate dish. You may even want to contrast the wine, in a way, choosing a rich fish dish to go with a wine that has a bright, definite citrus flavor. As your experience grows, your ability to pair food and wine will grow with it.
Pairing wine and food is an art and when you have a good pairing the tastes of both the wine and the food expand to give you an entirely new experience. And if that sounds like an overstatement, wait until you have the experience!
Enjoy!.
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