Whether you are a wine aficionado or just simply one to sip on wine with your meal, you undoubtedly know that there are several varieties of wines and flavours available. While it is not necessary to pair your wine with a meal, most flavours of wine you will find are complementary with common meal items. If you are having a dinner party or simply cooking for loved ones, here are some common pairings of wines that you can introduce as a conversation starter and to wet your pallet.
White Wines
White wines have a delicate taste to them, they are usually light and can be sparkling or non-sparkling. To pair a meal with white wine, you will want to choose a chicken or fish dish. Chardonnay, for example, is excellent when prepared with poultry, pork or even a light pasta dish that features a creamy sauce, rather than a red sauce. Sauvignon Blanc wines are usually light or medium bodied and are paired with seafood, curries or dishes that are olive oil based. For appetisers, a nice Riesling will suffice.
Red Wines
Many red wines are aged in oak vats which gives them a mildly to heavy oak flavour. For this reason, they are paired very well with red meat and gamey dishes. They also fare well with pasta dishes or Italian cuisine. Examples of red wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. If you are not a fan of the oak taste that comes along with most red wines, ask your local wine expert to recommend one that has been aged in stainless steel vats rather than in an oak vat. The stainless steel vats create a delicious red wine that is smooth and not as harsh on the pallet as some heavier wines may be.
Blush Wines and Champagne
Blush wines, also known as pink wines, come in several different varieties as well. You will find them in the blush wine aisle and they are usually labelled Zinfandel, Blush or Blanc de Noir. These wines are exquisite with smoked foods as well as spicier foods such as Thai and Mexican. Champagnes, on the other hand, are designed to go well with appetisers and come in a variety of bodies – some are dry while others are light and crisp on the pallet.
While these wines may complement specific foods, there is no saying that you cannot enjoy a glass of your favourite with any meal.
There are many different available www.loveyourwine.co.uk wines on the market. Choosing the right one to go with your meal doesn’t have to be rocket science.