Published by Programme B
Wine is an essential component of dinner. It helps elevate the meal and provides a conversational topic. However, wine is often selected with little thought or planning. Of course, it is essential to choose the right wine, but that doesn’t mean you need to go all out with a complicated vintage or worry about anything too specific. If you follow these simple steps, you can make sure the wine works well with dinner and is something everyone will enjoy.
- Think about the protein and how it was prepared.
Fish is often served with white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Riesling. White wine also pairs well with shellfish and light meats, such as veal or chicken. Red wines are better for red meat, like steak or a hearty beef stew, but can also be served with lighter meats.
- Select a wine for the starch and veggies, such as potatoes or rice.
Riesling goes well with these side dishes because it has a sweetness that complements them nicely. Zinfandel is another good choice, especially if the meal includes spicy flavors. Off-dry wines — those slightly sweeter than typical wines — are a good choice for pairing with foods that contain sugar in the ingredients, such as fruit or honey.
- Determine if you need an acidic wine.
Acidic wines cleanse the palate when served between bites of rich food and help elevate flavors in dishes, but they can also be used when serving a full meal. They are good to keep in the pantry because they can be served with either meat or fish.
An acidic wine is a good choice for a dish that is either spicy or includes a lot of ingredients. It can help cut through the flavors and provide a nice change from the richness of other wines.
- Think about which wines you like and what’s available at your local store.
The selections will vary depending upon where you live, but most regions offer a variety of affordable wines that match well with most meals. If you buy wine hong kong, you’ll have a lot of types to choose from.
Availability can be an issue depending on where you live, but there are hundreds of different wines made worldwide. Take a trip to your local wine shop and discover what new bottles they have in stock that may go well with dinner.
- Experiment and have fun!
There is no hard and fast rule about wine pairings, so if you have a dish or meal that you know is delicious, see what kind of wine complements it. If it turns out the combination isn’t quite working right, choose another bottle and try again. Wine is meant to be enjoyed with those you care about. So, take the time to experiment, try new wines, and enjoy learning about pairing.
Sometimes the best wines end up being the ones you would never expect to work out. So have fun pairing food and wine, but don’t be afraid to experiment with some of your own combinations!
It also doesn’t hurt to ask the person who you will be sharing a meal with what type of wine they prefer. That way, you can make sure you can pick out something they will enjoy, too.