Tips For Pairing Wine with Food

There are two main ways of pairing wine and food. First, wine can become a component in the preparation of a meal. Second, it can be done by choosing a wine to accompany a particular meal. Of course, the first activity should always be followed by the second for maximum enjoyment! And you can always enjoy both activities at the same time to provide the ideal combination wine and food.

Enjoy Wine With Your Meal

Good wine will improve digestion, contribute to the flavor of the food and, in the case of red wine, assist in good health. There are several theories regarding which wine to match to a particular food. However, I’d like to suggest that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing wine and food in this manner.

Cooking With Wine

The Italians and French are masters of combining food with wine. Both these cuisines make extensive use of wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.

Usually, combining wine and food in this manner does not result in an alcoholic taste to the food as heating the wine or other liqueur typically removes the alcohol component.

Something important to consider when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you wouldn’t want to drink. This can mean opening a bottle of wine just for the recipe you are planning but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Do not be tempted to cook with a wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it. You’ll find more ideas for cooking with wine, how to store wine and how to taste wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.