| Pairing food and wine is an art. To create a | | | | compliment softer cheeses, while red wines taste |
| pleasurable dining experience, there are some | | | | better with hard cheeses. A Chardonnay, for |
| basic considerations to understanding how food | | | | example, enhances the flavors in a provolone or |
| enhances the taste of wine, and vice versa. The | | | | gruyere cheese. While a Merlot pairs well with brie. |
| goal is to find balance and synergy, keeping in | | | | Below are some suggestions for pairing wine and |
| mind that this process is one of personal | | | | food: |
| preferences. Success is achieved when you find a | | | | Chardonnay- salmon, shellfish, veal, grilled chicken, |
| combination that is pleasing to your palate. | | | | grilled fish, cream sauces |
| Here are some suggestions on how to pair food | | | | Sauvignon Blanc- fruit, white or light fish, lemon |
| and wine, so that they may accentuate the | | | | based sauces |
| flavors in one another and as a result, taste | | | | Pinot Grigio- turkey, shrimp, veal, cream sauces |
| better. | | | | Dry Riesling- shrimp, lobster, chicken |
| Consider how the dish is being prepared, and if | | | | Zinfandel- tomato pasta dishes, pizza, pesto, |
| there will be a dominate seasoning, sauce or | | | | chicken with heavy sauces |
| flavor. Delicate foods should be served with a | | | | Dry Rose- salads, light spicy food, pasta salads |
| delicate wine, while heavy dishes go better with | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon- red meats, roast, dark |
| heavy full bodied wine. | | | | chocolate, lamb |
| Keep in mind how the wine will react with the | | | | Syrah/Shiraz- sausage, stew, peppered red |
| food. For example, sweet foods will taste less | | | | meats, spicy pizzas |
| sweet with a wine high in tannins. While salty | | | | Pinot Noir- salmon, light meats, chicken, tuna, beef |
| foods offset the sweetness and emphasize the | | | | stroganoff |
| fruit in sweet wines. | | | | Merlot- pasta dishes, game birds, smoked or grilled |
| Bring wine and food from the same geographical | | | | meats, chicken |
| region together. It is natural for these | | | | These are only starting points for wine and food |
| combinations to work, especially with the culinary | | | | pairings. Experimentation is the key to finding a |
| history in certain wine-producing regions around | | | | combination that fits your personality and works |
| the world. | | | | best for you. |
| For wine and cheese pairings, white wines | | | | |