|
|
| Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Best Complements Your Meal? |
Should You Serve Red Wine or White Wine? Wine Pairing Made Easy
Did you know that every meal has its ideal wine? It’s true; whether you’re serving chicken, steak, lobster, vegetarian lasagna, or even pizza, there is a wine that will complement your meal. Certain foods bring out particular flavors in wine, so it’s very important to pair your dishes with your wine wisely, or you may end up with some peculiar tastes. Though there are no hard and fast rules regarding wine and food pairings, using complementary pairs will make your meal far more enjoyable. Following are some suggestions to keep in mind when serving wine with your meal.
Red Wine for Richer Dishes
Serve red wine with red meats and hearty sauces Robust dishes such as steak, pasta and marinara sauce, lamb, or prime rib call for a glass of red. The richness of meals like these pairs especially well with powerful red wines; the robust flavor of the wine complements the strong flavors of the food. However, there are some instances where red wines can be paired with lighter dishes. Roast chicken can be served with a lighter red wine, such as merlot or a fruity zinfandel; of course, whites like chardonnay or Riesling also pair nicely with chicken, so it’s really up to your taste buds. Another exception is grilled salmon. Though fish is generally served with white wines that won’t overpower their delicate flavor, a light red such as Beaujolais goes quite nicely with this fish.
White Wine for Lighter Dishes
Serve white wine with white meats and light sauces. As red goes with red, white goes with white. White wines are most often served with white meats such as chicken, pork, and fish. Pasta dishes with white sauce such as alfredo or parmesan also work nicely with white wines. Like the reds, white wines vary in their flavor and range from light and sweet to dry and crisp. Chardonnay, Riesling, and pinot blanc are popular wines that pair well with many dishes. For example, chardonnay is often served with lobster, where the rich, buttery flavor of the lobster complements the dry wine. Another popular pairing is pork with pinot blanc; the “other” white meat as it is sometimes called is suited to the full-bodied pinot blanc.
Exotic Dish Wine Pairing
Exotic dishes usually need something white. Asian cuisine like Chinese, Thai, and Indian food go best with sparkling wine or a semi-dry, sweet white, such as Riesling. Red wines paired with these foods create a sort of collision of flavor when served together, and that’s what you want to avoid. The tannic composition of red wine usually clashes with the spices and bold flavors of exotic foods.
The main thing to remember when pairing food and wine is that they should balance and harmonize with one another, not compete for attention. Keep in mind, though, that these are merely suggestions, not rules, and there are always exceptions. Matching food and wine can be fun as you try new combinations and pairings, so experiment and see what happens. You may discover something new and unique!
|
|
