Nothing elevates a good dinner more than the perfect pairing of food and beverage. From the earthy notes in a Cabernet Sauvignon that complement grilled steak, to the subtle bubbles in a sparkling Rosé that contrast crispy summer vegetables, the possibilities are endless! Join us as we explore the amazing art of culinary and beverage pairing, and learn just how to make your next dining experience truly unforgettable.
1. Savoring the Sensuous Pairing of Wine and Dine
A fine glass of wine for an outdoor barbecue, or to accompany a lavish Sunday dinner; a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a special occasion; a complex red to sip in a cozy corner with an aged cheese. Wine is an integral part of any gathering, special or everyday. Add thoughtful food to the equation, and the pair become a special treat for the senses.
- Barbecue – Grilled meats of all kinds and a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, with the occasional occasional smoky notes of the wine playing off of the smoky flavors of the meat.
- Sunday Dinner – Roast chicken and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which offers just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the food. Complement with aromatics such as fresh thyme or sage.
- Celebrations – Pop the bottle of sparkling wine for toasts when celebrating a special occasion, and pair with classic finger foods like spiced nuts or olives.
- Cozy Corners – Try a bold red blend, like a Meritage, with a platter of charcuterie or aged cheeses. Enjoy the nuances of the tannins and fruit flavors in the glass that are unveiled while sharing stories.
A pairing of wine and food is not just about flavors and aromas; it’s about creating a moment of joy and savoring it. Try a white Burgundy with delicate seafood dishes, or a well-rounded Sonoma Zinfandel with bbq ribs. There’s no hard and fast rule to creating the perfect pairings, have fun experimenting to find ones you love.
Take your time and appreciate each and every moment, it’s truly a sensuous pleasure. From vibrant whites to rich reds, alternate glasses and food choices through the evening. Consider the temperature of the food and the placement of the wines along the flavor wheel. All of these elements combine, not to mention the conversation and company, to create a full sensory experience.
Allow yourself to savor the simple pleasure of wine and dine. Experimentation will lead to delicious discoveries and the enhancement of shared moments. And finding exactly the right pairings only adds to the pleasure.
2. From Classic to Nouveau: Exploring the Evolution of Culinary & Beverage Pairings
Today, with so many countless flavors, textures, and ingredients that can be used in any kitchen to create exquisite dishes, it is difficult to imagine life before traditional culinary and beverage pairings. But hundred of years ago, culinary and beverage pairings were much simpler, and revolved around the classic white sauce and wine, and red sauce and beer. Over time, those binary pairings have evolved to a more nouveau approach, which can add an exciting layer of flavor to any meal, without overwhelming the taste and texture of the dish.
A great way to explore the evolution of culinary and beverage pairings is to try your hand at creating your own. One way to do this is by using contrasting flavors. For example, pairing the delicately sweet and sharp flavors of a citrus-based white wine with a savory and creamy roast chicken. The contrast between the bright citrus of the wine and the bold flavors of the dish can be incredibly rewarding.
On the other hand, the use of balanced flavors can bring together a pairing that will meld perfectly with each other. For example, if you choose to pair a Chardonnay with a light, buttery seafood dish, the oaky, buttery flavors of the wine will perfectly compliment the creamy seafood dish. By making sure that flavors are complementary and not overly competing with each other, you can create a truly amazing pairing.
In addition to utilizing contrasting and balanced flavors, you can also explore the new world of spicy pairings, which are becoming increasingly popular. By uniting spicier dishes with bolder wines, such as bold reds or even a beer, you can explore a deeper and more complex flavor profile. From spicy tacos perfectly paired with a bright and fruity Malbec, to a spicy stir-fry partnered with a hoppy IPA, spicy pairings are a great way to add some excitement to any meal.
Finally, don’t forget to explore the classic binary pairings of white sauce and wine, and red sauce and beer, as these are a special part of culinary and beverage pairings. With the variety of flavors in modern cuisine, these classic pairings can be used to add a layer of familiarity to a modern meal. For example, a modern carbonara would pair perfectly with a Pinot Grigio, or a classic lasagna would go well with a stout, dark beer.
No matter what type of pairing you decide to explore, the most important part of the journey is to have fun and get creative. Whether you’re creating a classic pairing or something more adventurous, you’ll be sure to discover something new and exciting, and make your next meal memorable.
3. Beyond the Traditional: Unique Combinations to Inspire the Palate
Once you’ve experienced the classic flavor combinations that make chefs and foodies go wild, why not stray off the beaten path and explore some experimental combinations? Providing you have a sense of how to blend flavors together, you can find fantastic tastes that are sure to fill your palate with awe and wonder. Here are some unexpected but delicious pairings to unleash your inner gourmand.
Fruits And Poultry: Fruits are a great complement to poultry dishes. Orange slices, apples, grapes, and other true and false fruits all bring out the delectable flavor of chicken, turkey, or duck. Whether you bake a whole stuffed chicken with apple slices or make a turkey fillet glazed with orange zest, your taste buds are sure to enjoy the deliciousness of fruits and poultry.
Cheese and Seafood: The classic surf and turf is a combination of both seafood and cheese, but there are other ways to blend the two together for a unique flavor. Mix cod fillets and ricotta cheese for a delightful seafood dish. Or make a sauce of gorgonzola and cream to go with grilled prawns. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Nuts and Veggies: Just when you thought the action was over in the vegetable world, adding nuts to the mix will give you an even more flavorful feast. Saute the nuts in a little butter and oil before adding pre-steamed vegetables for a crunchy, nutritious dish. Here are some great combos:
- Cashews and Spinach
- Walnuts and Broccoli
- Pecans and Asparagus
“Almonds and Green beans
Spices and Grains: Spices can add an amazing dimension to grain dishes. Infuse cooked quinoa or rice with the flavors of turmeric, cumin, and coriander to create a fragrant dish. Or try curry powder, cardamom, and cayenne pepper for a spicy appetite-pleasing experience. For a breakfast feast, try oatmeal spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla extract.
These are just some of the combinations that await your exploration in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to try different flavors in your recipes; you may discover something unique and delightful!
4. The Art of Tasting: Learning to Identify Quality Flavor Profiles
There’s nothing quite like a sip of something delicious. But for beginners, it can be quite overwhelming to exist in a world of complex and exotic flavors. Fortunately, with a few dedication and the right exercises, anyone can learn to recognize the top taste notes in quality beverages and dishes.
Here are a few tips for the budding taster:
- Start with the basics. Before you dive into the wild and wonderful world of flavor, start with your back-to-basics. Try tasting different types of teas, coffees, wines, beers and spirits to pinpoint the flavors that you like and don’t like.
- Legend has it that tasting is 80% nose and 20% mouth. Most flavor sensations begin in the nose, not the mouth! Try to educate your nose by taking deep, long and deep breaths of the aroma.
- Build up a flavor lexicon. As you start tasting different types of drinks and dishes, try to break down the flavor elements into recognizable notes. It might help to jot down your notes in a chart or jotter!
- Explore what the experts recommend. Read and watch out for reviews and recommendations from experts in the drinks field. Evaluate the pros and cons and see how it relates to your own observations. Did you get the same flavor notes?
Tasting isn’t an overnight success story, but it’s all part of the journey of discovery. Flavor profiles don’t just come to us, we must actively pursue them and take the necessary steps to delve deeper. With daily practice, soon you will be able to hone in on flavor nuances like a pro!
So don’t be discouraged, the world of flavor awaits your curiosity!
Wine and food pairings provide a wonderful opportunity to discover unique flavors together, while learning about different types of wines. Whether you are a novice or a wine connoisseur, there is something to be learned and explored with culinary and beverage pairings. So why not open a bottle and let the exploration begin?