It is generally considered that there are two main ways of pairing wine and food. First, wine can become an ingredient in the preparation of a meal. And second, you can achieve it by drinking and enjoying wine with the food you eat. Of course, the first activity should always be followed by the second for maximum wine and food 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
A good wine will add to the flavor of the food, assist in digestion and, in the case of red wine, be beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. There are many differing theories as to which wines to combine best with particular foods. 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.
Pairing wine and food in this way does not impart an alcoholic taste to the food as heating the wine or other liquor is designed to boil away the alcohol component.
An important rule when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you don’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. Never be tempted to add that wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week to the recipe you are cooking. If it isn’t a wine you would drink, don’t attempt to 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.
