Wines
Food and wine pairings.... sounds intimidating, doesn't it? All those books and wine experts telling you exactly which wine must go with which dish; as if one false move could completely destroy an entire meal. Don't believe it!
At Mud Bay wines, we believe in only one rule when it comes to matching food and wine: THERE ARE NO RULES. Of course, a little knowledge can be enlightening. Like the first time you try a fruity Gewürztraminer with a spicy Asian dish, or a rich, berry-like merlot with rack of lamb and rosemary - all it takes is one terrific match and you're hooked. You begin to understand how different foods and flavors can bring out the best in a particular wine and vice versa. If you're new to food and wine pairing, here is some general information on specific grapes to get you going.
So relax, experiment, enjoy yourself! Isn't that what sitting down to a good meal with wine is all about?
Food and Wine Pairing
Food and wine pairing can seem a difficult task. Just remember a
few simple guidelines and rules of thumb and the task will become a
pleasure.
1) Forget the rule of white wine with fish and red wine with meat.
2) Remember that almost all wines are good but some may be better in certain situations.
3) Wines with acidity help enhance food (the same way salt does).
4) It is important to balance the structure and personality of the food with the wine.
So...
- Pair light food with light wine
- Delicate fish like sole or haddock, light salads and oysters with delicate wine like Pinot Blanc
- Enjoy heavy food with heavy wine
- The richness of lamb needs to pair with a weight of a Reserve Merlot
- The big juicy steak with a big Syrah, Shiraz, Meritage or Zinfandel
- Join intense food with intense wine
- Thai and Indian cuisine are always very flavourful and should be matched with the intensely floral and fruity Muscat, Gewurtztraminer, Rieslings or a fruity Pinot Grigio
- Match personalities
- Fresh flavours, like scallops and herbs like dill are accentuated by Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pair acidic food with acidic wine
- Vinagrettes or tomato dishes will make an acidic wine taste fruitier and less dry.
- Join sweet food with sweet wine
- Dishes with sweetness need a similar level of sweetness in the wine. Icewines are a perfect match for most desserts.
