What is it about wine and food that sometimes can be so earth shattering! It's probably because the parallels between food and wine are endless. In the same
way the method of cooking used, as with winemaking techniques can influence
flavors and textures. The way food is cooked has a huge effect on the way it
will taste. It doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Basically…fast, hot and dry conserves
taste and slow, moderate and moist cooking exaggerates flavors.
Here's a secret...
When it comes to pairing wines the general rule is that
foods prepared in a light method of cooking like poaching or steaming usually requires
a fruity lightly acidic wine rather than a tannic one.Here's a secret...
As we think this through; the essential methods of cooking are steaming, poaching, and
boiling, stir-frying, deep-frying, braising casseroling, stewing, grilling and roasting.
Cooking methods exude the food’s weight and texture which is
what creates the variables of taste. Weight is the heaviness of the dish. For example Osso Bucco is more substantial
than salad. You may have put the same seasonings in both but they will each
require different wine to compliment it.
Now texture is totally different than weight. You need to think about the mouthfeel of the
wine. Is it smooth? Is it supple? Does it feel like glycerin? Does it grip your
teeth or make your mouth pucker (the tannins)? Is it light and crisp? Is there
acidity?
Here is a short list on taste, weight and texture to contemplate:
Acidic and Fishy foods– Acidic wines, aromatic, fruity and
off dry whites, full bodied reds
Oily and fatty foods – Acidic wines or non-tannin reds
Salty foods – Low tannin reds ; sweet whites
Smoked foods – Spicy reds or oaked, rich and fruity whites
Spicy foods – Whites
with sugar and light acidity, fruity young reds
Regardless of this short list; there is always the technique
of comparing textures to see what the food will taste like. Just to see how the
tastes blend. Sometimes it turns out just as effective.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
