Most people suggest that there are two main ways of pairing wine and food. First, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Second, it can be done by drinking and enjoying wine with the food we eat. Of course, the first operation should always be followed by the second for maximum enjoyment! And, of course, there’s no reason not to enjoy both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of wine and food.
Enjoying Wine While Eating
A good wine will aid digestion, enhance the flavor of the food and, in the case of red wine, assist in keeping your heart healthy. There are several theories as to which wines best combine with particular foods. However, I’d like to suggest that if it tastes right, it is right. While some connoisseurs may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing wine and food in this manner.
Cooking With Wine
Italian and Fench chefs and home cooks are renowned for their use of wine in their cooking. Both these cuisines make extensive use of wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.
Pairing wine and food like this avoids any alcoholic taste in the dish as bringing the wine to the boil removes the alcohol.
A rule to remember 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. Do not be tempted to cook with a wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week. If it isn’t a wine you would drink, don’t attempt to cook with it. You’ll find lots of suggestions for cooking with wine, how to store wine and how to taste wine at www.WineCellarSecrets.com
