Whining about Wine Pairing?

If you are looking to do something a little different this year, why not beat the lines and enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner at home. Plating up some pasta is not all that difficult, so all that leaves is the wine. Wine can be a little more complex of an undertaking so this week we are going through a few of the basics of red wine food pairing.

As a lot of things in life, food involves individual choices. Agreeing on the perfect wine to go with dinner has been a hot topic for years. The battle itself comes down to my pallet against yours. There are certain guidelines when it comes to selecting a combination that generally works, however the perfect balance between what is on your plate and in your glass is always comes down to your individual interpretation.

A word on Merlot, one of the most popular and well-known varietals of wine, this wine has been described as a versatile one note pony. Merlot generally offers an easy drinking red wine with limited complexity. Yes, different ages, residual sugar and other factors can offer a variance in the final product however Merlot is a great choice for versatilities sake. Cabernet Sauvignon, a crossbreed believe it or not, offers a deeper and richer flavour profile than that of Merlot. The middle-ground of our wines offers fruit notes ranging from blackberries to black cherries. The depth of complexity depends upon a number of factors however the longer it has stayed in the barrel, the more mellow of a flavour it should have. While not the richest wine variety out there, you are certainly easing your way into a stronger flavour profile with Shiraz. The strongest undertone from this grape is a pronounced peppery note. This wine can be well suited to a number of dishes, but one point that should be noted here, place of origin really can make a difference. Warm climates offer a much richer flavour profile than their cooler weather counterparts.

Life, just as in art or food, is a balance of compliments and contrasts. Knowing which tastes and characteristics play well with each other and those that do not is of paramount importance when picking a pairing. The intensity of flavour should be complimentary. Lighter meats such as chicken or pork should be paired with lighter wines whereas heavier meats such as beef or lamb should have a more robust option such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. Generally speaking the acidity level is where contrast can really shine, however be careful not to go too far askew. Imagine two people, both with their own individual quirks that under the right circumstances can play off of each other to create something amazing. However if the personalities are too far apart it will inevitably turn into a bare knuckles grudge match that in the end pleases nobody.

Selecting a wine for a meal can be as simple or as complicated as you wish to make it. Any wine merchant can easily make a reasonable recommendation if one is required, but in case you choose to make a selection on your own we have mentioned a few common varieties and their characteristics.   Both the food and the wine should have enough in common to be able to synergize while also having enough difference to have some independent flair throughout the meal. Whatever your choice is, enjoy your Valentines Day.