There can be delightful art in the swirling, sniffing and red wine tasting – but when it really comes into its own is when the food acts as the counterpoint and heightens the individuality of the wine.
Food and wine shimmy in their own little mini dance as they morph one into the other. This balance of flavors plays on synergy, with a lick of palate complimenting a sip, the two stimulating one another to create something deeper and richer than the parts alone. It’s like a game of tag where the onset of taste, as it hits your tongue, is a touch trigger for the thing that came right before it. Get it right, and one component in a pairing can unleash new depths in your red wine, while the wine in turn changes how your body will experience the food.
So, let’s get started! Are you ready to enjoy a red wine tasting and eat some things? Cheers! Here are a few easy food pairings for exploring your next glass of red.
Matching Boldness with Boldness: Rich Wines and Hearty Dishes
Rich, tannic, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah need similarly big personalities to go with them – also known as food. Think grilled steaks, roast lamb: always go big on the food pairings for these red wines.
The high fat content of the meat will mellow the wine’s tannins, giving a delicious smoothness, and smoky nuances from cooking work well with the peppery character of some reds. Stews also match well with wine: their savory flavors pair excellently with its fruitiness.
A Match Made in Heaven: Lighter Reds and Savory Delights
Weakly fruity, silky tannins: Pinot Noir is the gangly red understudy who can play nearly any part and make it work Pinot’s charm lies not only in its affinity for starters and main courses; it also shines with savory dishes of all kinds.
Picture your herb-roasted chicken or your creamy mushroom risotto plated alongside your glass of Pinot Noir. Yes, the salty and umami notes of the food confirm the earthiness in your wine. And the ripe fruitiness in the wine cutting through the richness gives balance to mouthfeel, bringing you back to your glass. All this is true. But what if somewhere in the back of your mind, as you take another sip, I slipped in the word: salivate? Might your experience shift? This is only one example of the many ways that we alter the course of your dinner and a wine experience.
Beyond the Classics: Exploring Unexpected Pairings
But the most novel pleasures of food and red wine tastings comes from experimenting – don’t be afraid to zone out of the script, especially if it gets you out of your comfort zone: if nothing works, you tried. And that’s a victory in itself.
Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
- Spicy food and Zinfandel: The spiciness of Zin gives it the ability to handle the heat of chili or fajitas, while also the Payload’s ingestion by acting as a sweet complement to spice.
- Cheese and Merlot: The soft tannins and subtly fruity flavors of Merlot make it a good idea to match it to a wide range of cheeses. With creamy brie or leathery cheddar, you will see why such a combination works.
- Chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon: Yes. The tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon are softened by the dark chocolate, while the fruitiness of the wine cuts through most chocolate’s richness. This is a treat best saved for the weekend.
The Art of Exploration: Embrace Your Inner Foodie
The secret to expanding your palate into a truly pleasurable experience lies in experimentation. Part of that is making some basic discoveries for yourself. Here are a few pointers: Don’t be shy about experimenting with food.
- Think about the body and tannins of the wine. Richer foods are better with bolder wines, while lighter foods are best paired with lighter wines.
- Think about complementary flavors. Aim for pairings that enhance each other, rather than clash.
- Don’t be scared to be creative! There are no hard and fast rules, so have fun and be experimental!
Uncork a World of Flavor at Scott Harvey Wines
Scott Harvey Wine is focused on the production of full-bodied, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir red wines that are made for eating, drinking and pairing with your next meal. Enjoy exploring new food and wine flavor parings through our diverse portfolio…
Therefore, come by our tasting room or, if you prefer, browse our online store and find your go-to red wine tasting bundle. Then, start your foodie revolution. You might be surprised by how good this symphony of flavors will sound. The most critically important element to good pairing is your pleasure, so we urge you – raise a glass, enjoy the taste, and always enjoy the journey.
