How to pair wine like an expert?
Successfully pairing a wine can be an art, but by knowing some essential keys, anyone can learn to do it like a true expert. The first thing you should keep in mind is the intensity of both the wine and the dish to be tasted. This harmony can be sought from two different points of view: by contrast or by congruence of flavors and aromas. Contrast pairing seeks to balance opposite or quite differentiated flavors; On the other hand, congruity pairing aims to intensify the experience by combining wines and dishes with similar characteristics, such as a robust red wine with rare red meat, in which the flavors enhance each other.It is also important not to lose sight of the texture and aromas of both elements. A light dish with delicate flavors requires a subtle wine that does not end up masking the flavor and aromas of the food, while intense and spicy dishes need wines with character and structure to achieve a perfect balance. Pairing with wine implies, therefore, taking all of these into account. factors to achieve a harmony that elevates the gastronomic experience to a higher level.What to pair red wine with?
Red wine is, without a doubt, the great protagonist when we talk about beef, strong stews and dishes rich in protein and fats. Its body, its tannins and its robust structure make it the perfect companion for cuts of beef such as sirloin, entrecôte or ribeye, especially when they are prepared on the grill or in the oven.
Crianza, reserva or gran reserva red wines, thanks to their aging in oak barrels, are capable of providing spicy, roasted and ripe fruit nuances that harmonize perfectly with the intensity of the meats. Likewise, red meat game dishes, such as wild boar or deer, can also find an excellent combination of flavors and aromas in full-bodied red wines.
In addition, if we ask ourselves what to pair red wine with in international cuisine, we cannot forget some Italian cuisine dishes, where pastas with rich tomato sauces or cured cheeses can pair perfectly with fruity young red wines with a touch of acidity. As for cheeses, we can say that red wine combines ideally with cured, old and blue cheeses, since both are foods that show an intense flavor and aroma both due to congruence and contrast.
What to pair white wine with?
White wine, due to its freshness, acidity and lightness, is ideal to accompany more delicate and subtle dishes. For example, seafood, white fish, such as sea bass or sole, and gourmet salads find their natural pairing in young, fruity whites. Furthermore, in recipes with citrus or creamy sauces, aged white wines, which are capable of providing greater volume and complexity of flavors in the mouth, can also be an excellent option.If we ask ourselves what to pair white wine with in less conventional contexts, we cannot overlook the perfect harmony that it creates together with Asian cuisine dishes, such as sushi, where the acidity and freshness of the wine help balance the unctuousness of raw fish, of complements such as cucumber or avocado and to enhance the nuances of the rice that contains that certain vinegary touch and the flavor of nori seaweed. Likewise, white wine combines perfectly with fresh and soft cheeses, like mozzarella, as well as with creamy cheeses, such as brie or the camembert, among others.What to pair rosé wine with?
Rosé wine is halfway between the freshness of white and the structure of red, so it can be the perfect wild card to pair with versatile and medium-intensity dishes. For example, we have no doubt that preparations such as fruit salads, Mediterranean cuisine dishes, sea and mountain rice or various tapas are perfect foods to pair with rosé wine.
In addition, rosé wine is ideal to pair with white meats, such as chicken or turkey, especially if they are prepared with aromatic herbs or accompanied by light sauces. If you are wondering what to pair rosé wine with in the world of cheeses, you should know that combines very well with both fresh and semi-cured cheeses, offering a balance between freshness and flavor that is very pleasant on the palate. If you want to explore new combinations, in our wine catalog at La Cave Gillet you will find a selection of reference labels, which are ideal for daring to taste pairings creative and sophisticated.