Food and wine pairing
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table of ContentsWho doesn't fancy a nice red wine with a filet mignon? Or a white wine with a fish fillet? Well, to know which wine goes with which food, sommeliers have the experience of pairing to effectively select which wine is ideal to accompany a dish.
At Vinícola El Cielo we are experts in creating wines, and our team of sommeliers has the experience and knowledge to recommend a wine to accompany your food.
That is why, taking advantage of the grape harvest season, we want to share with you what pairing is and its characteristics; so if you are interested in learning more about this topic, continue reading.
What is pairing?
Pairing is the term derived from the word “marriage” and refers to the practice of combining food and drink to enhance and complement the flavors and characteristics of both . It involves finding harmonies or contrasts between the different taste and aroma components of food and drink.
However, pairing is not exclusive to wines; beers, spirits and other options are also considered to achieve a more pleasant and balanced gastronomic experience.
Popularly , pairing refers to the harmonization of wines with specific dishes , for example, finding a suitable Mexican wine to accompany grilled meat.
What is the purpose of pairing?
Pairing seeks to create synergies between the flavors, textures and aromas of food and drink , as experts seek to ensure that none of the elements dominate another or cancel each other out. That is why when we are at a wine tasting we are recommended to drink a particular wine with an aperitif.
This involves creating contrasts between flavours; for example, the acidity of a white wine can be perfectly balanced with the fat of a fish such as cod and other cold-water fish.
How to create the perfect pairing?
To create a perfect pairing we must keep in mind that this can be subjective and will depend largely on individual preferences , since what may be pleasant for one person may not be for another.
Food and wine experts often provide guidelines and suggestions, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is that the pairing is enjoyable and satisfying to the palate of those who enjoy it.
While there is no formula for creating a pairing, here are some steps and tips you can follow to get closer to a successful pairing:
1.- Know the flavors and characteristics
Before you begin pairing , it's important to understand the flavors and characteristics of both the foods and beverages you're considering. This includes things like acidity, sweetness, bitterness, fat, and the aromas present in each .
2.- Consider the intensity
Try to match the intensity of flavors between foods and drinks . For example, a heavily spiced or robust dish might need an equally robust wine to balance the flavors.
3.- Look for contrasts or similarities
Another consideration is that you can opt for contrasts that highlight opposite characteristics, or, on the other hand, you can look for similarities.
One way to understand a contrast is to think of trying melon with Serrano ham. The combination is very pleasant, however we start from different and therefore contrasting flavours and sensations. In terms of wines, a contrast could be trying a dessert wine such as an Ice Wine or a Tokaji with a blue cheese.
On the other hand, the safest way is to combine similarities or harmonizations, such as trying a white wine that has aromas of green apple with a fish ceviche to which we add green apple in small cubes. From the aromas we achieve a perfect harmonization!
4.- Take into account the structure
Consider the structure of the dish and how it is presented in terms of texture, fat and key elements, select drinks that complement and enhance these qualities. Mouthfeel is the basis for good pairing. Pairing a bolognese pasta is not the same as pairing a buttered pasta. What is the difference? The structure of the sauce and the spices used in the preparation.
5.- Experiment
One piece of advice we have for you is to not be afraid to experiment; try different combinations and trust your taste buds. Sometimes, unusual combinations can turn out to be surprisingly successful.
6.- Follow expert advice
Read and research suggested pairings from food and wine experts. There are many websites, books and magazines that offer helpful recommendations. However, remember that these are just starting points and not hard and fast rules – trust your taste buds. If you visit Latitud 32 or Polaris , both restaurants in the Vinícola El Cielo, you will see that the menus suggest the perfect wine for each dish.
7.- Personalize
Adjust the recommendations to your personal preferences. If you have a preference for certain types of flavors or drinks, feel free to adapt the pairings to your taste.
Of course, if you're planning to serve a pairing on a special occasion, be sure to taste the combination beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Now that you know more about what pairing is, its objectives and how to achieve the perfect one for your restaurant or your events at home, share this article on your social networks so that more people know more about what it is. Also, stay tuned to our blog so that you have all the news about the world of wine, grape harvest and pairing.
