WHICH WINE GOES WITH WHAT?
Are you a fan of wine? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the multitude of varieties available? How can you distinguish a truly good wine? And which wine pairs perfectly with your meal? Let our wine expert guide you in selecting the perfect wine and provide valuable tips.
WHAT IS WINE?
Wine, derived from the Latin word "Vinum," is an exquisite alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented grape juice or must. These luscious berries flourish on the panicles of the grapevine and have been a beloved cultural treasure for centuries. Evidence suggests that viticulture dates back to the 6th millennium BC in the Near East, and has only continued to evolve and thrive over the years. From the art of winemaking to the culture of savouring a glass, the tradition of wine has endured and flourished through time.
The world of wine presents a vast array of options today. Each wine possesses unique qualities influenced by a variety of factors, including price. Exploring these distinctions, comprehending flavour profiles, engaging in discussions about wine culture with fellow enthusiasts, or simply savouring a glass - all of these elements contribute to the intrigue and allure of this topic.
The world's most popular grape varieties
RED WINES
Burgundy
Burgundy refers to a type of wine that originates from the Burgundy region. Pinot Noir stands out as the most well-known red variety among its various types. Pinot Noir wines are characterised by their full-bodied and smooth taste, with a fruity aroma and hints of almond. The classic Pinot Noir boasts a slightly sweet scent of red fruits, ranging from strawberries and cherries to blackberries and blackcurrants. These red wines are particularly enjoyable during the colder months and are best served at a temperature of 16-18 °C. For a stronger flavour profile, pair them with roasts, a game, or a selection of cheeses.
Merlot
Merlot is a highly popular red wine variety that is cultivated around the world. Its history dates back to the 18th century, making it a long-standing choice for wine enthusiasts. This rich and bold wine boasts a deep colour and a delightful taste of plums, offering a smooth and velvety experience for the palate. Depending on the producer, Merlot can be made from a single grape variety or blended with other red grapes and aged in oak barrels. Its barrique-aged version pairs perfectly with robust dishes, while a simple Merlot is a great match for lighter fare or can be enjoyed on its own.
Cabernet Sauvignon
As a well-known grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a unique blend of high seed, colourant, and tannin levels. This results in a deep, rich colour and makes it perfect for ageing in barriques and long-term storage. The wine itself is full of character, with a distinct blackcurrant (cassis) flavour and a hint of green pepper on the nose. What sets this variety apart is its ability to maintain its signature bouquet and taste, regardless of the climate and soil conditions it's grown in. And when it comes to pairing with food, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect complement to roasted beef or lamb with hearty, dark sauces.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a well-known appellation for wines produced in the renowned French wine region bearing the same name. Although often mistaken as a specific grape, Bordeaux is a blend, also known as a cuvée, of various grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Franc. The final taste profile results from the careful combination of these grapes and the ageing process in different types of barrels. Typically, Bordeaux wines are characterised by their bold flavours and deep, intense hues.
WHITE WINES
Riesling
Discover the diverse world of Riesling wines, available in a variety of quality levels and flavours. Many of our wines are expertly matured in traditional wooden barrels, resulting in a unique and enjoyable tasting experience. A "typical" Riesling showcases a pale yellow hue with hints of green, complemented by a delightful peach or apple aroma and a lively acidity on the palate. Wines grown in slate soils are known for their distinct mineral notes, while others may offer a subtle flint scent. As these wines age, they often develop a fascinating petrol tone. For the best taste, we recommend enjoying Rieslings at least one year after the harvest, with some reaching their peak after a few years. And don't worry about shelf life - our top wines can be stored for years without losing their quality. For a refreshing summer option, try our young, light Rieslings, available in dry or fruity-sweet varieties to suit your taste. As they mature, Rieslings become excellent accompaniments to food. Dry or semi-dry options pair well with light dishes, steamed seafood, and tender meats with delicate sauces. Elevate your dining experience with a mature Riesling, which is perfect for enjoying with small domestic poultry.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a widely known and popular grape variety that can be found in almost every wine-producing country. It covers a significant area of cultivation globally, comparable to that of Riesling. Most Chardonnay wines are produced in a dry style. While aging in stainless steel tanks is common, barrique aging is also prevalent for this variety. The wine is known for its distinctive aroma of melons, exotic fruits, overripe gooseberries, or slightly underripe apples. Higher quality Chardonnays tend to have a higher alcohol and extract content, giving them a substantial and long-lasting taste. If aged in barriques, the wood aromas complement the primary fruit flavors. This versatile wine pairs well with light, young dishes such as fish and seafood, while more robust or oaky Chardonnays are a great match for fried foods and hearty cheeses.
White Burgundy
Did you know that Pinot Blanc is not only a popular variety in our country, but also among our neighbouring countries? In France, it goes by the name Pinot Blanc, while in Italy it is known as Pinot Bianco. It is also a commonly found variety in Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. When poured into a glass, Pinot Blanc appears pale to light yellow in colour with a delicate and subtle aroma. Its slightly nutty scent is a standout characteristic. With a moderate alcohol level, this wine offers a subtle flavour profile that often brings to mind green nuts, apples, pear, quince, apricots, citrus fruits, or fresh pineapple. Its moderate body and refreshing acidity make it a versatile choice to pair with seafood, fish, veal, pork, and poultry, or simply as a chilled and refreshing terrace wine. For those who prefer a richer and more full-bodied option, Pinot Blanc also pairs well with lamb or tender young game dishes.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc has experienced a triumphant rise in popularity across the globe in recent years. Impressively, German Sauvignon Blanc wines have garnered high praise and ratings in international tastings. One cannot mistake the distinct quality of this wine, with its powerful aromas of grass, herbs, gooseberries, and green fruits. It pairs flawlessly with fish and seafood dishes, as well as pasta with rich cream sauces.
THE COMBINATION OF FOOD AND WINE
There is a common misconception that white wine should only be paired with "white meat" and red wine with "dark meat". While this may not be entirely incorrect, it overlooks crucial elements of a dish such as the sauce, vegetables, spices, and cooking method. In today's modern kitchen, these aspects are what truly elevate a meal and bring new and exciting flavours to the table. With an increasing variety of international cuisine styles and recipes and constantly evolving trends, it is no longer necessary to adhere to strict rules when it comes to pairing wine and food.
In fact, the key to a successful pairing is to trust your own taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new combinations - you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. Matching wine and food is not a complex task, as both have their own distinct flavour profiles. Without delving too deeply into the technicalities, the general rule of thumb is that the two should complement each other.
So, next time you're enjoying a meal, remember that there are no set rules when it comes to pairing wine and food. Be daring and have fun exploring different combinations, as it may lead to unexpected and delightful experiences.
Tips
Acid needs acid
Vinaigrette paired with a salad may make a delicious white Viognier taste overly sweet, dull and unexciting. However, a crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match.
Sweetness needs sweetness
Did you know that desserts aren't the only dishes that can have a deliciously sweet element? Take for example a fish dish in a savoury white cream sauce, paired with carrots and boiled potatoes. This dish is not only rich but also has a subtle sweetness to it. That's why we recommend pairing it with a Chardonnay from a warmer region - the perfect complement to this tasty meal.
Tannic acid needs fat
Indulgent dishes leave a velvety layer of fat on the palate and throat, which can mask the sensation of tannic acid and lead to a "dry mouth" feeling. From a culinary standpoint, this pairing is ideal as the robust structure of tannic wines complements the smoothness of rich, fatty dishes.
Spicy foods with wine
Spicy foods numb the taste buds in the mouth. Therefore, you need a wine with much more expression and structure and little acidity. Semi-sweet white wines go well. Grilled beef with a hot, spicy sauce needs a strong, tannic red wine. Seasoned sweet and sour chicken needs a sweet white wine as an accompaniment.
Complex Wines
When it comes to pairing wine and food, the key is to find a balance between complexity. Just as complex dishes need a simple wine, simple dishes can be elevated by a more intricate wine. However, it's important to remember that the brain functions best when focused on one thing at a time. So, for those special, complex wines, it's best to give them your undivided attention and truly savour their unique flavours and aromas.
