Dr Sarah-Jayne Gratton is a leading lifestyle writer and author. Read more of her work at www.sarahgratton.com.
There are no hard and fast rules for pairing wine with food. Taste is so individual and completely subjective, making it sometimes difficult to know how to select the perfect match for your chosen dish. Having said that, here are some general guidelines to help make ‘getting it right' a little easier.
Game Dishes
Some of the delicate flavours of white wine can be overpowered by heavy game dishes, so it may be best to plump for a Rioja or a dry, medium bodied red, which can work wonderfully well with the strong flavors of game. If red definitely isn't for you then a dry sparkling wine is the best compromise.
White Meat and Fish
A dry Riesling is a great accompaniment to Fish or Turkey but, if you prefer a fruitier partnering, then opt for a ripe honeyed wine such as a chardonnay. Chicken loves the citrus infused Pinot Grigio and a fresh young rose is always a good match. If you're serving barbecued chicken however, then you may want to indulge your senses with a medium bodied shiraz or a good Californian Zindafel which will pair well with the sweet smokiness of the meat. The key is to balance the flavors of wine and food so that both work together to create the perfect fusion in the mouth
Red Meats and Hearty Dishes
Powerful dishes can take a powerful wine. A rich Italian Chianti or a Robust Californian red are excellent choices. Rosemont Estates produce some excellent reds for pairing with rich, hearty meals. As with the game dishes, choose a dry sparkling white or rose if you're not a red wine drinker.
Balance is the Key to Success
As mentioned earlier, balancing delicate flavors with delicate wines and, likewise hearty meals with full-bodied wines is ultimately what pairing is all about. Creating harmony and choosing flavors that compliment each other rather than fight for dominance can take time and practice but, by not being afraid to experiment with varieties and taking note of your favorite choices as you learn, you'll soon be pairing your wines like an expert.
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