There are two primary ways of pairing food and wine. First, you can achieve it by drinking and enjoying wine with the food we eat. And, second, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Of course, the second activity should always be followed by the first for maximum wine and food enjoyment. And you can always enjoy both activities at the same time to provide the ideal combination food and wine.
Enjoying Wine With Your Meal
A good wine will add to the flavor of the food, assist in digestion and, in the case of red wine, be beneficial in keeping your heart healthy. There are several theories regarding which wine to match to a particular food. However, my suggestion is that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in pairing food and wine in this manner.
Cooking With Wine
French and Italian chefs and home cooks are renowned for their use of wine in food. Both cuisines make extensive use of both red and white wines in meal preparation from appetizers to sauces to desserts.
Pairing food and wine in this way avoids any alcoholic taste in the food as heating the wine or other typically boils away the alcohol portion.
The other rule to consider when cooking with wine is never to cook with a wine that you don't want to drink. This will often mean opening a bottle of wine just for cooking but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Do not be tempted to cook with that wine that has been sitting on the kitchen counter for the last week since it was opened. If you wouldn't drink it, don't try to cook with it. Get some more tips about cooking with wine, storing wine and tasting wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.
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