Pairing Wine With Food

When it comes to pairing wine with food there really are no rules. Nobody can accurately predict the success or failure of a wine and a food match. Why? Most wine selections are made by one's personal taste. Another factor is a wine often tastes differently when served with different foods, where perception of tastes can be exaggerated or diminished. These changes can have a positive or negative effect based on preference.

There are five basic "tastes" science acknowledges everyone can recognize:

1. Sweetness - often hidden in many foods, will increase the perception of sourness, bitterness and astringency in wine. An example of this food and wine pairing would be grapes dipped in sugar would make a White Zinfandel less sweet of a wine. It would also increase the sourness of a Sauvignon Blanc.


2. Sourness - from the natural sourness of some foods, will make decrease the perception of acid in wine and make the wine taste richer and more mellow. For instance, if you were to have a lemon with your White Zin, the wine would appear to taste extra sweet. A Sauvignon Blanc paired with a lemon would taste more mellow and buttery.


3. Bitterness - often confused with astringency, increases the bitterness in wine. If you paired a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir with a cherry tomato, they would taste more bitter than usual.


4. Saltiness - can tone down the perception of bitterness and astringency in wine. The same cherry tomato, only now salted, will balance the taste of a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.


5. Umami or Savory - this taste is hard to describe. It is referred to "mother's milk" because it is a taste everyone likes. Think of a blue cheese being paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon. They seem very mellow and smooth when paired together.

Regardless of what your preferences are, it is best to try your wine with the actual food you are serving at your event. It is also helpful to not only have a second opinion for wine taste variety, but to also have a knowledgeable wine enthusiast or Sommelier on hand for suggestions.

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