Wine, for the array of sensations and emotions it conveys, for the culture associated with it, can turn a moment into a unique experience. It is within this context that we include the discussion about the best ways of pairing wine and food.
Before we proceed, it is important to mention that wine is not exclusively an accompaniment for meals. Wine has a life of its own beyond food and it often stars, by itself, in excellent moments of enjoyment. A sunset in an outdoor café by the beach, the end of a sunny afternoon of gardening, a meeting between friends after a day’s work or an evening of socialising are just examples of good moments to, with a glass of wine, create a truly special atmosphere. But wine is without a doubt the ideal partner for a good meal.
Addressing this subject is not easy since there is a strong personal and experimental element. On the other hand, the new cuisines that are becoming more widespread, for example Oriental, Arab and Mexican food, are still poorly studied at this level. We cannot, therefore, establish strict rules or unique and finished recipes. Only general guidelines and suggestions to guide the search and discovery of each individual.
Pairing wine and food is important. But it is not easy, because it involves combining complex factors in terms of the chemical and physiological reactions between the components of the dish – ingredients, preparation, sauces, condiments, etc., - and of the wine – colours, structure, body, tannins, alcohol, age, ageing process, aromas, etc. We must also consider cultural habits and their influence on the consumer’s perception.
A good wine can ruin a delicious dish, simply because they are not compatible. The opposite is also true. When pairing works well, then the sensations achieved are normally superior and different from those that would be achieved from the two partners separately.
Pairing normally suggests and works well by combining ‘similars’, which look for balance and continuity between the dish and the wine. But this is not always true since, as with marriages, ‘opposites’ can in some cases (less usual) work well together, with one of the elements ‘cutting’ or ‘correcting’ the excesses of the other, thus giving rise to perfect marriages.
