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It is said, "White wine with white meat and red wine with red
meat." While this may be a safe way to decide which wine to
select, it is not set in stone. If you don't like white wine, don't
drink it just because you are serving or ordering chicken. Drink
what you will enjoy.
It is helpful, however, to serve wine that has the same characteristics
as the meal. If the food is spicy, choose a spicy wine. If it is
robust, select a robust wine such as Red Zinfandel. The wine and
the food will help to enhance the flavor of the other.
If you plan to serve or order a meal sans meat, again, choose whatever
wine you enjoy. However, in regard to the standard rule, substitute
"white meat" for "green vegetables" and substitute
"red meat" for "brown vegetables." Brown vegetables
are beans, potatoes, carrots and onions. Reds go well with meatless
lasagne, macaroni and cheese and other cheese dishes.
Here is a list of some wine types with descriptions of their flavor
and what one should serve with the selection.
Chardonnay
This wine has an apple, coconut, nutty and buttery flavor. A very
versatile wine, Chardonnay can accompany many types of food. Fish
and shellfish in butter, chicken and veal in cream sauces, Thai,
pork and grilled beef are just a few that can be eaten with this
wine.
Gewürztraminer
This selection is floral and spicy. Drink this wine with rich appetizers
and spicy food such as curry.
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich wine has a cedar flavor. Merlot has a lighter flavor than
Cabernet Sauvignon. Beef dishes such as stroganoff, lamb and steak
with bordelaise are a good match. Grilled salmon, duck and pheasant
also are a delight.
Pinot Noir
This soft wine has a slight cherry and spice flavor. Grilled beef
tenderloin and prime rib go great with this wine. Poached fish in
Pinot Noir is delicious!
Riesling
A light, sweet white wine. This selection goes well with fish or
pork.
Sauvignon Blanc (also known as Fumé Blanc) or White Meritage
This wine has a melon, grassy and lemon flavor. It goes well with
food flavored with lemon such as fish and chicken. Stir-fry dishes
with beef and vegetables also can be paired with this selection.
Sparkling (Champagne)
Sparkling wine is tart and crisp. It goes well with spicy and salty
foods. This wine is what people think of as "Champagne."
It really is not Champagne unless it comes from Champagne, France.
Zinfandel, red
Red Zinfandel has a robust raspberry flavor. This wine goes well
with spicy meat dishes, curry, turkey, pot roast, stew and rabbit.
Zinfandel, white
White Zinfandel has a sweet, tropical fruit flavor. Grilled foods
-- hamburgers and salmon, etc. -- with ketchup or tomato sauces
go great with this wine.
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