Wine is a natural, complex, yet easily appreciated beverage. The principle of pairing wine with food is that the styles of the wine and the dish should not overpower or mask one another; they should be a harmonious match, not a clashing one. I. Avoid Pairing with Seafood
Red wine with red meat follows a basic rule of gastronomy: the tannins in the wine combine with the protein in the meat, almost immediately starting the digestion process. While oily fish like fresh salmon, swordfish, or tuna can pair well with lighter-bodied red wines due to their natural oils, the high tannin content in some red wines can severely clash with the flavor of certain seafood, such as Dover sole, and the wine itself can even develop an unpleasant metallic taste.
Pairing white wine with white meats or seafood is also a generally good rule of thumb. Some white wines might be overpowered by beef or lamb, but they elevate the flavor of dishes like flounder, shrimp, lobster, or grilled chicken breast to sublime heights. II. Avoid Pairing with Vinegar
Most salads do not negatively impact the style of wine, but if they are dressed with vinegar, it can dull the palate, making the wine seem lifeless and flat. Lemon juice is a better choice because its citric acid harmonizes with the character of the wine.
Cheese and wine are a natural and ideal pairing, but one should be careful not to pair spicy cheeses with light-bodied wines, and vice versa. III. Pairing with Strongly Spicy or Aromatic Foods Requires Selection
Pairing wine with spicy or strongly aromatic foods can be challenging, but pairing them with wines that are spicy or have an intense fruity character can be a perfect match.
Chocolate can also have an adverse effect on the taste of wine. Some claim that pairing it with an aged Cabernet Sauvignon can be successful. The Italian wine, Lambrusco di Sorbara, pairs exceptionally well and wonderfully with chocolate, especially dark chocolate. This Italian wine has a delicate and crisp fruitiness, and its恰到好处的 (just right) natural acidity is enough to balance the richness and sweetness of the chocolate, while also leaving your mouth feeling comfortably fresh and clean.