Decoding Wine: A Beginner’s Handbook to Wine Pairing.

The world of wine can seem complex, intimidating, and even overwhelming.

I mean, why wouldn’t it be? There are over 6,000 varieties of wines.

Wines come in a variety of flavours and styles. Different grape varieties, like a Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, create unique tastes.

You can choose between red, white, or rosé wines.

Some wines are best when they’re young and fresh, while others, like aged reds, get more complex as they get older.

Sparkling wines add a bubbly twist to celebrations.

You can also pick between dry and sweet wines based on your taste.

Basically, a chardonnay doesn’t smell like a Sauvignon blanc.

Y’know, there’s this perceived elitism associated with understanding and appreciating wine, but you don’t have to worry about it. That’s what this blog is for.

If you’ve ever found yourself confused by the multiple choices on a wine menu in a fancy restaurant or you’ve been unsure what bottle to bring to a dinner party, keep reading.

This beginner’s guide will help you understand the art of wine pairing, simplify the complexities, and guide you through the vast landscape of flavours with confidence.

Simple wine terminologies you need to know

1. Varietals: A specific type or variety of grape used to make a particular wine.

Example: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are examples of grape varietals.

Pro tip: Wines labelled with a single varietal name contain a minimum percentage of that grape in the bottle.

2. Regions: The geographic areas where grapes are grown.

Example: Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, and Tuscany in Italy. They are known for producing distinct styles of wine.

Pro tip: Different regions have unique climates, soils, and terroirs that influence the characteristics of the wine produced.

3. Vintages: The year the grapes were harvested for a particular wine.

Example: A wine labelled with a vintage year, such as “2018,” means that the grapes used to make that wine were harvested in that specific year.

Pro tip: Vintages reflect the growing conditions and weather during that specific year, influencing the wine’s flavour profile and ageing potential.

Vintages can vary, and wine enthusiasts often pay attention to them for quality assessment.

4. Terrior: A broader set of factors beyond just the geographic location.

Example: Soil composition, topography, climate, microclimate, vineyard orientation, and human intervention (such as farming practices and winemaking techniques).

Pro tip: Winemakers believe that the combination of these factors make wine from each place unique, creating a sense of terroir that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

5. The body of wine: Refers to its weight, texture, and overall mouthfeel. It’s often described as light, medium, or full-bodied.

• Light-bodied wines feel thin and watery in the mouth.
• Medium-bodied wines have a bit more substance and texture.
• Full-bodied wines feel rich, dense, and heavy in the mouth.

What is Wine Pairing?

Wine pairing is a harmonious matching of wine and food to enhance your overall dining experience.

When done right, the flavours of both the wine and the food complement and elevate each other, creating a delightful mix on your palate.

Key word? Harmony.

The cardinal rule of wine pairing is achieving balance.

You don’t want the wine or the food to be too strong and cover up the taste of each other.

It should be just like an orchestra where all the instruments and conductor are in perfect sync producing the best sound.

Understanding Wine Types

Red wines: Made from dark-coloured grape varieties. The grape skins remain in contact with the juice during fermentation, giving the wine its characteristic red colour.

Examples: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir.

Pairing options: Bold and robust, red wines can pair well with hearty dishes like grilled meats, stews, and rich pasta dishes.

White Wines: Made from green or yellowish grapes. The grape skins are separated from the juice during fermentation, resulting in a clear or light colour.

Examples: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling.

Pairing options: Crisp and refreshing, white wines are ideal companions for lighter fare like salads, seafood, and poultry.

Rosé Wines: Have a pink or blush colour, and they can be made from a variety of red grape varieties. The grape skins are in contact with the juice for a shorter period compared to red wines.

Examples: Provence Rosé, White Zinfandel.

Pairing options: Versatile and often leaning towards the dry side, rosé wines are excellent with diverse dishes, from fresh salads to grilled vegetables.

Sparkling Wines: Has bubbles, often created through a secondary fermentation process. They can be white or rosé and are known for their effervescence.

Examples: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava.

Pairing options: Effervescent and celebratory, sparkling wines complement a range of foods, including appetizers, fried foods, and sushi.

Fortified Wines: Have had additional spirits, usually brandy, added to them. This process increases alcohol content and often results in a sweeter taste.

Examples: Port, Sherry, Madeira.

Dessert Wines: Typically sweet and served with or as a dessert. They can be made from various grape varieties and may undergo specific processes to concentrate sugars.

Examples: Sauternes, Ice Wine, Vin Santo.

Aged Wines: These have undergone a maturation process, often in oak barrels, which can enhance their flavours and complexity. Ageing can occur in both red and white wines.

Examples: Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, Aged Chardonnay.

Flavour Profiles in Wine

Acidity:
The crispness or tartness of wine. Wines with a higher acidity often feel more refreshing.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity.

Sweetness:
The amount of residual sugar in the wine. Sweeter wines have a higher sugar content.

Riesling is a grape varietal that can produce sweet wines.

Tannin:
Compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They contribute to the wine’s structure and can create a dry sensation in the mouth.

Cabernet Sauvignon is often associated with higher tannin levels.

Floral:
These are the sweet scents of flowers like roses, jasmine, or lavender.

These gentle and nice-smelling aromas make the wine smell fancier and more interesting, making it even nicer to smell and taste.

Herbal:
Herbal smells in wine give it a taste like different kinds of cooking herbs, such as mint, basil, or thyme.

Fruitiness:
The presence of fruit flavours in the wine. Tastes and aromas of various fruits such as berries, citrus, tropical fruits, etc.

Pinot Noir is known for its red fruit flavours, like cherry and strawberry.

Non-fruit Flavours:
A wide range of additional aromas and tastes extend beyond fruit. These can include floral, herbal, spicy, or earthy notes.

Syrah/Shiraz may exhibit non-fruit flavours like black pepper or smokiness.

Alcohol:
The level of alcohol in wine contributes to its body and mouthfeel. Warmer climates often produce wines with higher alcohol content.

Zinfandel from California is known for its boldness and higher alcohol levels.

Why does one wine taste different than the other?

Grapes Matter: Different grape types bring different, distinct flavours, like Chardonnay’s fruity notes or Cabernet Sauvignon’s boldness.

Location Matters Too: Where grapes grow (terroir) matters.

A Pinot Noir from France tastes different from one from the USA.

Weather Counts: Vintage weather impacts taste, a hot season may yield bolder wines.

Winemaker’s Touch: Winemakers’ choices in fermentation, ageing, and blending affect the final taste.

Grape Origin Story: All wines start as grape juice; the origin influences the flavour.

Winery Style: Each winery’s practices, traditional or modern, contribute to diverse wine styles.

Wood Magic: Barrel ageing adds flavours like vanilla; the type and duration matter.

Post-Fermentation Art: Processes like malolactic fermentation or lees ageing bring unique textures and flavours.

Perfect Harvest Timing: When grapes are harvested affects sweetness, acidity, and overall flavour.

In a nutshell, each bottle holds a unique story shaped by the grapes’ journey and the winemaker’s choices.

Your First Sip: Recommendations for Newbies

A list of entry-level wines that could be perfect for you.

• Chardonnay: A versatile white wine known for its fruity and buttery notes. It pairs well with a variety of dishes and is often a hit among those new to wine.
• Merlot: A red wine with soft tannins and flavours of plum and red berries. Merlot is approachable and pairs excellently with a range of foods.
• Prosecco: If you enjoy bubbly, Prosecco is an excellent sparkling wine option. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for celebrations or casual sipping.
• Riesling: For those with a sweet tooth, Riesling offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s a great choice for those easing into the world of white wines.
• Pinot Noir: Known for its elegance and versatility, Pinot Noir is a red wine that often appeals to beginners. It pairs well with a variety of foods and showcases the charm of red wine without overwhelming complexities.
• Malbec: A red wine with bold flavours of dark fruit, e.g plum and blackberry, along with hints of chocolate and spice. Malbec is smooth and approachable, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to red wine.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its zesty acidity is a great introduction to the world of dry white wines.

In addition to these recommendations, it’s essential to understand your own preferences. Don’t hesitate to explore and discover what suits your taste buds. Visit local wine tastings or wine shops that offer tasting sessions to refine your palate and find your personal favourites.

Intensity Matching

Keynote: Pair the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the dish.

Light Wines:
Pair delicate wines with lighter dishes, such as grilled chicken or seafood.

Full-Bodied Wines:
Robust wines stand up well to heartier food like steaks, pasta or flavorful cheeses. Full bodied (white) e.g chardonnay goes well with lobster.

Parting Sip of Wisdom

1. Experiment and Explore

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different pairings and discover what pleases your palate. There are no strict rules so your personal preference will play a significant role.

2. Regional Pairings

Consider pairing wines with dishes from their region of origin. Wines and local cuisines often evolve together, creating natural affinities.

3. Trust Your Instincts

If you enjoy a particular wine with a certain dish, that’s a successful pairing. Trust your taste buds, there are no hard and fast rules.

So,
Whether you’re exploring wine for your palate, simply seeking conversation starters, or just want to impress your date on your next night out, here’s your personal wine guide to keep in your back pocket.

Goodluck!