I have really enjoyed writing articles about wine these last seven months. I hope I haven’t left you with more questions than answers when writing about the history, characteristics, fermentation, and origins of various wines. What I haven’t tried to write about is wine pairings (what type of wines goes with what foods). That would be a monumental task. Ask any wine expert and they will tell you that for every rule about what wine to drink with what food, there is probably an exception. But basically, white wines complement lighter foods such as fish, chicken and green vegetable dishes, and red wines go better with heavier foods such as red meat and pasta. And what about ethnic dishes and spicy dishes? What should I drink? Sparkling wine pairs with a wide variety of foods because it acts as a palate cleanser. In pairings, the finest qualities of both the wine and the food should be appreciated. They should bring out the best in each other. But, if you want to eat a big greasy cheeseburger with Chardonnay or a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon with fish, and both the food and the wine taste good to you when eaten together, go for it. Rules are meant to be broken, and as I have said, there are endless exceptions to the rules. I’ve just given you the suggested ways to pair your wine with your favorite dishes.
Red and white wines have distinctive characteristics, but what we notice even before we open the bottle is that one is red and one is white. Why? After grapes are picked and head to the cellar for winemaking, different processes are used to make red wine verses to make white wine. One of the most significant differences is that red wines are fermented with the grape skins and seeds and white wines are not. This is because the color of red wines comes from the skins and seeds of the grapes.
Red wines are loved for their soft, rich and velvety flavor, while white wines are loved for their zesty acidity, floral aromas, and pure fruit notes (taste). To achieve these results in red and white wines, winemakers use different methods of winemaking. The most significant difference between the methods of producing red and white wines is the level of oxidation introduced. Oxidation causes wine to lose its floral notes in exchange for rich, nutty flavors and more smoothness as found in red wine. To increase oxygen, winemakers age red wine in oak barrels because they breathe and allow the wine to take in more oxygen. To reduce exposure to oxygen, white wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, which ensures that they will retain the fruitiness and flower flavors. But just like there are exceptions to every rule, such is true when aging both red and white wines. Some red wines are aged in stainless vats to preserve the floral flavors in the wine. An example is Beaujolais Nouveau (drop that named wine to impress your friends). And some white wines use white grapes and are aged in oak barrels to oxidize the wine and give it a nutty, creamy, oaky flavor. An example of this is my favorite, Chardonnay.
Red and white wines each have different chemical compounds, so which is better for you? Well since all the health benefits associated with wine are found in the skins and seeds of the wine grape, the red wines are commonly considered better for you.
Probably most of you reading this article have had a glass of wine and cheese and crackers while visiting somewhere with a friend at five o’clock. It’s not as daunting a task to suggest some cheese and wine pairings for those afternoons.
Cabernet Sauvignon/Aged Cheddar
Chardonnay/Brie
Malbec/Spanish Manchego
Merlot/Aged Gouda
Moscato/Pepper Jack
Pinot Grigio/Creamy Havarti
Pinot Noir/Camembert
Riesling/Swiss or Gruyère
Rose/Gouda
Sangiovese/Asiago
Sauvignon Blanc/Chèvre
Sparkling/Mozzarella
Syrah or Shiraz/Bacon Smoked Gouda
Zinfandel/Port Wine Cheddar
If you haven’t tried some of these wines or cheeses, be adventurous! Give your taste buds a treat. Remember, these are just suggestions from wine experts of which I am not. But I do enjoy writing for The Heron, and I hope you have enjoyed this series of articles. So, until I decide what to write about next, “Cheers.” And remember, It’s always “Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
