First, wine is an incredible beverage that can taste differently depending on the foods we are eating, the people we are with, our emotional state, even what we had for breakfast. And…very few people have a bad bottle of wine on vacation.

Second, I find it incredible that there is sooooo much advice about this topic, especially before every holiday. Surf the web, look in newspapers, magazines along with commentaries on radio and television from all the gurus of the wine and food world touting their expert advice about the best wine for which food.

POINT OF HUMOROUS INTEREST - At least I thought so...

When I did a search on the internet for pairing wine with Thanksgiving Dinner her in the United States, I found virtually every wine from virtually every region suggested by the so-called "gurus" and "experts" In fact, one guy was suggesting a wine with every component of the dinner -- a wine for the stuffing, one for the turkey, one for the cranberry sauce, etc. etc.

Quite frankly, I find all this effort and jabber a waste of everyone's time.

Yes, there are some general rules to follow, but the bottom line is…you have to like the wine you are drinking.

If you open a bottle of wine that, according to the "experts" is the perfect wine for the food and you don't like it, what's the point? You then need to struggle through the meal forcing yourself to drink a wine that you do not like or maybe pouring the wine down the drain.

My suggestions:

1. Decide on a comfortable price range within US$3.00.
2. Go to a wine store that has a "reputable" and genuinely knowledgeable wine person to help you select wines for YOUR needs and taste.
3. Ask - "Have you tasted this wine?" "How would you describe it?"
4. If someone tells you "the wine is drinking well" or "this is my favorite wine" or "a lot of people like it"ask "WHY????".

You can surf the internet for an overwhelming amount of information on this topic. You can use "compliment" or "contrast" or attempt to match "the wine with the food" or match "the food with the wine" using some or all of the characteristics of the food such as:

• bitterness
• acidity
• body
• texture
• sweetness
• saltiness
• sourness
• and alcohol level.
• And, matching with specific spices.

Crazy, huh?

With that said, for those of you who want some guidance, "the guy with the bow tie" will give you some very general guidelins for matching food and wine…My flexible style of guidelines opens up the unusual possibilities of pairing so you can follow your yearning at the time of choosing.

Don't angonize about making the perfect choice. Your selection might not be perfect according to the "experts", but you might discover a perfect match for you!!

Remember: Wines can vary by grapes variety, vintage, wine-making methods, region, and more. There is no end all and be all for this stuff!! No absolutes!! Have fun!! Experiment!!

How to Pair Food & Wine

How to Pair Wine & Cheese

References:

• Addendum - Section includes supplementary information which may be of interest or use to the reader. The use of the Addendum and the citations and references within kennuncorked.com
• Certifying Organizations for Sustainable, Organic, Biodynamic Agriculture - List of Organization researched by kennuncorked.com
• Fielden, C. & Wine & Spirit Education Trust (2004). Exploring the World of Wines and Spirits. London:England.
• Fletcher, J. 2007). Cheese and Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying. Chronicle Books LLC. San Franciso:California.
• Gasnier, V. (2006). A Taste for Wine: 20 Key Tastings to Unlock Your Personal Wine Style. Dorling Kindersley Limited. New York:New York.
• Johnson, H. & Robinson, J. (2007). The World Atlas of Wine - Sixth Edition. Mitchell Beazley. London:England.
• Kitowski, R. & Klemm, J. (2007). Clueless about Wine. Firefly Books. Buffalo:New York.
• Lausanne, E. (1970). The Great Book of Wine. Galahad Books:New York.
• Lichine, A. (1974). New Encyclopedia of Wines & Spirits. Alfred A. Knopf:New York.
• Robinson, J. (ed.) (1999). The Oxford Companion to Wine - Second Edition. Oxford University Press. New York: NY.
• Radford, J. (1998). The New Spain: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Spanish Wine. Mitchell Beazley. London:England.
• Ridgeway, J. (2004). The Cheese Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide. Second Edition. Quintet Publishing Limited. London:England.
• Schuster, M. (2002). Essential Winetasting: The Complete Practical Winetasting Course. Michell Beazley. London:England.
• Werlin, L. (2007). Cheese Essentials: An Insiders Guide to Buying and Serving Cheese. Stewart, Tabori & Chang. New York:New York.

(Return to Top)