CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINE by Donniella Winchell
A couple of meals following the traditional rules, which dictate that a heavy, complex red wine should be served with beef or intense pastas, and fruit-up-front whites go better with chicken and fish entrees, will demonstrate as well as educate. The exceptions notwithstanding, most food and wine pairings suggestions are based on common sense, so starting with the obvious combinations is the best place to begin. If a group of folks would like to share in the fun and plan an informal dinner gathering where all repeat this
Choosing the ‘right’ wine in a public setting requires a bit of practice.
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kind of research, so much the better. Perhaps the next step, then, is to do a little reading. Dozens of tomes on wine and food pairings are on bookshelves and online. A great
icture a sophisticated, well-
a trek to a local winery will begin the
one to consider is Perfect Pairings by
dressed business owner, or
delightful process of learning how to
Evan Goldstein. For general wine
a polished, carefully coifed
pick a great wine for dinner.
knowledge, there is a great, easy-
senior bank executive. Imagine a
The first rule is to set aside a
to-explore primer by Kevin Zraly,
well-educated young university
couple of afternoons to visit and chat
Windows on the World Wine Course.
professor, or a talented, poised
with the winemaker or tasting room
Wine is not rocket science, and
aspiring actress. Want to make any
staff to begin to pick up the jargon.
although some in the industry can be
of them weak in the knees? Send
Most regional wineries offer sampling
off-putting, just a bit of this kind of
them into a fancy restaurant with
opportunities and a bit of coaching as
research will eliminate much of the
a group of their peers and suggest
the taster goes through the selections.
intimidation which often causes diners
they choose an appropriate wine
While this exercise can be fun for
to simply order a beer. Once favorite
for dinner. Imagine, then, how the
a couple, it also makes for a more
combinations have been indentified,
average person feels when faced with
convivial afternoon if a group of four or
a bit of the jargon is mastered, a few
the same daunting task.
six travel together.
wines are tasted and advice is gleaned
We are a little luckier than most — in
Since ultimately the very “best”
from some expert foodies and wine
Ohio we have nearly 200 wineries, and
wine is the one most enjoyed, there
aficionados, anyone would be suitably
one is within a short drive of each of our
should be no “correct” answers but
equipped to make an appropriate wine
homes. So a visit to a nearby vineyard
rather lots of conversation. Following
selection at the next fancy dining
to practice pronunciation skills and
the tasting, purchasing a couple of
excursion with family, friends or
to hone taste buds provides an easy
reds and whites to take home will
business associates. $
solution. For someone new to the world
allow some additional practice time
of wine, and a little intimidated by it,
among close family and friends.
For additional information: dwinchell@ohiowines.org
heartofohiomagazine.com/pairings pairings
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