Pairings Spring 2014

Page 1



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.

P

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

1























Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.