Choosing wine to go with a special dinner, party food, or just a burger and fries? Chris Inns divulges the secrets of tasting wines and pairing them with meatless meals.
Read more about the basics of vegetarian food and wine pairing.
Category 1: The Dark and Rich Flavours
- Examples: Tomatoes, garlic, eggplant, strong cheeses, rich sauces, smoky chipotle peppers, marinated barbecued tofu, beans, chili, spicy foods.
- Wines: Reds from Bordeaux in France, Italy, or Spain, Chile or Argentina. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah (synonymous with Shiraz), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Grenache, Tempranillo.
Category 2: Mid-Light Weight Savoury Flavours
- Examples: Light garlic and herb flavours, light cheeses, breads, heavier-flavoured salads, nuts, red pepper and olive oil pasta; veggie burger and fries
- Wines: Reds from Burgundy in France, red varieties like Pinot Noir, and whites from anywhere in France; white varieties like Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay.
The Death Sentence: Vinaigrette Dressing
Vinaigrette dressing (or any dressing containing a lot of vinegar) is arguably impossible to pair with wine. The vinegar seems to kill a wine on the palate. Instead of wine, try a club soda and lime, gin and tonic, or Campari and club soda.
The Revolt against Wine Pairing
…or “you wine people are all jerks, why can’t people drink what they like?”
There is nothing wrong with choosing a wine that suits your personal taste, but not everyone will agree with you. It’s not the end of the world.
Wine Tasting: General Rules
- Wines must be tasted side- by- side. This means two glasses (or ten) in front of you, and go from one to the other, and back again. Differences only become apparent when tasting in this manner.
- Make a social activity out of it! Start a wine-tasting club with a group of friends. Decide on a price range and have each person bring one bottle. The only rule is that each wine category should only be bought once. For example, once the group has tried Bordeaux, no more Bordeaux until the other categories have been exhausted. Keep a list of wines already tasted, and make an effort to bring diverse wines when possible.
- Know the basic categories. For example, how does Italy’s Sangiovese compare with a French Bordeaux? After learning to differentiate between these broad categories, it is time to try the same for wines within each category; for example, a Sangiovese from Tuscany versus a Sangiovese from Puglia (southern Italy).
Wine-tasting Tips
- Take a small taste of each wine, then re-cork the bottle and let everyone choose one to take home
- Wine does not have to be drunk in one night! But it should be finished within 24 hours, unless using a wine pump
- Designated drivers need not opt-out. It may sound embarrassing at first, but professionals commonly spit after tasting. Use an opaque container, preferably with a dark-coloured inside, and spit.
Chris J. Inns started loving wine at a young age. He has pursued his passion by earning an Honours B.Sc. in Oenology and Viticulture, hands-on grape growing experience, and now working as Assistant Winemaker at Stonechurch Vineyards in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Chris aims to “be part of something beautiful, like wine, and to help others enjoy it”.
