There are two primary ways of combining food and wine. First, you can achieve it by drinking and enjoying wine with the food we eat. And, second, wine can become a major component in the preparation of a meal. Of course, the first activity should always follow the second to provide maximum enjoyment. And, of course, there’s no reason not to enjoy both activities at the same time providing an ideal combination of food and wine.
Enjoying Wine With Dinner
Good wine will improve digestion, contribute to the flavor of the food and, in the case of red wine, assist in good health. There are several different theories regarding which wines to combine with particular foods. However, I’d like to suggest that if it tastes right, it is right. While some gourmets may argue with this, there seems to be little downside in combining food and wine in this manner.
Cooking With Wine
French and Italian chefs and home cooks are renowned for their use of wine in food. Both these cuisines make extensive use of red and white wines in preparing meals from appetizers to sauces to desserts.
Combining food and wine in this way avoids any alcoholic taste in the food as heating the wine or other typically boils away the alcohol portion.
The other rule to consider when cooking with wine is to never cook with a wine that you wouldn’t want to drink. This will often mean opening a bottle of wine just for cooking but the flavor boost to your dinner is worth it. Don’t be tempted to add that wine that has been sitting open in the fridge for the last week to the recipe you are cooking. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t try to cook with it. Get some more tips about cooking with wine, storing wine and tasting wine at Wine Cellar Secrets.
