To pair wine or spirits with food successfully, start by following your own personal taste. Pair what you like to eat with a beverage that you enjoy. Beyond that think about balance. The meal or the beverage should not outweigh the other. Light foods pair best with light drinks. Heavier, more robust meals are most suited to fuller bodied beverages. The same goes for flavour. More delicate beverages are best partnered with milder dishes while full-flavoured meals are bested matched with aromatic or full-flavoured pours. Flavour profiles can be complimentary, like a toasty oaked wine with a smoked cheese or contrasting like a salty roasted almonds or charcuterie and an Amontillado Sherry or a sweet cocktail. Or they can contrast, like salty roasted almonds or charcuterie paired with an Amontillado Sherry or a sweet cocktail. The art of pairing wine or spirits with a meal results in an enhanced experience. At Wilco Fine Beverage we like to think of it as “One plus one equals more than two”.
Would you like to receive a personalized pairing recommendation directly from a certified sommelier and Master of Wine? Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself, drop us a line. We are happy to help.