Wine appetizers: do's and don'ts

Sommeliers and connoisseurs of quality alcohol claim that good wine does not require any culinary delights.

A glass of a decent drink is self-sufficient and good without snacks.

But this rule can only be fulfilled in a narrow circle or during a tasting. If you are planning a celebration, a friendly get-together or a gala dinner, it is important to think about food and wine pairings.

What is better to exclude from the menu

There are foods that are not suitable for wines at all.

They can ruin even the most beautiful bouquet. These include:

1. Nuts

   Good with beer, but not with wine.

   The taste of nuts will interrupt the flavor of the drink and spoil the pleasure.

2. Dishes with sharp, fatty dressings

   Vinegar and mayonnaise should not be combined with wine.

   Too heavy for a harmonious duet with a delicate wine bouquet.

3. Spices and herbs

   A pronounced aroma can overshadow the taste of the drink.

   Season dishes with caution, without using strong additives.

What can be served

The main rule saysgood wines require simple dishes.

There are foods that were combined with grape drinks long before the advent of the sommelier.

Traditional appetizers include: olives; bread; cheese.

Another well-known rule states that wines are in harmony with meat: white wines with white, red wines with red.

If you don't want to delve into the intricacies of tasting, you can follow these recommendations and not read any further.

Those who want to learn the nuances of drinking different categories of drinks should read the rest of the article.

Red wines: what to serve

Meat (fried, barbecue) and grilled vegetables will be a good addition to all dark grape drinks.

Tender meat is suitable for light wine, tougher meat - for tart wine.

The rest of the appetizers are chosen based on the type of drink:

1. Dry wines

   Harmonize with cold cuts, sausages, pates, cheeses.

   Italian cuisine is good: pasta, spaghetti, pizza.

   Any combinations of cheeses and meats, for example, in salads and tartlets, are also suitable.

   Such dishes allow you to neutralize the astringency and acidity inherent in dry drinks.

   Fruit should not be overused. In small quantities, pear, peach, orange or melon are allowed, but these combinations will not appeal to everyone.

2. Semi-dry/semi-sweet wines

   Game, other low-fat and light meats are also good.

   Perfectly combined: cheese slices, vegetables (asparagus, cauliflower), fruits and airy desserts.

3. Sweet wines

   Harmonize with spicy, spicy and salty dishes.

   Successful combinations: red fish, dark chocolate, savory fruits, meat with spices, cheeses with mold.

4. Strong and dessert wines

   Good as an aperitif or ingredients for hot drinks.

   Can be combined with barbecue, soup, sharp cheeses, meat and chocolate desserts.

White wines: what to serve

For light drinks, light seafood and fish dishes are prepared.

Only white varieties of meat are allowed: turkey or chicken, but these are not the most successful appetizers.

You can also choose complements according to the wine category:

1. Dry wines

   Suitable for fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, simple desserts without chocolate.

2. Semi-sweet wines

   Go well with cheese, sausage, fish pates, white bread, fruit.

3. Sweet wines

   Harmonize with cheeses, sausages (low-fat), ice cream, pastries, fruits.

What to pair rosé wines with

Almost everything goes with light drinks with a salmon hue: cheeses, meat, fruits, desserts.

Pates, bread, seafood and delicate soups will be a good addition.

What to serve with champagne and other sparkling wines

Sparkling drinks are considered festive and require appropriate dishes.

Appetizers depend on the wine category:

1. Brut and dry

   You can complement goat cheese, seafood or caramelized fruit.

2. Semi-sweet

   Goes well with red fish, sushi, cheeses. Pineapples and foie gras are suitable as a festive addition.

3. Sweet

   Goes well with desserts: white chocolate, candied almonds, fruit and chocolate fondue.

When creating a menu, it is worth considering the manufacturer's recommendations.

Each drink, especially from the elite category, has an original taste that is well complemented by certain dishes.

Update: 03.10.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth