Wine Information & Reviews | Vino Critic
Pairing wine and food is an art, not a science.
As you start your journey into drinking wine, it will become apparent really fast that pairing food and wine is necessary in order to truly get the full experience of a wine and to complement a meal the best way possible. In general, we recommend drink and eat what you like. However, if you take some easy steps when choosing which food or wine to consume, your experience will be enhanced like no other.
Our goal is to help others learn how to enjoy wine the best way possible. A critical part of enjoying wine to the fullest is to pair it with the food you are eating to enhance both the food and the wine. Here are a list of things to consider when pairing wine with your food (or visa versa).
Congruent – this is typically a red wine that is paired with a dish. The flavors in the wine and the food are both elevated this way. But remember that the food should never overpower the wine, otherwise the wine will just taste bland and very underwhelming.
Complementary – these combinations of wine and food share no flavors, but they do complement each other. A good example of this is a sweet wine paired with a spicy dish. The sweetness will tone down the spiciness and the flavors in both the wine and the dish will be enhanced.
Food and wine are typically make a great pair. However, there are a few combinations that you should try to avoid. Some wines mixed with certain foods will negatively impact the flavor of the food or the wine (or both). Sometimes its easier to learn about what not to pair versus trying to come up with the perfect food and wine match. Click the image below to learn more.
Sushi is the dish to have if you’re looking for something new. The nice part is that it goes well with wine. Sushi is rolled rice wrapped in seaweed and mixed with vinegar. The seafood inside the roll can be … Read More
Pairing wine with Picanha, a delicious Brazilian cut of beef, is a culinary adventure that can take your dining experience to new heights. Picanha, known for its succulent tenderness and rich flavor, is a popular choice for meat lovers seeking … Read More
White Zinfandel is a very approachable rosé wine that has gained popularity for its fruity, semi-sweet character and known for its pink hue. When it comes to food pairing, White Zinfandel offers a versatile and refreshing option that can complement … Read More
Fish pie is a rustic, creamy dish, traditionally made in Britain and parts of Eastern Europe. It typically includes white or smoked fish, such as cod, haddock or salmon, with a rich cheese sauce and a crust of mashed potatoes … Read More
Shawarma is a delicious marinated meat dish, originating from the Ottoman Empire. It is commonly associated with Turkish, Palestinian or Lebanese cuisine, but these days, you can find it anywhere in the world. Before cooking, the chicken is marinated in … Read More
Foie gras is a delicacy renowned for its luxurious and indulgent appeal. Derived from the fattened liver of a specially raised duck or goose, the preparation of foie gras involves a traditional culinary technique called “gavage,” where the birds are … Read More
Quail is one of the most delicate members of the poultry family. Being a mostly gamey-type of meat, the sauces and seasonings on the dish are usually its focal point. Most establishments or at home recipes will call for such … Read More
Raclette is such a fun, social dinner idea to have a few of your friends and family gather together to relax while cooking your meal in front of you whilst enjoying some great wine to pair with it. The options … Read More
The origins of red beans and rice go back to Louisiana and Creole cuisine. This dish was often prepared with leftover ham broth from the previous day to make a hearty and filling dish. The flavor profiles of red beans … Read More
Shrimp and grits is a classic, comforting Southern dish with a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. This culinary delight features succulent, plump shrimp sautéed with aromatic spices and butter until tender and slightly caramelized. It is then served atop … Read More
