How To Choose a Great Table Wine
Choosing the perfect table wine can truly enhance and enrich your dining experience, bringing a depth of flavor and character to your meals. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or an enthusiastic novice, exploring the world of wines offers an endless array of choices, regions, and flavors waiting to be discovered.
The multitude of options may seem overwhelming at first, but fear not; Metro Wines is here to assist you in selecting the ideal bottle that will transform a good meal into an extraordinary one.
Should I Choose Red or White?
Most people are familiar with the traditional pairing of red wine with red meat and white wine with fish or chicken. However, the world of wine is far more nuanced and complex than these simple pairings.
Red wines, for instance, can offer a wide range of flavors, including fruity, spicy, and buttery notes, while white wines can exhibit zingy, herbal, and creamy characteristics. With such diversity in wine flavors, how does one choose the right wine to complement a meal?
The key to successfully pairing wine with food lies in understanding the flavors present in your dish, and then determining which wine flavors can enhance or complement those elements. When assessing the taste profile of a wine, several factors come into play, including acidity, sweetness, alcohol content, tannin levels, and aroma.
Assessing Tastes
1. Acidity
Acidity is an important consideration when pairing wine with food. High-acid wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, can cut through rich or fatty dishes, refreshing the palate and preventing the flavors from becoming overwhelming.
On the other hand, dishes with high acidity, like those featuring citrus or vinegar, can benefit from a wine with a similar acidic profile to maintain balance.
2. Sweetness
Sweetness in wine can either complement or contrast with the flavors in a dish. A sweet wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a dessert wine, can be a delightful pairing with spicy or savory dishes, as the sweetness can help to counterbalance the heat or intensity.
Conversely, a dry wine can provide a contrasting element to a sweet dish, creating an interesting interplay of flavors.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol content can also impact the pairing. Wines with higher alcohol content, such as many red wines, can stand up to bold, robust flavors in dishes like grilled steaks or hearty stews. However, it's essential to ensure that the alcohol level doesn't overpower the food, so finding a balance is crucial.
4. Tannins
Tannins, commonly found in red wines, contribute to the wine's structure and can interact with certain foods. Tannic wines pair well with protein-rich foods like red meat or aged cheeses, as the tannins help cleanse the palate between bites. However, when paired with delicate dishes or seafood, highly tannic wines can clash and create an unpleasant bitterness.
5. Aroma
Lastly, the aroma of a wine can greatly influence the pairing experience. Aromas can range from floral and fruity to earthy and herbal, adding another layer of complexity to consider when selecting a wine. Matching the aromatic notes in a wine with the flavors in a dish can create a harmonious and enjoyable pairing.
How To Find a Great Table Wine in Asheville, NC
While many of us instinctively lean towards a glass of red wine to accompany our dinners, few have the knowledge and expertise to handpick a bottle that truly complements and enhances our dining experience. At Metro Wines, we recognize that every individual's palate is unique, which is why we place great emphasis on considering key factors when making your selection.
Factors such as the grape variety, the region of origin, the aging process, and the overall flavor profile all play significant roles in determining the perfect wine for your table.
Our team of knowledgeable and friendly staff is dedicated to helping you navigate these factors, providing personalized recommendations tailored to your preferences. Our goal is to ensure that every sip you take is a delightful and unforgettable one.
Experience the pleasure of finding the perfect wine for your table at Metro Wines. Let us guide you through our wide selection of wines, making your dining moments truly exceptional. For information about our wine tastings, wine selection, and store hours, contact us! We are located in downtown Asheville and offer local wine delivery as well.