Introduction:
Wine is an incredibly versatile drink that can be paired with almost any food. The different types of wine available come with unique tasting notes and aroma, making some wine more suited to particular dishes than others. Additionally, wine pairing can also bring out the best in certain dishes, making them taste even better.
With wine pairing, there are standard rules to follow such as pairing red wine with meat, white wine and seafood. However, some wine pairing combinations can come across as strange and unlikely, but turn out pleasantly surprising. This blog post is all about exploring the most bizarre wine pairing experiences people have had.
1. Chocolate and Red Wine:
When it comes to wine pairing, red wine is typically paired with red meat. However, it’s not often that people think about pairing red wine with chocolate. But the combination can create a mouth-watering experience. The key is to find the right type of red wine that can complement the flavour of the chocolate. You can try pairing an aged red wine with a bitter chocolate cake, and the flavour combination will be nothing short of divine.
2. Sushi and Chardonnay:
Sushi is a type of food that is known for its delicate flavours and simplicity. One would assume that Sushi would pair well with sake or a light white wine, but Chardonnay is a surprisingly complementary pairing. The buttery texture and subtle oak notes of a Chardonnay go perfectly with the delicate flavours of sushi. The flavours balance each other well, creating a delectable taste sensation.
3. Pizza and Sparkling Wine:
Pizza is one of the uncomplicated and quick-fix meals that we indulge in. It’s a meal that seems like it would pair best with a cold beer, but sparkling wine adds a delicious and unexpected pairing. The effervescence of the sparkling wine helps to clean the palate between bites of pizza, allowing you to savour the flavours of both the wine and the pizza more. Opt for a dry sparkling wine such as Champagne, and you’ll be in for a delightful surprise.
4. Cheeseburger and Cabernet Sauvignon:
It may seem counterintuitive to pair a decadent cheeseburger with a silky Cabernet Sauvignon, but the combination is quite fantastic. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon have the power to cut through the richness of the cheeseburger, making for a deliciously sophisticated pairing.
5. Steak and Riesling:
When thinking of a wine pairing for steak, most people would opt for red wine without thinking otherwise. What most people don’t know is that Riesling can be a perfect complement to steak. Riesling’s acidity helps to cut through the fat and richness of meat, while its sweetness adds a lovely contrast to the savoury flavours of the steak.
6. Popcorn and Pinot Noir:
Popcorn is a classic snack that is enjoyed in front of the TV or while watching a movie. Pinot Noir is a red wine that is light, fruity and easy to drink, making it a somewhat odd pairing with popcorn. However, the lightness of the Pinot Noir complements the crunchiness of the popcorn, and the fruity flavour creates a contrasting taste that works surprisingly well.
7. Curry and Gewurztraminer:
Curry is a bold and spicy dish that requires an equally unconventional wine pairing. Gewurztraminer is a wine that has a floral and slightly sweet flavour that complements the spiciness of the curry. This pairing may not be for everyone, but the spice and fruity flavour combination can be a pleasant surprise.
Conclusion:
Wine pairing is an art that requires creativity and an open-minded palate to enjoy all of the possibilities available. The combinations mentioned above may seem odd or unconventional, but when enjoyed together, they create delightful taste sensations. Ultimately, wine pairing is all about experimenting with different wine and food combinations to find what works best for you. So, go ahead and try these unusual wine pairings, and you may just discover your new favourite combination.
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