time to experiment with food and wine
says our wine columnist Master of Wine and fine wine manager with
JNwine.com, Jane Boyce. W
ine, like most things in life, is best enjoyed in good company and good food. But while finding friends to share the fruits of the vine may be easy, impressing them with your expertise neednʼt be taxing, says Master of Wine and fine wine manager with
JNwine.com, Jane Boyce. Resonating with exotic cultures, warm aromas and nostalgia for hotter climates, a carefully chosen bottle can be the perfect treat on a summerʼs day. Whether itʼs for relaxing with close friends or to balance a seasonal dish, finding the right bottle is a rewarding experience.
As a product formed by nature, wine carries the memory of the seasonal conditions and the unique environment that yielded it. Each wine has its own personality evident in the taste, smells, colours and country of origin. The right bottle can release a wealth of memories or set you on course for new ones. But just as important as enjoying a good bottle, finding the right one should be a relaxed and exciting experience.
Many wines are produced to complement the cuisine of their region and this tends to be a good starting point when thinking about pairing wines.
Of course opinion wavers on the specifics, but when it comes to food and wine it is clear that certain flavours just bring out the best in each other. Experimenting with wine and food matching can be great fun and when it works, both taste even better.
There are always plenty of options when it comes to finding a great wine to go with your dish. The key is to match like for like. Light dishes require a delicate wine, aromatic dishes need an aromatic wine and heavy dishes go best with a full bodied wine. After that, if you
pay attention to the key flavour ingredient in the dish and find a wine with a complementary flavour youʼre on to a winning combination.
Smart choices
With a bumper schedule of summer social engagements, not to mention the upcoming sports events, there has never been a better time to start exploring the star players from some of Europeʼs best food and wine producing countries.
Currently the best football nation on the planet, Spain more than holds its own in the wine stakes. Finca, Montepedrosa Rueda 2010 (£9.89) is made with 100 per cent Verdejo, the traditional grape of Spain to produce a clean, fresh and aromatic wine with apricot, peaches, grapefruit and green apple on the nose. A delicious wine worth enjoying on long summer evenings in the garden.
Red Bugundy has to be my first love but can be heart‑stoppingly expensive. Tardy Fixin La Place 2008, Burgundy France (£23.35) is a special treat that you can plan dinners around. Wonderful with Salmon as well as Spring lamb or roast duck, itʼs not for those looking for blockbuster red, but if you value vivacity, crispness, elegance and balance then you wonʼt be disappointed.
The excellent JL Wolf estate in Pfalz, Germany has been turning out great wines under the direction of the industry giant, Ernst Loosen. The VIlla Wolf Gewürztraminer 2010/2011 (£8.77) has a delightfully delicate aroma of fresh roses and exotic fruit. Lighter and more restrained than other Gewürztraminers it is refreshing on its own and a perfect companion with a spicy Indian curry. Italyʼs Casal di Serra Verdicchio Classico 2010 (£10.57) has intense, round and fresh aromas
leading to a dry, soft palate. Great on its own on warm summer days and an ideal companion for shrimp toast with pickled ginger, pasta with summer vegetables, citrus tarragon chicken or warm jasmine rice salad with shrimp and Thai herbs.
A touch of sparkle is always a winner at big special occasions and Champagne remains a classic favourite for most. Champagne Billecart‑ Salmon is synonymous with excellence and perfection and is one of the few Champagne Houses to still be owned and led by its original founding family. Traditions join forces with the most modern wine making techniques to create cuvees with distinct finesse and elegance. The Brut Rosé (£50.40) in particular is guaranteed to awaken the romantic in all of us. But remember, if the thought of braving the seasonal downpours makes you cringe, many independent wine merchants, including
JNwine.com, have poured their expertise into their online offering, making it easier than ever to unearth the very best of the wine world from the comfort of your own home.
www.businessfirstonline.co.uk
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