The taste of a wine can improve or worsen depending on the food that you drink it with so, by learning the basics about pairing them, you can enhance your culinary experiences.
There are two basic approaches to choose from. One is contrast, where the wine is different in character to the food, but the differing characteristics play off each other, and the other is complimentary, where the wine and food work together through a similar trait (such as sweetness or acidic). Either works equally well, but which to apply varies on the type of food being served.
Regional combinations are also worth paying attention to, as food originating from a particular region or country will often pair well with the local wines, as they have evolved to complement one another. So, foods and wines from France work well together, as do ones from Italy, and also ones from Spain.
Here are some examples of wine and food pairings: pair beef with heavier reds like Zinfandel, Bordeaux, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of these wines go well with lamb as well, but this meat can take white wines like Pinot Gris too. For poultry, look for whites, or light reds when there is a heavy sauce – Pinot Noir and Beaujolais work well. Fish should always be served with whites, and Sauvignon Blanc makes a good choice.
However, though these are said to be classic pairings, that doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily like all of them. Everyone has a different palate and appreciates different tastes and flavors. Keep in mind also that some people have a favorite wine style that they stick to regardless of the food being served. Therefore, you should always have different types of wine at hand when you’re entertaining others. You can recommend a certain variety, but the final decision about what they drink should be up to your guests.
Many people are under the impression that wine is simply the juice of grapes that has been fermented. They often do not realize that most wine undergoes chemical analysis as well as a variety of tests in order to pour out of the bottle the way the winemaker intended. During the winemaking process, a wine may have had a number of additives put into it. Although this does not cover every one of them, we’ll take a look at some of the more common ones:
Yeast
Yeast of course is what actually does the work of turning juice into wine. There are many different yeast strains, and often a winemaker will choose the particular strain for the qualities it will create in the finished product. Yeast selection may also be determined by the environment the wine is being made in. Some yeast strains tolerate different temperatures.
Yeast Nutrient
Often, a juice may not have all of the necessary nutrients to ensure good yeast reproduction, so a nutrient consisting of some vitamins and minerals may be added to ensure healthy yeast.
Pectic Enzyme
Almost all fruit contains some amount of pectin, which if not treated could cause a haze in wine. Pectic enzyme breaks down pectin and can help to extract flavor and juice from the fruit.
Potassium Metabisulfite (K-Meta)
Some people believe that sulfite in wine causes headaches, however sulfites are a common food preservative, and it is likely that it has been added at one or more stages of the wine making process. When the grapes are first picked, sulfite may have been sprinkled over the grapes to inhibit wild yeast and bacterial growth. It is often used in juices before they have been inoculated with yeast, and are almost always added when the fermentation has completed.
As well as inhibiting bacteria growth, sulfite helps protect against oxidation.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Although not as common today, sodium metabisulfite can be used in the same method as potassium metabisulfite. It is more commonly available in the form of “Campden Tablets.” However, due to health concerns of those on sodium restricted diets and the fact that K-Meta is slightly more effective, this form of sulfite is used much less as an additive but is still used to make sanitizing solutions.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is often used in conjunction with K-Meta to stabilize wine. It inhibits yeast from reproducing, thereby preventing any yeast cells that remain after fermentation to begin a new fermentation using residual sugar or sugar added to sweeten.
Clarifying (Fining) Additives
When wine is first made, it is very cloudy with yeast and other particles in suspension. Beginning are often quite surprised and shocked at the appearance of wine when it first begins to ferment.
Often, these particles won’t quickly drop out of the wine as sediment, so clarifying additives are used to speed or help the clarification process. Particles in suspension have either a negative or positive charge, therefore clarifying agents have an opposite charge in order to attract the particles and help them along on their way to the bottom of the wine vessel to become sediment.
Common clarifying additives include:
Bentonite – a clay made of volcanic ash. Negatively charged and attracts positive charged matter.
Isinglass – made from the air bladder of some fish, most notably sturgeon, cod and cichlids. It is a fairly benign clarifier as it does not strip flavors and colors as much as others might. Positively charged and attracts negative charged particles.
Kieselsol – a negatively charged silica gel and used in both white and red wines. Very common in wine kits.
Chitosan – often used in conjunction with kieselsol, cheitosan is positively charged. Made from the exoskeleton of crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. (Those who have a shellfish allergy need not be worried – allergies are due to proteins in the shellfish organism – not the exoskeleton).
Casein – a derivative of milk and is used to reduce tannins in some wines.
Gelatin – not recommended for white wines, but sometimes used in reds to reduce tannin.
Remember that fining agents are added to clarify wines. Therefore, there is very little trace, if any, left in the wine after they have done their job.
Bacteria
In some wines, the presence of malic acid is not desirable, therefore the winemaker may add lactic acid bacteria in order to have the wine undergo a malolactic fermentation. This causes the malic acid to become lactic acid, providing a smoother “mouthfeel.”
Sugar
While some sweet wines have been fermented with yeast that cannot tolerate higher alcohol percent which means the fermentation will stop with some residual sugar left over, other wines are fermented completely and then later sweetened with some type of sugar.
Now you know some of the more common additives used in the process. This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to every additive that is used, but a description of the more common ones to ensure the bottle of wine you open is clear, good to look at and full of the aromas and tastes that the winemaker intended.
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Wine is a classic, sophisticated beverage that is popular around the world. Wine collecting is an ideal hobby for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The most effective way of protecting your precious wine collection is to store your bottles in wine cellars or wine storage refrigerators. This is especially essential for premium wines that are bought for investment purposes. Wines that are stored at a perfectly even temperature are richer in taste, aroma and flavor.
What does a wine cellar/refrigerator do?
Wine is a natural beverage that easily spoils in the absence of proper storage. As wine matures, it is essential to keep it minimally exposed to heat, light, vibrations and variations in temperature and humidity. Wine cellars and refrigerators offer complete darkness and constant temperature, the necessary conditions to keep your wine tasting great. Wine cellar is the perfect choice for serious wine lovers. What are the factors to be considered when buying thermoelectric wine cooler?Thermoelectric wine cellars and refrigerators are available in many different sizes and designs. Prices vary based on the quality of the refrigerator and the number of bottles a cellar can hold.
Size and Space:
The first factor you should consider when purchasing a wine cellar is its size. You must decide how much space you are ready to allocate for a wine cellar at your home or business. If you are a small apartment dweller looking for a compact wine storage system, then a wine cellar that can store up to 20 or 25 bottles is your best option. Other wine refrigerators available in the market can store 110 to 500 bottles. These thermoelectric wine refrigerators are money savers, as they are economical in price and design. They occupy comparatively less space and can be self assembled. A select few thermoelectric wine cellars and fridges require a larger clearance of space for the cooling unit to function properly.
Quality:
The style and elegance of a wine cellar is based on the quality of the model. If you are a serious wine lover searching for a perfectly designed wine cellar, there are many available in the market. In this case, however, you may need an unlimited budget. High quality is directly proportional to the amount of money you must invest. If you are willing to dish out the cash, opt for high end models. The wine lover in you will not be disappointed.
Design of the Cellar:
If the design and appearance of thermoelectric wine cellars and refrigerators play a significant role in your buying decision, then take a look at the furniture style wine cellars and refrigerators. A furniture style wine refrigerator is artistically designed and complements your home furnishings. It is often constructed of solid oak or cherry wood and displays intricate workmanship.
Shelves and Racks:
The major components of wine cellars and fridges are their shelves and racks, since they determine the number of bottles that can be stored at any one time. It is essential to consider the capacity and size of each rack and shelf. You need a three and three quarter inch slot to store large bottles. If you are a serious wine collector, then it is wise to select a wine storage system with spacious racks and shelves. Some cellars let you pull the racks out for easy access to your wine bottles. This facility proves to be useful if you own a large wine collection.
Cooling System:
The cooling system is a significant consideration for selecting a wine fridge or cellar. The ideal cooling system must be free from vibrations in order to ensure the proper storage of wine. The less vibration caused by the cooling system, the better the wine cellar or fridge is. You should also take into consideration the noise level of a wine storage system while making your purchase.
Insulation:
You also need to carefully evaluate the cooling systems insulation before making a wine cellar purchase. The storage units insulation plays a critical role in maintaining the optimum temperature. This is a crucial factor in properly storing your wine collection.
What are Wine Rooms?
Wine rooms are large refrigerators designed exclusively for the most passionate wine collectors. These unusual and rare refrigerators are mostly used by organizations for collecting and storing thousands of wine bottles. A wine room offers complete cooling and humidity control to protect large wine collections from any kind of harm.
Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers and make more educated buying decisions on selecting a for online mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit .
One would think that combining natural ingredients into a boiling pot in your kitchen is a recipe for catastrophic explosions galore, but it’s actually a recipe for having a good time brewing beer at home.
So how does one go about brewing beer at home? Simple. You can purchase a home brew kit from a hobby store and get to work creating your own tasty homemade brew from the comfort of your own kitchen. Where’s the fun in that?
Why not invite the friends over and create individual brews based on which each person likes? This should be a time of fun, creativity, daring and brew making. When you decide to make beer at home you are investing in an evening or even a couple of evenings of good old fashioned fun.
Here are a few tips on how to truly find the joy of home brewing.
Visit a Hobby Shop
There is a hobby shop in almost every town. Take a trip to the one closest to you and find a home brewing kit. These kits will come with the beginner needs to enjoy brewing beer at home. If you have no clue how to get started, you’ll be glad to know that most home brewing kits come with guides on how to start the home brewing process. You don’t have to go this alone- chances are the hobby shop owner knows a few things about brewing beer at home. He’ll answer any question you have as long as it guarantees a sale.
Gathering the Supplies
Once you get your home brewing kit home, you’ll need to look through the included guide for a list of all the ingredients and tools you need to get started. Chances are you’ll need hops, water, seasonings and sugar- but you’ll also want to get creative with your ingredients. Remember that this is home brewing, which means you make beer how you want to make it.
Have Fun with Home Beer Brewing
The joy of home beer brewing is within reach. Buy your kit, gather your ingredients and get to beer making. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and levels of body- with home brewing you can be as creative as you want, or you can just stay with the tried and true and make something everyone will like.
Make beer at home, everyone should!
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Alright so I just finished reading over the Home Beer Brewing Secrets eBook. This guide is actually the best one I have purchased on this topic. It was filled with explanations and a full step by step guide that I needed.
There were many sections to this eBook. It starts off with the explanation of what is in beer and how beer tastes like it does. The book also goes over how many home beer brewing kits fail to even make beer. The eBook does talk about one tool in particular that will help stop your beer from spoiling, and it’s so simple you’ll laugh when you read it. I honestly didn’t even realize it. I’m not going to tell you here obviously but you will find out when you read Home Beer Brewing Secrets.
The eBook also goes into how to pair beer with certain foods. Normally you think you can only pair wine up with a meal, but this guide will turn you into a beer connoisseur, you will know exactly what types of beer to drink with what meal.
Another important aspect this home beer brewing guide covers is how to properly store your home brew. After you brew your beer at home, or make beer at home, you will need to know how to store it properly.
Aside from the regular beer making steps, this guide goes over and beyond the normal. Home Beer Brewing Secrets talks about the history of beer, some tips on how to drink and enjoy beer responsibly, proper beer tasting techniques, and even how beer may be healthy for you.
Honestly if you’re sick and tired of paying an arm and a leg for “premium beer” then you should check out this make beer at home guide. Before you know it you will have your own home brewery and you’ll be making all the premium brands for pennies on the dollar.
If you’re looking for some more information about then check it out .
Well first off I want to tell you I usually don’t do all this online eBook stuff. I always think of it to be scams and rip offs but my friend convinced me so much to give this one a shot I thought why not. After tasting his beer I wanted to try it out for myself!
The eBook goes into great detail about every aspect of what you need to know. It goes into ingredients, good environments to make beer in and even shows you why usual homemade beer tastes so bad. The secret way to store your beer and stop it from spoiling has been a “beer saver” for me, allowing me to make vast quantities of beer at a time and not worry about having to drink them all before they spoil. The eBook goes into detail about proper storage and drinking responsibly as well.
If you’re sick of going to the pub and paying sometimes up to $8 for a pint then this guide is for you. For very little money you can start making your own beer, in turn saving you money. For mere pennies you’ll have your own brewery in your garage, shed or even your main house.
Like I said at the beginning I was skeptical buying this guide but I am so glad that I did. It taught me everything I needed to know and tells of closely guarded secrets I’d never have even imagined before for getting the best possible taste and colour.
So if there is anyone out there sick of high prices for lager and wishing to start making their own, this is definitely the right guide for you. Whether you want to make a few pints worth a month or a few kegs a month this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
If you’re looking for some more information about then check it out .
If you are like most wine collectors – or just those who like to have a glass of wine with their meals – the purchase of a is a good investment! Those folks who drink wine regularly know that wine tastes best when chilled to its appropriate temperature. Unfortunately, storing and chilling your wine collection in a home refrigerator is not a good idea because traditional refrigerators do not maintain proper temperature and humidity necessary for wine storage. Other options such as storage in a kitchen pantry or cabinet is not feasible since storage conditions can fluctuate which will cause the quality of the wine to deteriorate and cause spoilage. Another point to consider is that fine wine needs to be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist, and this is only possible with a special wine bottle refrigerator that allows this type of storage.
In case you’re a novice with wines and are looking to buy your first refrigerator, let’s review the ideal wine storage temperatures. The ideal temperature for storing and cooling wines is 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The best serving temperatures vary somewhat based upon the specific wine: champagne and sparkling wines 53-57 degrees F; light red wines 54-57 degrees F; rich red wine and full-bodied vintages 59-68 degrees F; light red 54-57 degrees F. When you are considering which refrigerator to purchase, make sure to take into account these temperatures and what type of wine you prefer in order to be able to select the best refrigerator for your needs.
Another important consideration when selecting a is humidity. To maintain the best taste, wine must be stored at humidity levels of around 70% RH. This humidity level will assure that the cork will not dry out and that oxygen will not penetrate the wine bottle and cause the wine to spoil. Wine refrigerators keep humidity constant, providing optimal storage conditions for your fine wines.
Last but not least, another factor you must consider when choosing your wine refrigerator is your budget. If your budget is limited, consider purchasing a (such as a compact 12-bottle fridge) which is the ideal way to get started if you have only a few bottles you want to store. There are many models to choose from which will provide you years of enjoyment. Of course, if your wine investment/hobby is more serious and your budget is less restrained, you can select a refrigerator that will easily store 200 or more bottles.
Buying a wine refrigerator to preserve your fine wines and champagnes is a wise investment. Everyone from the beginner wine enthusiast to the seasoned wine taster will benefit from ideal wine storage.
Want to find out more about the top-rated ? Visit to find the perfect for your optimal wine storage needs!
If you’re a fan of wine and live in Austin, Texas there is a lot for you to be happy about. The area is home to two excellent wine bars/restaurants, a unique wine store that offers tasting lessons and a yearly festival that lets locals experience all that wine country has to offer.
First on the list is the Uncorked Tasting room & Wine Bar. It’s located at 900 East 7th Street and is open 3 p.m. to midnight on week days and 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays. They offer a selection of 127 wines from 13 different countries, with something to suit all budgets. If you’re in the mood for sampling several different wines at once try the wine flights, which have a separate menu. These orders come with a sample of three different wines all with a card to help you identify which is which. This is a terrific way to become exposed to something new. They offer a full dinner menu with reasonably priced meals.
Vino Vino is another local spot that is passionate about wine. It offers a store, a wine bar and a restaurant. It’s located at 4119 Guadalupe Street just north of campus. The retail store is open on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The bar serves guests on Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. and on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is open on Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. It’s a small venue but perfect for getting a glass of your favorite wine and a nice meal. When you shop at the retail store you should know that you can get 15% off two bottles or more so it’s a great time to stock up your at home wine cabinet.
For an education in wine, look no further than the Grapevine Market. Located at 7938 Great Northern Boulevard it features Grapevine University, weekend classes on wine tasting of all types. The folks at Grapevine Market love to share their passion for wine and for $10 per class, you’ll be able to become passionate about it too. The hour long wine tasting seminars are held on Saturdays and upcoming classes include Central Italy, Burgundy and Champagne and Sparkling Wine.
If traveling from winery to winery is more your speed, don’t miss out on the Texas Wine Trails. These special events are self guided tours through Texas Hill Country and includes 24 different wineries. The Texas Wine Month trail lasts all of October. Your ticket to the event entitles you to one to three free tastes of wine. Tickets are $35 per person and $60 per couple. You’ll also receive a recipe collection of the top dishes from the wineries once you visit 14 wineries, and you’re entered in a Texas Wine Month raffle.
As you can see, when it comes to wine, Austin is the place to be!
Joe Cline writes articles for . Other articles written by the author related to and can be found on the net.
Just like in any literary genre, the genre of wine writing varies greatly. The straight-forward wine and cocktail guides, sure, are still prominent. But they have been joined by wine writing that take off from various viewpoints: there are wine books for armchair scientists, historians, adventurers, academics, as well as those simply for the avid drinker.
The world of booze has never offered so many wonderful and different books to enjoy while, of course!, enjoying a nip as well. So keep your wine/cocktail guides at the ready, get those feet up on the ottoman, and enjoy some wine education in the comfort of a good read and glass of wine.
For those inclined towards history and are lovers of wine, there are several books of note:
Champagne: How the World’s Most Glorious Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times and Wine & War: The French, The Nazis, and The Battle for Frances Greatest Treasure by Donald and Petie Kladstrup. If you love war history and wine, both of these books are excellent choices. The Kladstrup’s have done thorough research and write in a style that never bores.
The Widow Cliquot by Tilar Mazzeo. Mazzeo from the outset of her book admits that there were few materials to work with when she undertook her endeavor, as the Widow’s story is mostly one that “lives in the shadowy half-life of oral folk legend.” Nonetheless, she is a more than impressive biographer, and Veuve Cliquot’s life – and all she accomplished – is nothing short of impressive.
Judgement of Paris by George Taber. California wines besting French Bordeaux? Mon dieu! Get the real true “Bottle Shock” story from the man who first broke it in 1976. Taber is the real deal – and unlike that botched movie starring Alan Rickman (who, it must be said, I adore) Judgement will keep you on the edge of your seat. Even if you do already know the ending.
Now for the scientists in the house:
To Cork or Not to Cork by George Taber. Yes, it’s true. I’m a fan. This guy is a tried and true reporter and in this fascinating book on cork vs. screw-cap (yes, that modifier “fascinating” is correctly placed), he takes a thorough look at the industry of bottling wines and what he finds may come as a surprise.
What the Nose Knows by Gilbert Avery. Not a wine book, exactly, but Avery – a sensory specialist who works at the Monell Institute in Philadelphia, has written an amazing book on that least used of all senses: smell. For those who like to appreciate their wine by first taking in a deep inhalation of its aromas, this is a must for you.
Lastly, for those who love good adventure stories and “meeting” interesting folks from around the world:
The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World From Parkerization. Ms. Feiring makes no bones about the wines she most loves – they are those that are all about terroir and cultivated and produced by traditional, oft-times, small time farmers from around the globe (mostly Europe, though). This is an especially entertaining read when it comes to Feiring’s rants on Robert Parker, and specifically those wine producers who seem to create wines specifically for his pallate (and a 90+ rating). Funny, clever, incisive, bold Alice.
Red, White, and Drunk All Over by Natalie McLean and Bacchus and Me by Jay McInerny. These two books make terrific companions as both McLean and McInerny travel the globe in search of more wine knowledge and more than one great sip. McLean’s curiosity is infectious while McInerny’s writings have never been better. Both books are sensuous in their descriptions of wines so be sure and have a favorite bottle nearby for when you start to salivate.
First Big Crush by Eric Arnold. Whereas our adventurer Arnold goes to New Zealand for a year to work at Allen Scott Winery and learns from field to vat to which way and that all there is to know about the winemaking industry. Oh, and did I mention he knows next to nothing when he starts out? Arnold’s book is bawdy, laugh-out-loud riotous at times, yet still manages to impart great knowledge of what it must be like to run a winery.
So what are you waiting for? Get thee to your local book/wine merchants, and get to it. That wonderful crisp weather is just begging you to stay inside. For extended reviews on most books mentioned here, please visit www.wineclass.net.
Jenny Park works at The Wine School of Philadelphia
One of the most common questions that come up in forums for people that are looking at decanting their wine is “Is it safe to drink out of a full lead decanting container?” This is a very good question. As you probably know lead is a very dangerous substance when it come into contact with humans, especially if it is ingested. Lead when ingested interferes with a number of body functions. I don’t want to scare you before we get to the answer of this question. But I do want to provide you with information as to what can happen if leads in large quanitites are absorbed into the body.
Lead poisoning is toxic to the human body. The organs of the body and tissue are considerable susceptible to the poison associated with lead. Organs like the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys and reproduction systems will have a hard time with lead, because the substance is so toxic it can cause potentially permanent learning and behavior disabilities. If you have been exposed to lead expect the following symptoms to show up. They include abdominal pain, headaches, anemia, irritability and seizures, coma or even death. So, it is very reasonable to not allow your body to be exposed to lead.
I know, the previous paragraph is a little scary. But, there is no need to worry when you are using crystal lead decanters. The leads in these decanters are not easily dispensed into wines when they are placed in them, if lead decanters were dangerous I suspect that the public would be notified by now. As long as you don’t use lead decanters as a means to store you wine or liquor you should not have a problem with lead decanters. The acid in the wine would take a long time to allow the lead to seep into the wine. According to nsc.org the following guidelines should be followed with using lead decanters.
1. Do not store liquids in lead glasses or bottles
2. Do not drink from lead crystal on a daily basis. Decant you wine in a day and drink it on the same day.
3. For best measures, do not feed a baby from a lead baby bottle or container.
http://www.nsc.org/issues/lead/leadindishes.htm has more information if you want to learn more about leads and glass. These are best practices procedures. Read them and take heed to their instructions. In the end lead decanters are still very viable options for decanting your wine. You just should not store you wine in these containers. If you are thinking about storing you wine, then look into lead free crystal decanters. That are better for the environment.
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