Have you ever gone to a luxury French restaurant and has been totally confused by the back of the menu? If so, you’re not alone. The back of the menu is on the wine list is, sometimes is so extensive that a menu is totally independent! There are many different types of wine, and each is designed to be paired with a specific type of food. You do not have to be a wine expert to work in upscale restaurants like these; all you have to do is be aware of the different basic types of wine. This knowledge will serve you again and again in the world of food culture.
Although there are many ways in which the types of wine can be classified, one of the most common forms is the portion of food with which it was intended to be served. This method of classification is a matter of course and ensures that you will be able to choose a type of wine for every occasion. Appetizers are also known as aperitif wines, and are made to be consumed before a meal. Aperitif wines typically contain between 14 and 20% alcohol, making them richer and sweeter than the wines that have been made to go along with the entree. Wine types are usually classified under this category include: Vermouth, dry sherry, and Madeira. Any wine tasting can be found in this group.
Wines are typically a main course or white wines or reds. While they function well to entrees, each works best with different dishes. Typically, white wines go best with poultry, white meats and seafood. They can range from very sweet to be a bit dry, and is best served cold. Red wines, however, are always quite dry and are best served with spaghetti, meat, and any food that is heavily seasoned. Both red wines and white wines typically contain 10-14% alcohol, which are served with the main course and intend to have a lighter flavor.
For formal occasions, it is common for sparkling wines to be served. These types of wines are sweet and better serve the wine appetizer or a dessert wine. Sparkling wines are popular: Champagne, Blanc de Noir, Sparkling and Blanc de Blanc. There are even designated wines for dessert! They range in taste from very sweet to medium sweet. Port wine, Tokaji, sweet sherry, Muscat and Sauternes are all common dessert wines. However, just because a wine falls into this category does not mean that it can be served only with desserts; only more frequent were the desserts.
It is possible to classify the types of wine to use other methods for the course they are associated. Some choose to classify wine by the method of winemaking, quality, vintage, taste or style of wine. There is no set of rules for classifying different types of wine. After narrowing the wines that go with a specific course, the next step is to be able to reduce the wine list so you can choose the type of wine would go best with a specific food. This is difficult for many people to do, and most are based on the recommendation of the waiter.
When linking wine with food, it is very important to keep some things in mind. The first key to remember is that, white wine goes well with white meat, while red wine goes well with red meat. In addition, salty and sour foods go best with acidic wines, while wines and bitter foods go well together.
Please recommend best French wines to sip as distinct from wines with food.