Perfect Pairings
A Master Sommelier’s Practical Advice for Partnering Wine with Food
As thousands of wines from around the globe enter the marketplace and the American palate continues to adopt flavors from a range of cultures, the task of pairing wine and food becomes increasingly complicated. No longer is the choice simply red or white, or wines from California, France, or Italy. The typical shopper today has access to wines from those regions plus South Africa, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. If that isn't confusing enough, Asian, Latin American, and Creole dishes might find their way onto the same table. "Perfect Pairings", by well-known Master Sommelier and respected restaurant industry veteran Evan Goldstein, provides straightforward, practical advice for choosing the right bottle for each meal. The quintessential resource for matching wine and food, this book includes 58 companion recipes developed by celebrated chef Joyce Goldstein that showcase each type of wine."Perfect Pairings" combines in-depth explorations of twelve grape varietals, sparkling wines, and dessert wines with guidance about foods that enhance the wide range of styles for each varietal. Whether the Chardonnay is earthy and flinty; rich, buttery, and oak-infused; fruity and tropical; or aged and mature, Goldstein explains how to match it with dishes that will make the wine sing. His clear, educational, and entertaining approach towards intimidating gastronomical questions provides information for all readers, professional and amateur alike. It features: 16 full-color photos; six seasonal and special occasion menus; tips for enhancing food and wine experiences, both at home and in restaurants; glossary of wine terminology; overview of the world's primary wine-growing regions; and recommendations of more than five hundred wines, ranging in price from everyday to splurge.
Contents
List of Recipes
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Creating Pairings That Work
Overview of the Wine Journeys
1. A Sparkling Wine Journey
Sparkling Wines
2. The White Journeys
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Gewürztraminer
Viognier
3. The Red Journeys
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Sangiovese
Syrah
Zinfandel
4. A Dessert Wine Journey
Dessert Wines
Pairing at Home: Tips and Menus
Pairing When Dining Out
The Hall of Fame
Principal Wine-Growing Regions
Glossary
Recommended Reading
Index
