History of serving wine with dinner
Wine has been consumed throughout many centuries, originating in ancient cultures like Rome and Greece to become what it is today. As a distinct part of each century since the ancient times, wine often subbed in for water in many instances where water was not yet a reliable resources. Over the years, the wine-making practice in Europe led to a more refined way of enjoying wine. It was seen as a more sophisticated drink than beer was, and people began to vary their wines according to taste and preference. As different regions specialized in specific types of wine, serving certain wines with meals became a regular way of life for most Europeans. Eventually, the European tradition of serving elegant wine with dinner influenced many other cultures and has grown ever since.
Pair wine with types of food
One thing that’s important to remember when deciding which wine to serve with dinner is this: anytime you serve wine with dinner, whether it’s one wine for the entire meal or wine with each course, the goal is to complement the food. If you’re wondering whether to serve red or white wine, think about the type of food being served.
Red wines are appropriate for more intensely flavored foods, such as red meats and cheeses— often the main course of dinner. With more tannins (that earthy flavor), red wines tend to be a bolder flavor than white wines. By contrast, white wines are typically more fruity or floral, and therefore a bit lighter in taste. Appropriate for more delicately-flavored foods, white wines, go well with foods like light meats, soups, and some appetizers.
Bitter wines or wines which are extremely dry typically go well with fat. The acidity of the wine you choose should be at least equivalent to the dish you’re serving. As for dessert, choose a wine a bit sweeter than the dessert of choice so that the food doesn’t taste washed out.
Don’t overpower your guests’ palate
As with many formal traditions, some people are more accustomed to wine than others. The goal of serving wine with dinner is to provide a tasteful, balanced wine that will complement the meal being served and to delight dinner guests. Serving a wine that is extremely dry or extremely sweet may be too much for guest preferences. If you’re serving multiple courses each with a different wine, pairing can become more complicated. However, part of fine dining and having an exquisite wine experience is paying attention to the details in carefully pairing wine with food.
Some people prefer red wines, while others prefer white. Neither is wrong. Both are appropriate when it comes to serving a fine dinner. Just pay attention to what kinds of meals you’re serving and you’ll be sure to create an exquisite experience for guests. Choosing the right wine for your dinner makes all the difference in intensifying the flavor profiles of the food while enjoying a nice luxurious wine.
Resources
https://www.wineinmoderation.eu/en/content/History-Tradition-of-Wine.4/
https://winefolly.com/tutorial/wine-dinner-from-starters-to-dessert/
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