The invitations have been sent for your annual Christmas gathering with friends and family, and now you have to start planning the menu. Before you head out on a shopping spree at your local supermarket, liquor and kitchen appliances store, let us help you by providing some suggestions on what wines go with certain foods and how best to serve them. From wine and cheese to a main meal to a dessert, get ready to fill your wine fridge and your guests’ bellies with some holiday cheer.
1. Wine and temperature
Before you start using your kitchen appliances to whip up your favourite meal, make sure your wine fridge is adjusted to the perfect temperature for the wines you plan to serve. This includes:
- 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit for sparkling wines, champagne
- 50-60°F for whites and rosés
- Cellar temperature, 60-65°F, for reds
2. Wine and cheese
Whether you start or end your meal with cheese, make sure to mix up flavours from mild to sharp. The same goes for wine. When serving full-bodied reds, such as shiraz (syrah), cabernet, merlot or malbec, it’s a good idea to put them in your beverage fridge for at least 15 minutes before your guests arrive. In the opposite vein, make sure you take your cheese out of the fridge for at least one hour before serving it. This will enhance its flavour and texture.
So what cheese goes best with what wine? Here are some pairings to consider:
- Sharp cheddar and cabernet sauvignon
- Brie and chardonnay
- Blue and riesling
- Mozzarella and sauvignon blanc
- Parmesan and chianti
3. Wine and meat
Wine can be paired with just about any type of protein. White wine tends to go well with “lighter” meats such as fish and poultry; save for duck, which goes better with medium-bodied reds such as pinot noir or Malbec.
Reds tend to go better with red meats —beef, lamb, venison— while pork and ham pairs well with either a fruity white or a low-tannin red. For fatty meats, consider bold reds that have a high-tannin content such as cabernet sauvignon and petite syrah, while leans meats should be served with medium reds that contain a little more acidity.
4. Wine and dessert
You don’t have to use all your time and energy to create some marvellous baked creation for dessert if you have a large number of guests to feed. A simple cheese and fruit plate paired with the right wines should suffice. If you plan to serve a chocolate dessert, you can’t go wrong with a glass of late-harvest red or ice wine (better with dark chocolate), while dried fruit and nuts tend to pair nicely with port. For something different, why not serve a wine-infused dessert such as poached fruit with whipped cream or custard?
Your dream kitchen isn’t complete without the best brands and appliances Kamloops, Kelowna and Vernon homeowners love for preserving, preparing and chilling their favourite drinks. Genier’s Home Appliances in Vernon has the Interior’s best appliances, including wine and beverage fridges to chill your favourite libations to the perfect temperature.