How to Pair Wine and Food like a Pro

Americans’ growing sophistication about global cuisine, coupled with ever-increasing varieties available in the wine market, make for myriad possible food and wine pairings.

 

The number of choices may at first confound budding gourmands. But not to worry! A few general rules of thumb exist that can give you a good foundation on which to build your wine and dining repertoire.

 

Of course, confidence always trumps conventional wisdom. If, as a cook, you feel that your signature roasted rabbit with creamy mushroom sauce cries out for a sherry, rather than the burgundy your wine merchant suggests, by all means serve the sherry.

 

But if your intuition fails you, don’t fret. Although the “rules” aren’t quite as simple as they used to be, by following a few sensible guidelines you can select wines that will bring out the best in your meals. By the same token, if you bring home a special wine or two and want to build a meal around them, suggestions abound.