Perfect Pairings

If you’ve ever tasted a food you love with a wine that matches it perfectly, you’ll know that the combination of the two can be even better than the food or wine on its own. But how to find those perfect pairings?

The old ‘white wine with fish, red wine with meat’ rule is now dated. Simple pointers such as ‘match the wine to the sauce, not the basic ingredient’ and ‘take into account what else is on the plate’ help demystify the subject and introduce you to a new world of taste sensations. In this indispensable book, more than 100 mouth-watering recipes are organised into superb themed menus, many of which are accompanied with recommendations for the ideal wine to partner them. Classic dishes sit alongside the intriguingly original, and light options are featured as well as more indulgent delights. Try any of the suggested matches such as Leek and Blue Cheese Quiche with Hazelnut Pastry with a dry white Pinot Blanc, Seared Tuna with Tomatoes and Gremolata with a chilled dry Rosé, Thai-style Beef with Tomato and Herb Salad with an aromatic Alsace Riesling, Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Cumin, Lemon and Garlic with a fruity, medium-bodied Shiraz, or a Wild Mushroom Risotto with a dry Italian Pinot Grigio. In addition, a section devoted to cheese and wine pairing offers sometimes surprising suggestions on what to drink with your favourite cheeses – such as pairing goats’ cheese with Sauvignon Blanc. Also included is a chapter on choosing wine by style, as well as practical tips on decanting, glassware and equipment, and a useful glossary of wine terms – making this the perfect book for anyone who enjoys good food and wine.