Intimidated by the task of
selecting the right wine to complement that special banquet?
Consider these tips from the online experts at Wine Answers (www.wineanswers.com).
Power plays. Hearty dishes like roasts need a
heavy, full-bodied red to support them; try a burgundy. More
delicate dishes like salmon should be paired with a lighter wine,
such as a pinot noir, or the wine will overpower the dish.
Sauce support. Dishes such as chicken with
lemon butter need a wine that plays off the sauce. Try a white
zinfandel.
Going dry. Japanese teriyakis and foods with
sweet honey-mustard glazes can make a wine taste drier than it is.
An off-dry wine, such as Chenin Blanc or Riesling, will balance the
flavor.
Meaty matters. Zinfandels and Syrahs work best
with grilled steaks and chops; the fat in those foods tones down
the bite of the wines.
Salad days. Bitter greens need a fruity wine,
such as merlot, to counter their acidity.