Read in EnglishThe pairing between a delicious dish and a good wine is one of the greatest pleasures of a gourmet, but to enjoy this exquisite experience, you don’t need a big investment, just a smart choice.At Kiwilimón, we set out to summarize the steps you should follow to choose a table wine in a simple guide.Ready to shine at your next gathering with friends? Follow these tips to select the best wine to make your meal a success:1. Know the type of gathering you will attendObviously, an anniversary party is not the same as a weekly gathering at a friend's house. It's important to consider this because if you don't, you might make a choice that is a bit out of place. (Can you imagine showing up in jeans at a wedding or in a long dress at a picnic? That would be its equivalent). While a young Cabernet can get you out of almost any jam, a Chianti from '98 might be reserved for a more special occasion.2. Identify the food on the menuYou don’t need to be an experienced sommelier to enjoy the flavors of wine. You just need to know how to choose the right one for each type of food. Although the combinations depend a lot on personal taste, we share the most common pairings:Cold cuts: to open the appetite with a charcuterie board, a light red wine pairs well to not overpower the flavors of the meat.Cheeses: fruity red wines are best for blue cheeses, while mature reds are best for cured cheeses.Seafood: white wines, such as Riesling or Albariño, pair very well with the flavors of seafood.White fish: unlike seafood, white fish tastes better with acidic white wines.Fatty fish: for a dish with salmon or tuna, the best choice is a light or medium red, like a Rioja.Poultry: as a general rule, white wines (except for the more acidic varieties) pair well with poultry.Red meats: the stronger flavors of meat pair perfectly with the power of a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec.Desserts: the sweet tones of the dessert should complement but not overpower the aroma of the wine. Choose a young Port or a Muscat to finish the meal.3. Pay attention to the wine's temperatureIt’s not only important to consider the food but also the temperature of the wine. Although a couple of degrees may seem irrelevant, a wine that is too cold or too warm can affect its taste and aromas. Ideally, a reserve red wine should be served at 17°, a crianza red at 15°, a rosé at 12°, a dry young white at 10°, a sweet white at 8°, and a sparkling wine at 7°.4. If nothing convinces you, choose a roséWhen in doubt about the menu or the type of gathering, the simplest choice is a rosé wine. This variety is refreshingly acidic enough to pair with a wide range of dishes. Want to add more flair to your meal? Choose a sparkling rosé wine.Now that you know the most basic steps to choose a table wine, what are you waiting for to plan your own pairing?Prepare these recipes and let us know what type of wine you would like to pair them with:
Mediterranean TapasSweet and Sour Chicken with OrangeLemon Salmon with Mango SauceChocolate Volcano