Food and Wine Pairing : A Sensory Experience

Impact on Pairing Possibilities 199

Name____ Spice Food Anchor__

Level of Match (Circle the level of match below):

Riesling

–4 –3 –2 –1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

Food Equal Food

Less Spicy Level Higher Spiciness

Gewürztraminer

–4 –3 –2 –1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

Food Equal Food

Less Spicy Level Higher Spiciness

Pinot Noir

–4 –3 –2 –1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

Food Equal Food

Less Spicy Level Higher Spiciness

Syrah

–4 –3 –2 –1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4

Food Equal Food

Less Spicy Level Higher Spiciness

Based on your evaluation of this food with the four wine samples, which wine element(s) positively

impactedthe wine and food match (check all that appy)? Please rank them in order of impact (1 =

greatest impact)

___ Sweetness ____

___ Acidity ____

___ Tannin ____

___ Alcohol level ____

___ Overall body ____

___ Wine flavor intensity level ____

___ Wine flavor persistence ____

___ Wine spiciness level ____

___ Wine spice type _____

Based on your evaluation of this food with the four wine samples, which wine element(s) negatively

impactedthe wine and food match (check all that apply)? Please rank them in order of impact (1 =

greatest impact)

___ Sweetness ____

___ Acidity ____

___ Tannin ____

___ Alcohol level ____

___ Overall body ____

___ Wine flavor intensity level ____

___ Wine spiciness level ____

___ Wine spice type ____

___ Wine flavor persistence _____

Figure 9.3

Wine and Food Spice Match

Malbec with beef from Argentina, and Aussie Shiraz and peppery barbecued steak are ex-
amples of this relationship.
Table 9.3 provides some examples of safe bets in wine and food pairings based on the
prominent spice flavor. However, do not limit yourself only to these wine selections. What
should be apparent from the suggestions in Table 9.3 is that a safe bet for spicy food is a
lighter wine with a higher level of acidity. These create a range of matches, from refreshment
to neutral to good, depending on the other levels of components and textures in the wine
and food. Off-dry wines have a tendency to mask powerful seasonings such as pepper and
other hot spices. Acidity and effervescence in wine provide a cleansing effect, preparing the
palate for the next bite.