Summary 263
Flavor Similarity Contrast Score
Low to Moderate Spice Level Match __ __ 1
(Food Spiciness = Wine Spiciness: Yes = 1, No = 0)
Moderate Food Spice and Wine Sweetness __ __ 0
(Food Spiciness = Wine Sweetness: Yes = 1, No = 0)
High Levels of Food Spice (Yes = No Match) No Match
Flavor Intensity Match 1
(Food Intensity = Wine Intensity: Yes = 1, No = 0)
Flavor Type Match X X 1
(Flavors similar or contrasting Yes = 1, No = 0)
Flavor Persistency Match 0
Total Score _8
(Food Persistence = Wine Persistence: Yes = 1, No = 0)
Figure 11.9
(Continued)SUMMARY
This chapter focuses on the wine and food pairing
instrument and how the profiles developed can be used to
predict levels of match between certain foods and wines.
The instrument and decision tree are designed so that
food items and wines can be assessed separately to identify
their profiles, and then the wine and food match decision
tree and scoring sheet provide a structure to evaluate the
impact of various elements on the potential match.
The final page of the wine and food pairing instru-
ment (Figure 11.2c) can be used without the first two
pages if you are planning a mixed tasting. If you want to
save the results for future reference for potential pairs with
other wines or food items, you can complete all three
pages.
The Pacific Northwest menu is an example of how
many more variables come into play when you are plan-
ning a vertical pairing of multiple wines with various food
courses. As a general rule, as you progress through suc-
cessive courses, the food and wine increase in intensity.
The discussion of the Pacific Northwest menu and recipes
provides examples of the reasoning behind pairing deci-
sions. Why were these particular food items selected?
Why were these particular wines selected? Do you believe
they are each good to ideal matches?
The following exercises will reinforce the wine and
food pairing concepts and the process illustrated through-
out this chapter. The food items and wines have been se-
lected to illustrate the spectrum of match levels. Your job
will be to determine if you agree with the expected match
level after tasting these items together. Did you find any
surprises? Were there any differences based on your in-
dividual preferences?