Wine with Food - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What effect does sweetness in food have on wine?
Increases the perception of bitterness, astringency, and acidity while decreasing the perception of body, sweetness, and fruitiness.
How does umami in food affect wine?
Increases bitterness, astringency, and acidity; decreases body, sweetness, and fruitiness.
What is the general rule for pairing wine with sweet dishes?
Select a wine that has an equal or higher level of sweetness than the dish.
How does acidity in food affect wine?
Enhances body, sweetness, and fruitiness while decreasing perceived acidity.
What effect does salt in food have on wine?
Reduces the perception of astringency and bitterness, enhances body, and balances acidity.
What type of wine pairs well with oily fish?
Unoaked, light-bodied white wines with high acidity to avoid metallic flavors.
What is the impact of chili heat in food on wine?
Increases bitterness, astringency, and alcohol warmth while decreasing body, sweetness, and fruitiness.
Why does acidity in wine pair well with fatty foods?
The acidity cuts through the fat, cleansing the palate and balancing the dish.
What is a low-risk wine for food pairing?
Simple, unoaked wines with a little residual sugar.
What is the effect of bitterness in food on wine?
Increases the perception of bitterness in wine, potentially leading to an unpleasant taste.
Which wine works well with salty foods?
Wines with high acidity or a touch of sweetness, such as sparkling wines.
Why does Champagne pair well with oysters?
Champagne is unoaked, light, and high in acidity, complementing the delicate flavor of oysters
How can umami in food be balanced to pair better with wine?
By adding salt or acidity to the dish, which counteracts umami’s hardening effect on wine.
What makes sweet wine and blue cheese a classic pairing?
The sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the cheese.
What type of wine pairs well with spicy food?
Low-alcohol wines with some sweetness, such as off-dry Riesling.
What is a high-risk food for wine pairing?
Foods high in umami, bitterness, or sweetness, such as asparagus or desserts.
What type of wine pairs best with high-acid foods?
High-acid wines, as they maintain balance and enhance fruitiness.
Why does red wine pair well with red meat?
The protein in meat softens the tannins in red wine, balancing its structure.
What type of wine works best with creamy dishes?
Wines with high acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.
What happens when you pair a low-acid wine with high-acid food?
The wine may seem flat, flabby, and unfocused.
How does the principle of “local wine with local food” work?
Regional wines and foods often evolve together, complementing each other’s flavors and structures.
What is the effect of alcohol on the perception of chili heat?
High alcohol intensifies the burning sensation caused by chili heat.
Which wines are typically low-risk for food pairing?
Simple, unoaked white wines or slightly off-dry wines.
What is the impact of salt on umami-rich foods?
alt helps balance umami’s hardening effect on wine.
Why do Muscadet and oysters pair so well?
Muscadet is light, unoaked, and high in acidity, complementing oysters’ delicate flavor.
How do tannins interact with bitter foods?
Tannins and bitter foods amplify bitterness, making the pairing potentially unpleasant.
What wine style pairs best with fatty meats?
Red wines with moderate tannins and good acidity, such as Pinot Noir.
Why is high sugar in food considered high-risk for wine pairing?
It reduces the perception of sweetness and fruitiness in wine, making it seem overly acidic.
What is the primary reason high-acid wines pair well with tomato-based dishes?
The acidity in the wine matches and balances the high acidity in the tomatoes.
How can a wine’s fruitiness help with spicy food pairings?
Fruity wines can offset the heat and provide a refreshing contrast.
What wine pairs best with oysters?
Champagne, Muscadet, or Albariño.
What are some ideal wine pairings for blue cheese?
Port, Sauternes, or Tokaji.
Which wines complement roast lamb?
Bordeaux blends, Rioja, or Syrah/Shiraz.
What are classic wine pairings for goat cheese?
Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chablis.
Which wines work well with steak?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Bordeaux.
What are traditional wine pairings for sushi?
Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Champagne.
Which wines are ideal with rich, creamy pasta dishes?
Chardonnay, Viognier, or Pinot Grigio.
What wines pair with duck or game birds?
Pinot Noir, Barolo, or Zinfandel.
What wines are best with spicy dishes like curry?
Off-dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Gris.
Which wines pair well with smoked salmon?
Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir (light-bodied).
