Forget everything you thought you knew about wine pairing. The old rules are being rewritten, opening up a world of exciting, unconventional combinations. Let's explore this revolution, challenging the status quo and embracing the unexpected in the realm of wine and food.

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Shared plates have transformed the job of the sommelier into something new: Where we were once asked to recommend a bottle to complement a few entrees, now we have the impossible task of finding one that pairs with seven different things

  • There is no such thing as an objectively perfect pairing
  • It’s time for us to rethink the traditional wine pairing

Just Drink What You Like

Prioritize the moment and the occasion: What do you want out of your meal?

  • Most wines will taste pretty okay with most foods
  • Don’t try to pair to the wrong thing: it’s about the experience a person wants to have

Pair to the vibe, not the plate

For a wine pairing in a restaurant setting, consider what kind of restaurant you’re at, who you’re dining with, and maybe even the playlist.

  • This applies to drinking outside a restaurant, too. A good wine shop should ask you more about where and why you’re drinking than what you’re eating alongside.

Change the Vocabulary

Wines can be acidic, tannic, oaky, and fruit-forward, but they can also be brooding, elegant, soulful, and charming.

  • Describing wines in the latter manner is more accessible and helps dissolve preconceived notions around what you like and don’t.

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