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.
On
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.
