food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
food-and-wine-pairing-a-sensory-experience-robert-harrington
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Chapter 8 Fattiness, Cooking Method, Protein, <strong>and</strong> Body<br />
INTERACTION OF WINE AND FOOD TEXTURES<br />
SUMMARY<br />
Tannin, oak, alcohol level, <strong>and</strong> body impact the perception<br />
of <strong>wine</strong> texture. Fattiness, protein type, cooking<br />
method, <strong>and</strong> body impact the perception of <strong>food</strong> texture.<br />
Matching these <strong>wine</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>food</strong> elements moves the level<br />
of match from refreshment to neutral or good. Once the<br />
<strong>wine</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>food</strong> components <strong>and</strong> texture elements have<br />
Rule #5: Wine tannin levels should be equal to animal-based <strong>food</strong> fattiness levels.<br />
Rule #6: Wine acidity levels should be equal to vegetable-based <strong>food</strong> fattiness levels.<br />
Rule #7: Wine overall body should be equal to <strong>food</strong> overall body.<br />
In a recent study, a trained panel provided support for the theory that <strong>wine</strong> tannin<br />
levels <strong>and</strong> <strong>food</strong> fattiness have a strong relationship with regard to the level of match when<br />
<strong>pairing</strong> <strong>wine</strong> with <strong>food</strong>. Panel members associated a higher level of match when tannin <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>food</strong> fattiness level were relatively equal. 2 The tannin-fattiness relationship works better<br />
when the fat is animal-based. The greater mouth-coating character of cream, natural fat in<br />
meats, <strong>and</strong> some cheeses mellows the harshness in tannin, while the tannin cuts through the<br />
fat. Vegetable fats <strong>and</strong> oils seem to pair better with the natural acidity in <strong>wine</strong> <strong>and</strong> can st<strong>and</strong><br />
up to a <strong>wine</strong> with moderate to high acidity.<br />
As previously noted, oak <strong>and</strong> alcohol are also important characteristics for determining<br />
overall body in <strong>wine</strong>. For instance, a big <strong>and</strong> oaky California Chardonnay could be a perfect<br />
match with grilled salmon because the riper grapes produce higher alcohol <strong>and</strong> a more<br />
powerful body in this style of Chardonnay. The more robust cooking method (grilling) <strong>and</strong><br />
more powerful character of salmon creates a bigger, bolder, meaty taste that begs for a more<br />
substantial <strong>wine</strong> (in this case, a Pinot Noir or even Merlot might also be appropriate). Add<br />
a compound butter to finish the salmon (herb butter, for example) <strong>and</strong> you could create an<br />
additional match with the buttery character of the Chardonnay (assuming it has undergone<br />
malolactic fermentation); these aspects will be discussed further in the upcoming discussions<br />
on flavor.<br />
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS<br />
1. What are the texture elements in <strong>food</strong>?<br />
2. How is <strong>food</strong> texture traditionally defined?<br />
3. What <strong>wine</strong> elements interact with <strong>food</strong> fattiness <strong>and</strong><br />
body?<br />
been properly matched, we can generally be assured that<br />
we will achieve a pleasant gastronomic sensation when the<br />
items are tasted together. The flavor elements will then<br />
provide the crowning touches for the potentially good <strong>and</strong><br />
synergistic <strong>wine</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>food</strong> matches.<br />
4. What impact do cooking method <strong>and</strong> protein type<br />
have on the texture sensation in finished <strong>food</strong> dishes?