The Portuguese wines have undeniable quality and we all appreciate them. The numbers speak for themselves as their consumption has increased worldwide by 38,4% in 2011, according to the IWSR - International Wine and Spirit Record, while compared with an earlier study in 2007, and it has continually increased in the last two years.
The inheritance of indigenous vine varieties, is appointed by wine experts as a key distinctive factor in comparison with other wine producing countries.
Today, we provide some insight into how to match Portuguese wine with international cuisine dishes.Knowing how and when to have a Portuguese wine can make all the difference to your drinking experience. We picked some popular international dishes and paired them with the most appreciated Portuguese wine types. Have a go and find out how you can have a much enjoyable moment with Portuguese wines.
When we think of Asian Cuisine, garlic, spices, sweet, sour and salty flavours come to our minds. Good news is that there are many Portuguese wines that go really well with this sort of food. For instance , Vinho Verde which is a young, refreshing, light wine with low alcohol, often fizzy with fresh acidity, and as such, offers a great contrast to these tasty foods with great, full flavours. To point out the aromatic grapes Alvarinho, with tropical notes, and Loureiro, with floral notes, which are especially pleasant with these style of food. Vinho Verde should be served chilled.
Another great match are the wines containing Fernão Pires grapes such as the ones from Lisboa, Bairrada regions, that have citrus aromas and fresh notes, providing a perfect combination with Asian dishes. Seafood and Fish lovers will be pleased to know that white wines are often a first choice when it comes to choosing a companion for fish. However, red wines should not be forgotten as these are a perfect match for some kinds of seafood such as squid, octopus or tuna. Sparkling wines from the wine region Bairrada, or red Vinho Verde are also very appreciated with grilled fish.
Red meats are a key ingredient in many international dishes. This is as diverse as game, lamb, beef, pork, offal, charcuterie and rusted meats, and all are best combined with red wines. Within The Reds there's plenty of choice from full -bodied reds such as the ones from Alentejo and the upper regions of Douro and Tejo, which are very rich, dense and oak-aged, to robust reds, from Douro and Trás-os-Montes with complex flavours. These wines are very ripe with lots of body, matching perfectly with these strong flavoured dishes. Red wines are very rich in tannins, especially from Bairrada and Douro, and become softer as they age.Red wines are a good choice with French Cuisine, such as meat and cheese based dishes.
Similarly, Italian food and its Mediterranean flavours are frankly boosted while consumed with red wine.
Poultry recipes are best served with red wines known as “elegant”. In this category falls red wine from Dão, intensely flavoured with good acidity and balance, and also Península de Setúbal, made from the grape castelão, fruit driven and aimed to be consumed in their youth.
If your preference goes to salads and vegetable dishes should be looking for dry, fruity rosés or sparkling wines. The acidity and slight sweetness of these wine types fits the natural sweetness present in these dishes.
And to finalise what can you have with your favourite dessert?
This moment calls for some sort of sweet wine or liqueur, we suggest Moscatel from Setúbal, a Port or Madeira wine.
They are a perfect combination with your end meal whether it is chocolate, cake, fruit or even nuts.
Now that you have got our tips on how to match Portuguese wine with international food, start making your own combinations, you are guaranteed to be delighted!
As the French would say: “Bon appétit!”
Watch out for upcoming hot topics on Portuguese wine.
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