Using The Assigned Reading For The Wines Being Studied
Using The Assignedreadingfor The Wines That Are Being Studied In Week
Using the assigned reading for the wines that are being studied in Week 2, pair (match) a vintage with the following foods. A football party pairing: Your best choice of wine with- Spicy Buffalo Wings with Celery Sticks and Bleu Cheese Fudgy Brownies * Brats on a Bun with Mustard and Chips. This is your first pairing so research what wines complement spicy, savory, and sweet foods and use that as your starting point. A good reference is the link below. Make sure to reference where you researched to develop your wine/food pairings. Wine/Food Pairing Interactive Link. Make sure to explain in detail the flavors and aromas provided by the pairing.
MINIMUM 600 WORDS NO PLAGIARISM AT LEAST 2 APA REFERENCES. Refer to the example in the Announcement section for layout and sample wording. Include the level of detail the "sample student" provided in her pairing.
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Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Wine pairing is both an art and a science, requiring an understanding of the complex flavors, aromas, and textures of both the wine and the food. In the context of a football-themed gathering, choosing the appropriate wine to complement spicy, savory, and sweet dishes enhances the overall experience. This paper explores suitable wine options for three key foods: spicy buffalo wings with celery and bleu cheese, fudgy brownies, and brats on a bun, based on the assigned reading and research into wine-food pairing principles.
Pairing Spicy Buffalo Wings with Celery and Bleu Cheese
For spicy buffalo wings, the ideal wine should have a balance of acidity and fruitiness to counteract the heat while enhancing the flavors of the dish. Off-dry or slightly sweet wines are well-suited here, as their residual sugar can tame the spiciness and provide a cooling effect. A classic recommendation is Riesling, particularly an off-dry or semi-sweet vintage, as it offers bright acidity, minerality, and fruity notes that complement the savory and spicy profile of the wings.
Specifically, a 2019 Dr. Loosen Riesling Alte Reben from the Mosel region of Germany demonstrates these qualities. The wine exhibits a floral aroma with hints of green apple and peach, and a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of buffalo sauce. The high acidity cuts through the richness of the blue cheese, and the citrus and stone fruit notes accentuate the flavors of the chicken and the cooling effect of the celery (Wine Folly, 2020).
Research supports that Riesling's versatility with spicy foods is because its sugar content offsets the capsaicin burn, fostering a more enjoyable eating experience (Bogue, 2019). Furthermore, the aromatic complexity of Riesling complements the herbal notes of celery and the tangy bleu cheese.
Pairing Fudgy Brownies
Fudgy brownies are rich, chocolatey desserts that demand a wine with enough depth and sweetness to match their intensity. Traditionally, full-bodied red wines like a robust Cabernet Sauvignon are selected; however, for a pairing with brownies, a wine with sweeter, fruitier, and more textured characteristics is preferable. Port wine, particularly a tawny or ruby port, offers a wonderful pairing.
A good example is the 2017 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port from Portugal. This wine has concentrated berry and raisin flavors, with notes of caramel and oak, which resonate with the chocolatey richness of the brownies. The viscosity and sweetness of port enhance the chocolate flavors without overpowering them, creating a harmonious balance. The wine's aroma of ripe berries, dried figs, and spices complements the fudgy texture, making it an excellent pairing (Johnson & Robinson, 2013). Additionally, the slightly nutty and oxidized qualities of tawny port help elevate the chocolate, making each bite and sip more decadent.
Another alternative could be a late harvest Zinfandel, which offers a balance of sweetness and ripe fruit, but port remains the classic choice for its richness and compatibility with chocolate desserts.
Pairing Brats on a Bun with Mustard and Chips
This savory, meaty dish benefits from a wine that can handle its richness and complement the mustard's tanginess. A red wine with moderate tannins and bright fruitiness pairs well. A good choice is a light to medium-bodied red, such as a 2018 Beaujolais Villages from France, which features fresh red fruit flavors, floral notes, and moderate acidity.
The Beaujolais complements the grilled flavor of the bratwurst and the tang of mustard, while its acidic profile balances the richness of the sausage and cuts through the saltiness of the chips. The wine's cherry and berry notes echo the savory and smoky flavors of the grilled meat, and the smooth tannins prevent overpowering the dish (Robinson & Harding, 2019).
Alternatively, a German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the Baden region offers similar qualities with elegant red fruit, subtle earthiness, and soft tannins, providing a nuanced pairing that enhances the overall experience.
Conclusion
Selecting appropriate wines for a football party involves understanding how flavors and aromas interact between food and wine. For spicy buffalo wings, an off-dry Riesling works best to balance heat and enhance flavors. Fudgy brownies are complemented by rich, sweet Port wines that match their intensity. Finally, a light, fruity red like Beaujolais or Spätburgunder pairs well with bratwurst, emphasizing savory, smoky notes while balancing richness. These pairings demonstrate the importance of acidity, sweetness, and flavor harmony, elevating the communal enjoyment of both wine and food during festivities.
References
Bogue, M. (2019). The Science of Food and Wine Pairing. Wine & Spirits Magazine.
Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2013). The World Atlas of Wine (7th ed.). Mitchell Beazley.
Robinson, J., & Harding, J. (2019). Wine Guide. Oxford University Press.
Wine Folly. (2020). Wine & Food Pairing Guide. Retrieved from https://winefolly.com/resources/wine-food-pairing/
Taylor Fladgate. (2017). Vintage Port. Retrieved from https://taylorfladgate.com
Dr. Loosen. (2019). Mosel Riesling. Retrieved from https://loosen.com
Johnson, H., & Robinson, J. (2012). The Pocket Guide to Wine. Mitchell Beazley.