Wine And Food

Archeological clues suggest that grapes were cultivated as far back as 4000BC, and although the exact origins of wine-making are uncertain, civilization has merely refined what is a natural process. Stronger glass and tighter stoppers, and Louis Pasteur's research into fermentation in the 19th century enabled the production of wine to develop into the huge commercial industry that it is today.

Wine is produced in various countries such as France, Germany, Australia, North America, California and South Africa. California accounts for 95% of wine made in the United States. All wine, whether still, sparkling, fortified or aromatized, is fermented grape juice. It may be red, white, or pink and dry, medium, or sweet in style, with an alcohol content of 5.5 to 14%. Grape spirit is added to fortified wine, raising the alcohol level to 15-22%. Sparkling wine contains trapped carbon dioxide bubbles, which are released on opening. Recent years have been great changes in wine-making around the world. Divisions between the Old World, where tradition governed over science, and the more experimental New World, are disappearing as skill, expertise, technology, and investment are traded, and styles are imitated and invented with equal relish.

Wine can be consumed or it can be purchased as an investment. The theory behind investing in wine is that its value increases as it matures. However, wine should always be drunk for enjoyment and appreciation. Balance is the key when enjoying wine with food. The food and wine need to complement, never overpower each other. Neutral food is best with fine wine. Seek advice on food that are difficult to match, such as chocolate, strong cheeses, grapefruit, asparagus, and pickles. Where possible, team regional food with its local wines. Allow personal preference to be your main guide. For example in creamy sauce fish dishes, dry white wine will taste better with it. On the other hand, fish cooked in red wine will taste good with red wine.

The weather, tradition and etiquette all influence what wine you serve for your special occasion. Whether you buy wine from a specialist outlet, a supermarket or an online wine store such as Porthos, the choice of wine is up to you -- your budget, your personal preference, the people you are with, and what you are doing. The most important is enjoyment, which is the best reason of all to drink wine!

Porthos, 'the wine insiders', established in June, 2000 in Sausalito, features the finest Napa Cabernets priced $30 - $100. At Porthos, not only can you have access to the tastiest “big name” wines such as Silver Oak, Duckhorn, etc, you can also have “insider access” to undiscovered, boutique wines before the critics and collector crowd discover them! At Porthos, you can find good quality wine because their team tastes over 5,000 wines per year and only the best of the best are featured in their portfolio. Shop at their store now for your favourite wine to enjoy with your food!