Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings

Introduction

Wine is magic. How is it that crushed grapes can become something so delicious and transportive? Part of that magic is in how it brings us together. We rarely drink wine alone, in both senses: While we may enjoy a solo glass at home or while waiting for friends at the bar before a meal begins, we inevitably share wine with others. And when we pair it with food, the combination can create a new kind of magic.

Of course, you can drink whatever you want with your meal, or eat whatever you want with that special bottle you picked up at the wine store. But this book was written and designed to open your mind to the experiences you can have when you put some extra thought into either of those choices. Because when food and wine align or contrast in just the right way on your palate—and everyone’s palate is different—little bells go off in your head. You close your eyes for a few seconds. Suddenly, you’re fully present in a pleasurable new dimension. And when you’re really lucky, the people you’re sharing the meal with are transported there, too. It can change your whole night. Watching people experience this exact moment was one of the inspirations for dedicating myself to learning about wine several decades ago. Today, I think of myself as part sommelier, part travel agent.

Fortunately, you don’t have to train as a sommelier to know all there is to know about wine. That was the idea behind my first book, Wine Simple, an easy-to-use handbook for navigating the very complex world of wine. Taking it a step further, this book is for those who want to learn about wine and how to pair it with whatever they’re eating.