The perfect full-bodied crimson varietal choice for consumption alongside grilled beef typically options sturdy tannins and sophisticated taste profiles. A generally paired beverage reveals darkish fruit notes, hints of spice, and a lingering end, complementing the richness of the meat. Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, is steadily chosen because of its construction and talent to chop by way of the fats content material of a first-rate minimize.
Deciding on the suitable wine enhances the eating expertise by making a harmonious mix of flavors. Traditionally, sure areas have turn out to be famend for producing wines particularly suited to pairing with wealthy meals like steak. The follow of matching particular grape varietals with specific dishes is an artwork kind that has advanced over centuries, contributing to a extra nuanced and satisfying meal. The suitable alternative can elevate each the beverage and the meals, leading to a synergistic impact.
Subsequent sections will discover particular grape varietals recognized for his or her compatibility with varied steak preparations, study the affect of steak cooking strategies on wine choice, and contemplate the function of regional preferences in figuring out appropriate pairings. Steering may also be provided on navigating the often-complex panorama of wine labels and pricing to find glorious decisions inside numerous budgetary constraints.
1. Tannin Construction
Tannin construction, a elementary part of crimson wine, exerts a big affect on its suitability as an accompaniment to steak. Tannins, naturally occurring compounds present in grape skins, seeds, and stems, in addition to oak barrels, impart a textural sensation typically described as astringent or drying. The focus and high quality of tannins dictate the wine’s mouthfeel and its skill to work together with the proteins and fat in steak. Wines with excessive tannin ranges, equivalent to Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, possess the construction crucial to chop by way of the richness of fatty cuts like ribeye, cleaning the palate between bites. The tannins bind to proteins, stopping the steak’s fats from overwhelming the style buds. With out enough tannin, the wine might style flabby or be misplaced in opposition to the steak’s depth.
Conversely, leaner cuts of steak, equivalent to filet mignon, profit from wines with softer, extra built-in tannins. A high-tannin wine can overpower the fragile flavors of a leaner minimize, creating an unbalanced pairing. Pinot Noir, with its decrease tannin content material and brighter acidity, provides a extra harmonious complement to filet mignon. The reasonable tannins present construction with out overwhelming the refined flavors of the meat. Equally, aged wines, the place tannins have softened over time, typically pair properly with leaner cuts, providing complexity and nuance with out astringency. The precise preparation technique of the steak additionally influences the perfect tannin profile. Grilled steak, with its charred exterior, can stand as much as bolder tannins, whereas pan-seared steak could be higher suited to a wine with finer tannins.
Understanding the interaction between tannin construction and steak traits is essential for making a profitable pairing. Whereas high-tannin wines are typically favored for fattier cuts, the depth and integration of these tannins are key concerns. Overly aggressive tannins can detract from the general expertise, whereas well-integrated tannins improve the steak’s flavors. Navigating the complexities of tannin construction requires contemplating not solely the grape varietal but in addition the wine’s classic, area, and ageing course of. In the end, the purpose is to realize a stability the place the wine enhances the steak with out overpowering or being overshadowed by it.
2. Acidity Stability
Acidity stability is a pivotal determinant within the suitability of a crimson wine supposed to accompany steak. The presence of enough acidity acts as a counterpoint to the richness and fats content material inherent in lots of steak preparations. With out ample acidity, a crimson wine dangers tasting flabby or turning into overwhelmed by the steak’s depth, leading to a muddled and unsatisfying gustatory expertise. For example, a high-fat ribeye steak advantages from the refreshing acidity present in a Chianti Classico, the place the wine’s vigorous character cuts by way of the fats, cleaning the palate and making ready it for the subsequent chunk. Conversely, a low-acidity wine, equivalent to a closely oaked Merlot with out enough underlying construction, might lack the required vibrancy to enrich the steak successfully, resulting in a taste imbalance.
The extent of acidity required varies relying on the minimize of steak and the cooking technique employed. Leaner cuts, equivalent to filet mignon, typically require a extra delicate acidity profile to keep away from overpowering their refined flavors. Pinot Noir, with its brilliant acidity and nuanced fruit, serves as an exemplary pairing for leaner cuts. Moreover, cooking strategies equivalent to grilling or searing can affect the perceived acidity of the wine. Grilling typically imparts a smoky char, which pairs properly with wines exhibiting a extra pronounced acidity to stability the smoky notes. The precise terroir of the wine additionally performs an important function. Wines from cooler climates usually possess larger acidity ranges, making them well-suited for pairings with richer, fattier cuts of steak. Take into account, for instance, a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, recognized for its herbaceous notes and vibrant acidity, providing a complementary distinction to a well-marbled steak.
In abstract, the idea of acidity stability is an indispensable consideration when deciding on the optimum crimson wine to accompany steak. The suitable degree of acidity enhances the general eating expertise by stopping palate fatigue and guaranteeing a harmonious interaction of flavors. Reaching this stability requires a cautious evaluation of the steak’s traits, the wine’s inherent properties, and the precise preparation strategies employed. Ignoring this important ingredient can diminish the enjoyment derived from each the wine and the steak, highlighting the significance of a considerate strategy to wine pairing.
3. Taste Depth
The correlation between taste depth and the number of an acceptable crimson wine for steak is basically primarily based on attaining a balanced gustatory expertise. Taste depth, on this context, refers back to the focus and complexity of flavors current in each the wine and the steak. An inherent mismatch in depth may end up in one ingredient overpowering the opposite, thereby diminishing the general enjoyment. A carefully flavored steak, equivalent to a filet mignon ready with minimal seasoning, requires a wine with a commensurate degree of subtlety. Conversely, a boldly flavored steak, like a closely seasoned ribeye, necessitates a wine able to standing as much as its sturdy character. This dynamic is essential for making a harmonious pairing the place neither the meals nor the wine overshadows the opposite.
Sensible utility of this precept includes assessing the flavour profile of the steak. Is it wealthy and fatty, lean and refined, or imbued with robust smoky or spicy notes? Equally, the wine’s taste profile should be thought of. Does it exhibit daring fruit, earthy undertones, or a excessive diploma of oak affect? For example, a peppercorn-crusted New York strip steak calls for a wine with enough spice and construction to enrich the pepper’s pungency. A Syrah from the Rhne Valley, with its attribute black pepper notes and full physique, can be an appropriate alternative. In distinction, a grilled flank steak marinated in a lightweight herb French dressing could be higher paired with a medium-bodied Cabernet Franc, the place the wine’s natural notes and reasonable tannins improve the steak’s refined flavors with out overwhelming them.
In the end, understanding the interaction of taste depth is crucial for choosing the optimum crimson wine to accompany steak. Reaching a harmonious stability requires cautious consideration of each the meals and the wine, considering their respective taste profiles and intensities. The challenges lie in precisely assessing these elements and understanding how they work together on the palate. By prioritizing taste stability, one can elevate the eating expertise, remodeling a easy meal right into a memorable culinary event. The sensible significance of this understanding extends past mere enjoyment, informing choices relating to menu planning, wine choice in eating places, and the general appreciation of meals and wine pairings.
4. Oak Affect
Oak affect, stemming from the ageing of crimson wine in oak barrels, considerably shapes the flavour profile, construction, and total suitability of a crimson wine as an accompaniment to steak. The kind of oak, toast degree, and period of ageing all contribute distinct traits that may both improve or detract from the pairing expertise. Understanding these nuances is essential for choosing a wine that enhances the steak’s inherent qualities.
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Impression on Tannin Profile
Oak ageing introduces tannins to the wine, supplementing these extracted from grape skins and seeds. New oak imparts extra pronounced tannins in comparison with older, impartial oak. A steak with excessive fats content material, equivalent to a ribeye, can profit from a wine with reasonable to excessive tannins derived from oak, as these tannins assist minimize by way of the richness and cleanse the palate. Overly tannic wines, nonetheless, can overwhelm leaner cuts, leading to an unbalanced pairing. For instance, a closely oaked Cabernet Sauvignon could also be splendid with a ribeye however unsuitable for a fragile filet mignon.
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Taste Contributions
Oak contributes a variety of flavors to crimson wine, together with vanilla, toast, spice (clove, cinnamon), and even coconut. The depth of those flavors will depend on the kind and toast degree of the oak. American oak, for example, typically imparts stronger vanilla and coconut notes, whereas French oak tends to supply extra refined spice and toast. A steak seasoned with herbs and spices might be complemented by a wine with comparable oak-derived taste compounds. A closely smoked steak might pair properly with a wine aged in closely toasted oak, enhancing the smoky character. Nonetheless, a frivolously seasoned steak could also be higher suited to a wine with minimal oak affect to keep away from overpowering its delicate flavors.
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Construction and Complexity
Oak ageing contributes to the wine’s construction and complexity by permitting for managed oxidation and integration of flavors. The oak barrels enable small quantities of oxygen to work together with the wine, softening tannins and growing tertiary aromas over time. This course of can add layers of complexity that improve the general ingesting expertise. A well-oaked wine with a balanced construction can elevate a steak pairing by offering depth and nuance. Nonetheless, extreme oak affect can masks the wine’s fruit character and create a monolithic taste profile, detracting from the steak’s inherent qualities. Stability is crucial.
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Integration and Stability
The essential issue is the combination of oak affect with different parts of the wine – fruit, acidity, and tannins. A well-made wine shows oak as a supporting part, enhancing moderately than dominating the general taste profile. Discovering wines the place oak is in concord with the opposite parts is vital to a profitable steak pairing. Some lighter steaks may profit from crimson wines with little to no oak affect, equivalent to some lighter-bodied Pinot Noirs or Beaujolais wines.
In conclusion, oak affect represents a big think about figuring out the perfect crimson wine to accompany steak. Understanding how oak ageing impacts tannin construction, taste contributions, and total complexity permits for a extra knowledgeable choice course of. By rigorously contemplating the steak’s traits and the wine’s oak profile, a harmonious pairing might be achieved, enhancing the flavors of each the meals and the wine, guaranteeing a memorable eating expertise.
5. Minimize of Steak
The precise minimize of steak serves as a major determinant when deciding on a crimson wine to realize optimum taste concord. Diversified muscle constructions, fats contents, and inherent taste profiles throughout totally different cuts necessitate distinct wine pairings to reinforce the eating expertise.
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Ribeye and Cabernet Sauvignon
The ribeye, characterised by its wealthy marbling and beneficiant fats content material, calls for a wine with substantial tannins and daring taste. Cabernet Sauvignon, with its excessive tannin construction and notes of darkish fruit and cedar, successfully cuts by way of the fats, cleaning the palate and stopping the steak’s richness from overwhelming the senses. The wine’s sturdy character enhances the ribeye’s intense taste, making a balanced and satisfying pairing.
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Filet Mignon and Pinot Noir
Filet mignon, a lean and tender minimize, possesses a fragile taste profile that may be simply overpowered by assertive wines. Pinot Noir, with its mild to medium physique, smooth tannins, and brilliant acidity, offers a complementary pairing with out overwhelming the steak’s refined nuances. Its crimson fruit flavors and earthy undertones improve the filet mignon’s tenderness, making a harmonious and stylish mixture.
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New York Strip and Syrah/Shiraz
The New York strip, recognized for its agency texture and balanced taste, pairs properly with wines that exhibit a reasonable degree of tannins and a fancy array of flavors. Syrah/Shiraz, with its peppery notes, darkish fruit character, and smoky undertones, enhances the New York strip’s agency texture and savory taste. The wine’s spiciness enhances the steak’s inherent qualities, leading to a dynamic and flavorful pairing.
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Flank Steak and Malbec
Flank steak, a comparatively lean and flavorful minimize typically marinated, advantages from wines with brilliant fruit and a contact of earthiness. Malbec, with its plum and blackberry flavors, reasonable tannins, and smoky notes, enhances the flank steak’s marinated flavors and barely chewy texture. The wine’s fruit-forward character balances the steak’s savory notes, making a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.
The number of an acceptable wine should contemplate the precise traits of every minimize of steak. Understanding the interaction between fats content material, muscle construction, and taste profile allows the creation of pairings that improve each the steak and the wine. These examples display the significance of tailoring the wine option to the precise minimize to realize optimum culinary synergy. Take into account additionally preparation strategies; grilled steak can assist bolder wine decisions in comparison with pan-seared or sous vide preparations.
6. Cooking Methodology
The strategy employed to cook dinner steak considerably alters its taste profile and texture, thereby influencing the number of a complementary crimson wine. Totally different cooking strategies impart distinctive traits that necessitate particular wine pairings to realize optimum stability and improve the eating expertise.
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Grilling and Daring Reds
Grilling, characterised by excessive warmth and direct flame, imparts a smoky char and sturdy taste to the steak. These intense flavors necessitate a daring crimson wine with substantial tannins and fruit-forward notes. Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, with their skill to chop by way of the steak’s richness and complement the smoky character, are sometimes appropriate decisions. The excessive warmth of grilling additionally tends to decrease the notion of tannins, permitting the wine’s construction to shine with out overwhelming the palate.
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Pan-Searing and Medium-Bodied Wines
Pan-searing, involving cooking steak in a sizzling pan with oil or butter, creates a wealthy crust and preserves the steak’s pure juices. This technique yields a extra nuanced taste profile in comparison with grilling, requiring a wine with medium physique and balanced acidity. Merlot or Sangiovese, with their softer tannins and brilliant fruit flavors, complement the steak’s richness with out overpowering its delicate nuances. The managed warmth of pan-searing additionally permits the steak’s pure flavors to meld with the wine’s subtleties, making a harmonious pairing.
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Sous Vide and Delicate Flavors
Sous vide, a way involving cooking steak in a water tub at a exact temperature, ends in an evenly cooked and exceptionally tender product. This technique preserves the steak’s pure flavors and minimizes the event of intense char or crust. A lighter-bodied crimson wine with refined flavors and mild tannins is usually most popular. Pinot Noir, with its delicate crimson fruit notes and earthy undertones, enhances the steak’s tenderness with out overshadowing its pure taste. The exact temperature management of sous vide permits for a extra refined pairing, the place the wine’s subtleties might be totally appreciated.
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Broiling and Structured Wines
Broiling, just like grilling, includes excessive warmth from an overhead supply, leading to a charred exterior and a cooked inside. This technique produces a steak with a daring taste profile, necessitating a wine with enough construction and complexity. Bordeaux blends, with their mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and different varietals, supply a balanced mixture of tannins, fruit, and earthy notes that complement the broiled steak’s richness. The wine’s construction can stand as much as the extreme warmth and char of broiling, making a harmonious pairing.
The cooking technique employed considerably influences the steak’s taste profile and texture, thereby guiding the number of a complementary crimson wine. Grilling and broiling, with their intense warmth and smoky flavors, pair properly with daring, structured wines, whereas pan-searing and sous vide, with their extra nuanced flavors, profit from medium-bodied or lighter-bodied picks. Consideration of the cooking technique is essential for attaining optimum stability and enhancing the general eating expertise.
7. Regional Origin
The geographical origin of each the steak and the crimson wine considerably impacts the potential for a profitable pairing. Regional influences form the flavour profiles of each parts, creating distinct traits that should be thought of to realize optimum culinary concord.
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Terroir and Wine Traits
The idea of terroir, encompassing soil composition, local weather, and topography, profoundly influences a wine’s taste, acidity, and tannin construction. For instance, Bordeaux, France, famend for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, produces wines with earthy undertones and agency tannins, typically well-suited for pairing with sturdy, grass-fed beef from the identical area. Conversely, the hotter climates of Napa Valley, California, yield Cabernet Sauvignons with riper fruit flavors and softer tannins, probably higher matched with grain-finished steaks.
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Regional Cattle Breeds and Meat Taste
Totally different cattle breeds, typically particular to sure areas, exhibit various ranges of marbling, tenderness, and total taste complexity. Wagyu beef from Japan, recognized for its intense marbling, possesses a wealthy, buttery taste that will pair exceptionally properly with a fancy, full-bodied Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, Australia. In distinction, leaner breeds equivalent to Angus, frequent in Argentina, typically profit from the accompaniment of a Malbec from the Mendoza area, which provides a stability of fruit and earthiness.
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Conventional Culinary Practices
Regional culinary traditions typically dictate particular taste pairings which have advanced over time. In Tuscany, Italy, the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut porterhouse steak, is historically paired with Chianti Classico, a Sangiovese-based wine characterised by its brilliant acidity and savory notes. This pairing displays the native choice for wines that may minimize by way of the richness of the steak whereas complementing its inherent flavors. Equally, in Argentina, grilled asado is steadily loved with Malbec, a pairing that has turn out to be synonymous with the nation’s culinary identification.
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Local weather and Classic Variation
Local weather considerably influences each grape rising and cattle elevating, resulting in classic variations in wine and seasonal variations in meat high quality. Hotter vintages might produce wines with larger alcohol and riper fruit, whereas cooler vintages might end in wines with larger acidity and extra restrained flavors. Equally, seasonal differences in pasture high quality and feed availability can affect the marbling and taste of beef. Understanding these nuances permits for a extra nuanced number of wine to enrich the precise traits of the steak, contemplating each the 12 months and the area of origin.
In the end, the regional origin of each the steak and the wine offers important context for attaining a harmonious pairing. By contemplating the precise traits imparted by terroir, cattle breeds, culinary traditions, and local weather, people can improve their understanding of how regional influences contribute to the general sensory expertise of having fun with steak and wine collectively. The mix of each has affect on greatest crimson wine to drink with steak.
8. Classic Variation
Classic variation, the annual fluctuation in climate patterns throughout a rising season, considerably impacts the traits of crimson wine, thereby influencing its suitability for pairing with steak. Temperature, rainfall, and daylight publicity throughout the rising season immediately have an effect on grape ripeness, acidity, tannin construction, and total taste profile. Consequently, a wine from a heat classic will exhibit totally different qualities in comparison with a wine from a cooler classic, necessitating changes in pairing methods. A Bordeaux from a sizzling 12 months might current concentrated darkish fruit flavors and softer tannins, making it a wonderful accompaniment to richly marbled ribeye. Conversely, the identical wine from a cooler 12 months, characterised by larger acidity and firmer tannins, may pair higher with a leaner minimize like filet mignon.
Understanding classic variation is essential as a result of it determines the wine’s skill to enrich or distinction the steak’s traits successfully. For example, a California Cabernet Sauvignon from a drought 12 months may exhibit elevated alcohol ranges and a pronounced oak affect, probably overwhelming a gently flavored steak. On this case, a crimson wine from a area with a cooler local weather or a classic with extra reasonable situations may show a extra harmonious match. Equally, the classic 12 months can have an effect on the success of regional pairings. A Tuscan Chianti Classico from a wet 12 months might lack the construction and complexity to face as much as a historically ready Bistecca alla Fiorentina, whereas a hotter, sunnier classic may supply the requisite focus and tannin to enrich the steak’s richness. Recognizing classic variation permits for extra knowledgeable choices, shifting past basic varietal suggestions to particular picks that improve the eating expertise.
In abstract, classic variation represents a important ingredient within the number of crimson wine for steak pairings. The fluctuations in climate patterns throughout the rising season profoundly affect a wine’s taste profile and construction, immediately impacting its skill to enrich varied cuts and preparations of steak. Whereas basic varietal suggestions function a helpful start line, a nuanced understanding of classic variation permits for a extra refined and profitable pairing. The problem lies in accessing dependable data relating to classic traits and making use of that data to the precise context of steak choice, finally resulting in a extra satisfying culinary expertise. This understanding is key to deciding on the greatest crimson wine to drink with steak.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries and clarifies prevalent misconceptions relating to the number of crimson wine supposed for consumption with steak.
Query 1: Is Cabernet Sauvignon invariably the perfect choice?
Cabernet Sauvignon, acknowledged for its sturdy tannins and sophisticated taste profile, represents a standard pairing for richer cuts. Nonetheless, the appropriateness of this alternative is contingent upon the steak’s fats content material, preparation technique, and particular person style preferences. Alternate options equivalent to Merlot or Syrah might show extra appropriate for leaner cuts or these ready with milder seasoning.
Query 2: Does worth immediately correlate with pairing suitability?
Whereas higher-priced wines typically exhibit better complexity and ageing potential, correlation with pairing suitability stays oblique. Distinctive pairings might be achieved with reasonably priced picks offered that consideration is given to tannin construction, acidity stability, and taste depth relative to the steak’s traits.
Query 3: How does steak preparation affect wine choice?
Steak preparation profoundly influences the flavour profile. Grilled steaks, characterised by smoky notes, pair properly with bolder wines. Conversely, pan-seared steaks, exhibiting extra nuanced flavors, might profit from lighter-bodied picks. The cooking technique dictates the depth and complexity of the steak’s flavors, impacting the wine’s capability to enrich the dish.
Query 4: Are white wines categorically unsuitable for steak pairings?
Whereas crimson wines are historically favored, sure full-bodied white wines, significantly these with oak ageing and ample acidity, can complement leaner cuts of steak or these ready with lighter sauces. A Chardonnay with noticeable oak affect or a Viognier can present a counterpoint to the steak’s richness with out overpowering its taste.
Query 5: Ought to classic variation affect pairing choices?
Classic variation considerably influences wine traits. Wines from hotter vintages might exhibit riper fruit and softer tannins, whereas cooler vintages might produce wines with larger acidity and firmer tannins. Changes to wine choice primarily based on classic are advisable to make sure optimum stability with the steak’s taste profile.
Query 6: Is regionality a major consideration for pairing?
Regionality represents a big, albeit not unique, issue. Wines from areas recognized for producing sturdy reds typically complement steaks from areas recognized for high-quality beef. Nonetheless, pairings needs to be primarily guided by taste profiles and structural parts moderately than strict adherence to geographical origin.
Optimum crimson wine choice necessitates a complete evaluation of the steak’s traits, preparation strategies, and particular person preferences. Common suggestions function a helpful start line, however particular pairings needs to be tailor-made to realize a harmonious stability of flavors.
The next part will discover superior methods for crimson wine choice and talk about the affect of particular sauces and aspect dishes on optimum pairings.
Navigating Pink Wine Choice for Steak
The next insights present actionable steerage on optimizing crimson wine pairings for steak, specializing in key elements to reinforce the general eating expertise.
Tip 1: Consider Steak Fats Content material: Fatty cuts, equivalent to ribeye, require wines with larger tannin ranges to chop by way of the richness. Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends are sometimes appropriate.
Tip 2: Account for Cooking Methodology Affect: Grilling imparts smoky flavors, necessitating wines with bolder fruit and construction. Syrah or Zinfandel can complement this profile.
Tip 3: Assess Sauce Enhances: Sauces considerably alter the pairing dynamic. A barnaise sauce pairs properly with a Merlot, whereas a peppercorn sauce advantages from a Syrah.
Tip 4: Take into account Regional Pairings Synergies: Sure areas supply traditionally appropriate pairings. Tuscan steak with Chianti Classico exemplifies this synergy.
Tip 5: Scrutinize Wine Acidity: Sufficient acidity is essential for cleaning the palate. Sangiovese or Cabernet Franc can present a refreshing counterpoint to wealthy steaks.
Tip 6: Prioritize Stability: Stability between the steak’s depth and the wine’s construction is paramount. A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir enhances leaner cuts like filet mignon.
Tip 7: Decant When Applicable: Decanting older wines permits for aeration and tannin softening, enhancing their compatibility with steak.
Adhering to those rules allows a extra nuanced and satisfying pairing course of, leading to a harmonious mix of flavors.
The following part offers a conclusion and remaining reflections on the artwork and science of pairing crimson wine with steak.
Conclusion
The previous exploration has underscored the multifaceted concerns inherent in deciding on a crimson wine to enrich steak. Elements such because the minimize of steak, cooking technique, oak affect, tannin construction, acidity stability, taste depth, regional origin, and classic variation exert vital affect on the potential for a harmonious pairing. Whereas basic suggestions exist, a nuanced understanding of those parameters is crucial for attaining a very distinctive culinary expertise. Blindly adhering to standard pairings, equivalent to Cabernet Sauvignon with all steak preparations, might be detrimental, overlooking the subtleties that distinguish totally different cuts and cooking kinds.
In the end, the pursuit of essentially the most appropriate crimson wine to drink with steak represents an ongoing endeavor, topic to particular person preferences and evolving palates. The data introduced offers a framework for knowledgeable decision-making, empowering people to navigate the complexities of wine and meals pairing. Steady experimentation and a willingness to discover numerous varietals and regional kinds will additional refine one’s understanding and appreciation of this symbiotic relationship. The last word goal is to not uncover a single “greatest” wine, however moderately to domesticate the data and sensitivity essential to create customized pairings that elevate each the meals and the wine to their fullest potential.