“Love is in the Air”

It’s February the 14th and with music of “Love is in the air” the spirits get uplifted to fall in love with each other while falling in love with the best food & wine. With years of change and liberation, speaking the language of love is getting more and more free, elegant & fine-dine matter!!

With couples planning ahead and partners planning to surprise their loved ones with a great Romantic feeling to cherish each moment just like they are Committed to Live Forever…. Speaking of that today we are going to give you some enlightening information about the best ways to Spice up your Valentine’s Day mood lifting the right Spirits.

*****The Author or the website or the company does not support Drinking Habit!! Warning: Excessive use of alcohol is harmful to health. We do not support drinking for minors*****

“Spirited Love symbol: Wines”

The most loved and the most romantic of all Spirits when it comes to Valentine’s Day and the subtle moments has always been “Wine”. Wine is associated with love, warm, bubbling and romantic moments. In many cultures, wine is considered a symbol of celebration and is often served during special occasions, including romantic dinners, weddings and anniversaries. Drinking wine together can be a bonding experience, as it allows you to slow down, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. And what is the best moment to experience all these emotions together, it’s none other than “Valentine’s Day.”

In terms of selecting a wine to pair with your favorite romantic meal and the special moment, it really depends on your personal preference, likes and choices and in most times the availability. The wine drinking and tasting trend is growing globally and India is not behind in any way. Today we will be helping you out choosing the right Wines for your best moment tomorrow as well as anytime you want to experience the same feeling later. Just keep in mind that “Moderation is the Key” and Wines are best when they are enjoyed slowly, in little quantities and with great companions or great food.

You will be surprised to see that we now grow and age our own Wines in India. We have a rich history of enjoying fermented drinks and with a pinch of spices, and in recent years, wine has become more popular among Indian consumers as well as India wines are getting popular abroad. The wine market in India is growing, with a preference for sweet, fruity, and low alcohol content wines.

Wines are paired to counterbalance the burn of spices/chilies/peppers are wines that have these 3 traits: they’re served cold, they have lower alcohol, and some sweetness.

• Spiciness of Wines: on a scale of Low/Medium/High
• Sweetness of Wines: Dry/ Half-dry/Sweet

“Wines & Indian Food pairing”

Here are some wine recommendations that might appeal to the Indian palate:

Moscato: Moscato is a sweet, lightly sparkling wine with fruity notes of peaches and apricots. So, if you and your loved one have a taste for the Tropics and yet want to try on something ethnic yet zingy go for “Moscato”. Its low alcohol content makes it a popular choice among Indian wine drinkers. Moscato is best paired with many popular dishes including chicken masala, vindaloo lamb and vegetable jalfrezi, mostly all fried, spicy curries can be paired with them. The key to pairing wine with this dish is to respect the spice level by matching it with fruity wines that can be served cool or cold and to complement the red tomatoes with a red or rosé wine.

Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a bold red wine with fruity and spicy notes, which makes it a good match for Indian cuisine. It has a moderate alcohol content and is a popular choice for special occasions. Zinfandel is often paired with the popular Korma, Pasanda, Makhani (Butter Chicken), Tikka Masala, Malai, Panner, Mushroom, Tofu grilled or Tandoor dishes. These dishes use heavy cream, half-and-half, hung curd, or coconut milk to soften rich spices and form a thick sauce. Zinfandel pairs best with slow cooked, charred dishes which have zingy, peppery high spice levels.

Riesling: Riesling is a white wine with a sweet, fruity flavors that can complement spicy Indian dishes. It has a low to medium alcohol content and is a good choice for those who prefer a lighter wine. This is one of the most popular paired Wine with most Indian cuisines and you will always find one of them on the Specials Menu. Riesling is often paired with milder, softer preparations like yellow curries, chana masala or Rajma masala, Tikki’s, Kaju curry, etc.

Shiraz: Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine with spicy and fruit flavors, making it a good match for spicy Indian dishes. It has a moderate alcohol content and is a popular choice for special occasions. This is the most romantic colored Wine and most favorites when you want to toast to something more intimate. Shiraz is best paired with leafy greens that are slow cooked with creams, onions, and spices to create a rich herbaceous sauce. The most popular dishes are the ones with Lamb or slow cooked meat options.

Prosecco or Rose wine: Rose is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of foods. It has a light and refreshing flavors and is a great option for a romantic Valentine’s Day evening. Due to its low alcohol content, it is also enjoyed by most to keep the magic of the evening kindling and going on. Prosecco and Rose wine are best paired with deep fried samosas, momos to anything rich, creamy sauces, like makhani or butter chicken or paneer combinations.

“Global Wines & Food pairing”

After getting to know about our Local Indian options let’s have a look at the popular global Italian, French Wine pioneers. Wines have always been paired with not just the type of foods but also with popular aged or soft cheeses. Let’s see if you can find your favorite pairs today with the ones listed below.

Champagne – Champagne is a classic choice for special occasions especially Valentine’s Day. A bottle of Champagne can set the mood and add a celebratory touch to the evening. Best food to be paired with Champagne is caviar, mac & cheese, light pan seared fish or even classic fried chicken or white truffles.

Pinot Noir – Pinot Noir is known for its delicate and complex flavours, making it a popular choice for romantic dinners. It’s a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled salmon, duck, and lamb or even grilled mushrooms. Some hearty dishes like Risotto, Brussels sprouts or umami flavoured Italian dishes are best paired with Pinot Noir.

Cabernet Sauvignon – Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine with bold flavors of dark fruit and a hint of spice. It’s a great choice for steak or any other hearty meat dishes and most enjoyed with the Main dishes of the menu. If you do not enjoy meat, don’t worry you can pair it with some hearty Cheese dishes like Cheddar, Gouda, Gorgonzola creamy pizza (Fromage) or aged cheese.

Moscato – Moscato is a sweet and fruity wine that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. It’s a light-bodied wine that’s easy to drink and pairs well with desserts or soft, creamy, spicy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Pepper Jack or spicy chicken wings.

Rose – Rose is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of foods. It has a light and refreshing flavors and is a great option for spring and summer. It is best paired with Feta and spinach Pizza combination or eggs, Seafood options. Best cheeses paired with Rose wines are Feta, mozzarella, baby Swiss, cheddar.

Hope you all have enjoyed reading this information about how wines are not just romantic but can be paired intelligently to set your and your loved one’s mood. Regardless of the wine you choose, remember to drink responsibly and in moderation. May your love & life stay spirited & committed for trust, faith and forgiveness towards each other, Forever. Cheers to a lovely Valentine’s Day!

*****The Author or the website or the company does not support Drinking Habit!! Warning: Excessive use of alcohol is harmful to health. We do not support drinking for minors. Don’t Drink & Drive*****

Author: Mrs. Shruti Prashant Kulkarni
B.Sc. (Foods & Nutrition), M.Sc. (Public Health)
Clinical Nutritionist, Diabetes Educator & Counsellor, Ph.D. scholar
Research & Product Domain Expert (Atreya Innovations Pvt Ltd)
Chief Nutrition Counsellor (Germany)

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