Which Way to the Wine, Please!

For most people, arguably so, wine is and has always been a welcomed staple of both simple fellowship as well as food consumption. The question, however, is with the vast assortment of available types, brands, and flavors, how does one choose the perfect wine to pair with the perfect fare? I'm going to explain just that and my favorite culinary combinations for even the most discerning palate that will have you raving to all your friends or be the envy of them, whichever suits your needs (insert wink emoticon).

First, I must note that wine preferences truly belong to the individual and often come with time, trial, and personal taste affinity. Being able to recommend on a large scale could be completely futile due to the great width of the variation scope of wine. I do believe when it comes to pairing wine with food, a key point to follow is to select a wine that doesn't combat the food with its bitterness, so dry wines should generally be avoided. It is much safer to choose one that is on the semi-sweet side, because it would be more compatible on the pH scale so as to not conflict with the flavors you are attempting to harmonize.

That brings me to the wine brand of choice for this topic: Stella Rosa. Not only is Stella Rosa a D.O.C.G. Italian wine, which is the highest classification Italian wines can be awarded, it's the #1 Italian import wine and the #4 best-selling wine brand. It is made using the "Charmar" method that is used in Italy with grapes grown in Piedmont. The regular Stella Rosa red and white wines have between 5% and 6.5% alcohol content, because they are 100% fruit and the sugar is from the actual grapes, which provide the sweet flavor. The alcohol content is intentionally kept low to retain the real fruit flavor as much as possible. These wines are vegan and gluten-free.

Truthfully, almost any Stella Rosa flavor would pair handsomely with a variety of food options, but I will focus on Stella Rosa Black today. This red wine is a deep, robust color and incorporates the natural flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry. It is seductive, rich, and full-bodied with a hint of sweetness and is best served chilled. This particular Stella wine is 110 calories per serving and has 16 grams of total carbs, if you're keeping a close watch on those for dietary purposes.

The combination of berries in Stella Black come together to make a unique taste that go exceptionally well with both seafood and poultry alike. If you add cheeses and spices to the recipes, well now you've created an absolutely delectable match made in heaven! The smoothness of Stella Black makes it the very best choice to pair with the two tasty dishes I will describe next.

For example, let's start with a wild-caught Atlantic grilled salmon fillet topped with a Parmesan crab and lobster cream sauce and spicy asparagus on the side. The berry notes mellow out the vivid taste of the salmon, crab, and lobster while enhancing the spices in the asparagus, creating a flavor explosion that is sure to leave a lasting impression for your memory's (and taste buds') delight.

Secondly, let's try it with a Tuscan chicken breast with herbs, tomatoes, and broccoli over white rice and Texas toast garlic bread on the side. In this pairing, the berry notes dance with the multiple flavors and textures of the different components of this meal. The garlic is also distinctly amplified, but is still easily consumed for a signature finish that will have you eager for seconds (maybe even thirds).

These are just two cuisine samples that Stella Rosa wine compliments quite well. The possibilities are endless with this wine brand as the available selection. You, your family, and your guests will request it by name once they try it, especially when accompanying these opulent spreads. You are certain to be the talk of the town as the dinner party champion for years to come. Thank me later!

If you enjoyed this article, don't forget to like and share! Thank you for taking the time to read today. -T.L.