France is one of the leading wine powerhouses in Europe. Because wine is produced throughout the country, it is able to produce wines that are rich in the individuality and diversity of each producing region, and they are world-class in terms of high quality and recognition.
In France, a country famous for its fine cuisine, the word "mariage" (marriage) is used to describe the good compatibility between food and wine, and people enjoy having a mariage meal in their daily lives.
This time, we'll talk about French wine and pairing it with other dishes.
French wine
France, with its warm and fertile soil, has a climate suitable for growing grapes, and has produced world-class wines under strict regulations since ancient times. There are 10 main wine-producing regions, but the most famous of these are Bordeaux and Burgundy.
These two wine-producing regions established themselves as renowned wine-producing regions in the 4th century, and are now said to be models and rivals for wine producers around the world.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is located in the southwest of France, where Nakayoshi Shoji's French office is located, and wine producers called chateaux make wine by blending multiple varieties of grapes.
Each chateau has accumulated know-how in grape blending, and Bordeaux wine is characterized by its complex and deep flavor, created by mixing varieties with different acidity, richness, and sweetness.
Bordeaux wine is made from grapes rich in tannins, which combine to produce sediment during the aging process. Therefore, by making the bottles shaped like a berm, the sediment that is produced during the wine aging process is trapped at the berm and prevented from entering the glass.
Tulip-shaped glasses are commonly used so that the wine can be spread over the tongue, softening the astringency of the tannins.
Burgundy
Located in the northwest of France, about two hours from Paris, Burgundy is a region where landowners called Domaines produce wine from a single variety of grape.
Burgundy wine is made from a single variety of grapes, so the individuality of the Domaine is directly reflected in the wine. The grapes used are basically Pinot Noir (red wine) and Chardonnay (white wine), and Burgundy wine is characterized by a clean taste and rich aroma. Beaujolais Nouveau, which is famous in Japan, is actually made in Burgundy.
Wine cellars in Burgundy are small and space is limited, so the bottles have sloping shoulders to store them compactly, alternating up and down.
The most commonly used wine glasses are those with a narrow rim at the top. This shape is designed to tilt the chin when drinking wine, preventing the wine from spreading to the outside of the tongue, which senses acidity, allowing you to fully enjoy Burgundy wine, which is characterized by its rich aroma.
Wine and food pairing
In Burgundy and Bordeaux, the flavors of the wines vary, so the dishes that go with them also change.
For example, full-bodied Bordeaux red wines with firm tannins go well with beef and red meat, while light to medium-bodied Burgundy wines with a pronounced acidity go well with chicken, pork dishes, and seafood.
However, everyone has different tastes and preferences. One way to enjoy wine is to try different wine and food combinations and find your own "mariage." White wines that go well with light dishes such as seafood and chicken also match well with Japanese food, so you may discover an unexpected "mariage."
In these times when people are continuing to stay at home, it seems like it would be fun to try out your own unique marriage at home.
Pairing of tableware and wine
Why not take advantage of the opportunity to pair your tableware with the wine and food?
Enjoying wine and food with your favorite tableware and glasses is a special experience, making mealtimes even more enjoyable.
RIVERET's bamboo tableware also covers wine glasses and table plates, allowing you to enjoy the "marriage of wine, food, and tableware."
Bamboo is a warm material that is less likely to break than glass and is dishwasher safe, making it extremely easy to use.
It's easy to carry and perfect for picnics and camping during this warm season.
Why not take some time to enjoy your own unique marriage experience?
