Water and wine influence each other - both, positively and negatively
Have you ever wondered which water pairs best with which wine? Or why the wine suddenly tastes different after a sip of water? Here you will find the answers.
Which water pairs best with which wine?
As a golden rule, the more sweetness in the wine, the more carbonation the water may have. Accordingly, a sweet white wine is better served with a lot of carbonic acid, as this emphasizes the fruitiness of the wine. On the other hand, a off-dry or dry white wine can be combined with a medium water. Drinking red wine one should avoid carbonated water,
since the carbonic acid does not pair with the tannins in the red wine, as the wine can taste bitter.
What role do minerals play in water?
Numerous water / wine tastings have shown that, in addition to its carbonic acid content, minerals can also have a major influence on the taste of the wine. A low mineralized medium water tastes sour by itself due to the carbonic acid it contains. If such water is paired, for example, with a dry Riesling, the acidity of the wine is clearly emphasized, which makes it taste extra sour. In turn, this water might be a better match for a semi-dry Riesling.
A white wine that is characterized by a salty touch is usually harmonized with a water that has a high sodium chloride content. The salt in the water supports the taste of the wine in the aftertaste. A water rich in calcium and magnesium, on the other hand, can give the white wine a sweet flavor.
The amount of bicarbonate in the water can also be crucial. Not only when it comes to the taste, but also after the wine has been enjoyed. This is because bicarbonate has the positive effect of binding acid. Accordingly, the mineral balances the acid-base balance and can therefore prevent heartburn.
In the case of red wine, still mineral waters with a balanced mineralization are generally suitable. But here, too, there have been surprises during tastings. For example, guests once chose a water with a high sodium content as their favorite match to the red wine.
As you can see, it is not so easy to find the right water to pair with wine (especially when it comes to wine spritzers 😝). The experience shows that there is no all-round water that pairs with all the wines of a winery. Instead winemakers should offer several mineral waters.
My recommendation: Try out various mineral waters with different mineralization and carbon dioxide content and see which water harmonizes particularly well with which wine. Ideally, this should be done with the help of a water sommelier.
Would you like to discover the influence of water on wine yourself?
Then please feel free to visit the tasting page and register for a non-binding tasting.
I am also happy to arrange customized tastings for corporate events, weddings or Christmas parties.
Many greetings
Timo Bausch
Certified Water Sommelier
About Timo Bausch
My fascination with mineral waters began in 2016 during my training as a Water Sommelier. Since then, I have been exploring the characteristics and diversity of water. In addition to pairing water with food, wine, coffee and other beverages, I offer the creation of water menus for restaurants and hotels. Furthermore, it is also important to me to draw attention to the importance of drinking water.