Abstract:

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in food and beverage pairing research, yet much of the available information stems from experiential knowledge rather than empirical studies. This study bridges that gap by exploring professional food pairing practices using complex, high-value Swedish products, specifically focusing on white wine, sparkling wine, and sturgeon caviar. Through involving semi-structured interviews with experts in wine and caviar combinations, our empirical findings highlight the intricate interplay between sensory attributes and contextual elements in shaping the dining experience. While specific assurances of an optimal pairing may be elusive, general recommendations proved effective, underscoring the subjective nature of taste perception and emphasized the importance of social interaction in discovering ideal pairings for guests. For example, Swedish wines was recommended to explained and the caviar shown how to be eaten. These preliminary findings from a pilot study lay the groundwork for further investigation into food pairings.

Keywords:

Sommelier, beverage combination, Sturgeon caviar, sustainable products, Expert insights