Jermaine Stone, along with Winter House stars Danielle Olivera and Jordan Emanuel, shares his top food and wine pairing tips for colder temperatures. In an exclusive interview with We, Stone, the host of the show Street Somm on Tastemade, matches his preferred cold weather meals with his favorite wines, emphasizing that the dish doesn't have to be extravagant to be mouthwatering.
"When considering the pairing of wine and food, there is often an assumption that it should be reserved for fancy and extravagant tastings," he explains as he prepares for their initial tasting session. "Personally, I have a fondness for ramen because it reminds me of my upbringing. Therefore, I prefer to begin with something that brings me genuine pleasure."
For their first pairing, Stone opts to pair Chenin Blanc with a bowl of top ramen. Contrary to popular belief that red wines are better suited for colder seasons, Stone emphasizes that the key factor lies in the wine's texture and weight, rather than its color.
Danielle, aged 34, and Jordan, aged 31, are getting ready to sample the varietal. Stone proceeds to offer some guidance to the Bravo stars on the correct way to evaluate the wine.
"We will be indulging in the wine by appreciating it from all angles," he explains. "To begin with, take a moment to observe the color. Appreciate its beauty, much like you would with a painting. Next, give it a gentle swirl."
Danielle Olivera, Jordan Emanuel. Bravo (2)
While staying at Winter House, Danielle's beverage preference includes a "morning beer" followed by an "afternoon tequila." On the other hand, Jordan leans towards a "Moscow mule" for a more mellow choice. However, both women enjoy sipping on a glass of white wine during winter, and they were pleasantly surprised by the delicious Chenin Blanc they tried.
For the upcoming pairing, Stone decides to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop by featuring Jamaican cuisine. He sources authentic Jamaican beef patties directly from his hometown of the Bronx, which will be excellently complemented by a Blanc de Noirs. This particular white wine is crafted from red grapes, creating a unique blend.
Jermaine Stone. Youtube
“Although it may seem unconventional, when people hear red grapes, they immediately think of red wine. However, the color of wine actually comes from the contact it has with the grape skins,” explains Stone. “If a deeper red wine is desired, winemakers will prolong the skin contact during the process.”
Before making a name for himself on his popular food show, Stone worked in the shipping department of a wine auction warehouse while pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper. It was during this time in the wine industry that Stone, often known as the “Wolf of Wine,” discovered his passion for wine and saw an opportunity to merge it with his love for hip-hop. He took it upon himself to establish his own marketing agency, successfully intertwining the two industries.
On Street Somm, Stone embarks on a culinary journey across the country, meeting like-minded food enthusiasts and exploring diverse cuisines. Throughout his Tastemade series, his mission is to discover the perfect wine that enhances the flavors of each meal. Stone encourages viewers to challenge conventional thinking about wine and embrace new perspectives. He aims to stimulate the mind and inspire individuals to think more creatively about their wine choices, even when he is not present.
The season finale of Street Somm will be airing on Monday, October 30th, on the Tastemade streaming channel, which can be accessed from anywhere. Past episodes can also be found on-demand in the Tastemade mobile and TV apps, and are ad-free with Tastemade+.