Food and Wine Pairing: Iconic Dishes to Serve with White Wine

A glass of white wine served with a crisp, fresh salad

Many wine enthusiasts will agree that a glass of crisp, fresh, zippy white wine can be divine with a large selection of dishes. However, there are some nuances that must be considered when pairing various white wines such as a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc or an oaked Chardonnay. Pairing wine with the right dish can truly elevate your dining experience. Not all foods pair well with all wines. Whether you are at a restaurant or looking to cook something special at home to pair with a bottle of Kingston Estate Chardonnay in your cellar, for example, you would need to follow these simple wine pairing principles to make a good match. Wine Pairing Basics: A Refresher Course We’ve previously discussed the importance of observing the key principles of wine pairing when choosing which dishes are best to serve. These principles are components to consider in both the food and wine are acid, body, texture/tannins, sweetness, richness/alcohol and flavour profile.  Regardless of whether you are pairing a red or white wine, these principles will always be the same. Choosing the right meal to pair with wine comes down to observing the basic taste components of both parties.  For example, an Assyrtiko pairs well with a ceviche because they both have fresh aroma profiles and the acid of the wine also cuts through the fattiness of the raw fish. In addition, if you want to create a complex, layered pairing, contrast a spicy curry with a sweet, off-dry Riesling or Gewurztraminer for balance where the sweetness of the wine balances and compliments the spicy notes of the food.  Iconic Dishes That Pair Well with White Wine Below, we feature some of the most iconic food and white wine pairings for various grape varietals. While these pairings may not be to everyone’s taste, they are the ideal starting guide for those wine enthusiasts that are looking to master wine pairing principles.  Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre: This pairing is an example of complementing a regional wine with local cuisine. The intensely crisp flavour profile and high acid structure of Sancerre pairs perfectly with the creaminess and saltiness of goat cheese. Perfect with a salad or as a pre-dinner treat.  Lobster and Oak-Aged Chardonnay: The butteriness of oak-aged Chardonnay and the richness of lobster have long been considered as a perfect food and wine marriage. Typically, an oaked Chardonnay, depending on where it comes from, usually offers the best of both a vibrancy and a richness that pair well with shellfish.  Prune and almond tart with Gewurztraminer: A prune and almond dessert offers the perfect combination of nuttiness and tartness to complement the velvety, aromatic nature of a sweet Gewurztraminer.  Thai or Indian curry with German Riesling: German Riesling such as from Alsace or Mosel is the perfect complement for spicier dishes, especially wines with some residual sugar. The sharpness of the zesty flavour profile coupled with slight sweetness perfectly balances the aromatics and heat of curries. Roast duck with Pinot Gris: A …

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The Ultimate Malbec Wine Pairing Ideas

A women drinking a glass of red wine

The Malbec grape variety is a favourite among many sommeliers, industry professionals, and wine aficionados because a good Malbec can offer bang for your buck. This dry red wine appeals to many for various reasons including its approachable dark fruity aromas. Indigenous to France, Malbec is typically used both as a blending grape and as a single varietal. Although, nowadays many would be more familiar with a Malbec from Argentina. Another popular reason this red wine is a fan favourite is due to its natural pairing ability with various dishes such as red meat, cheese, herbs and spices. Below, we delve deeper into how best to serve this wine and the pairings you should consider at your next dinner party.  Malbec: How Best to Serve This Wine The proper service of wine is an element of the wine tasting experience that many don’t pay enough attention to. We’ve spoken previously about how a wine’s serving temperature can impact both its aroma and taste profile. This is true for all wines, including red wines such as Malbec.  There is a misconception that full-bodied, red wines should be served at room temperature or above 21℃ (70℉). This is far from the truth. Instead, for a big red like Malbec to maintain its round tannins and lush mouthfeel, it benefits from slight cooling.  Place in the fridge for 25 minutes and cool to between 17-21°C (63 – 69℉), then proceed to serve in a large red wine glass with a good surface area. This will allow for the wine to breathe allowing the aroma profile to open up.  4 Wine Pairings to Try With Malbec Now that you understand how to serve Malbec, let’s look at the various food pairing options that you can enjoy with a glass of this delicious red varietal.  Salmon Tartare Appetizer  While Malbec is often thought of as a bold, full-bodied red wine that doesn’t mean it can’t be paired with a pre-dinner appetizer. In fact, many sommeliers note that an elegant appetizer such as this Salmon Tartare by Saveur using a mixture of soy sauce, cilantro, and a skinless salmon filet is a perfect match.  Since salmon is a fattier, richer fish it can pair well with a  young, medium body Malbec.  Garlic and Jalapeño Bison Burgers  An Argentinian Malbec is capable of complementing and balancing juicy, red meats such as sirloin steak and gamey, earthy meats such as bison or buffalo. If you are looking for a main dish that will leave a lasting impression, this Garlic and Jalapeño bison burger recipe by Primal Palate is a must-try.  The spiciness of the jalapeño combined with the richness of the meat pairs well with the full bodiness of the wine ensuring that neither element overpowers the other.  Vegetable Beef Stew  A hearty beef and vegetable stew such as this recipe by the Spruce Eats is an ideal pairing with Malbec. Packed with flavour, this stew calls for a wine that is as hearty, intense, and comforting as …

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Wine Tasting Skills: Tips for Developing Your Palate

A woman sipping red wine as part of a wine tasting

Training your wine palate requires consistency, dedication, and a lot of practice. It is a skill that must be honed through hours of tasting and through noting and memorizing the smaller nuances that make different vintages and grape varietals distinct. While there are those who have a naturally attuned wine palate, wine tasting skills should and can be developed.  In this article, we will provide simple techniques and tips that you can use to help strengthen your ability to discern notes of fruit, floral, earthy, herbal and so much more.  The Art of Wine Tasting: Why a Developed Palate is Key The palate is triggered by four senses: sight, smell, feel (texture) and taste. In order to prime your palate, you need to ensure that you are fully engaged with each of these senses during the wine tasting experience. Only once you have mastered the skill of harmonizing all of the aforementioned senses, then you will notice an improvement in your ability to better detect various aromas and notes more easily.  Properly tasting wine should bring an elevated experience to your enjoyment of the product. That is why practicing and developing your palate is key in taking that enjoyment to the next level. Once you have mastered these wine tasting skills, you will notice your taste preferences broadening which will open your eyes, mind and palate to a wider range of wine.  Wine Tasting Skills: Tips for Training Your Palate Whether you are tasting at an event, in the comfort of your own home or with a group of friends, there are helpful tips and techniques you can use as part of wine palate training. These exercises will allow you to hone your analytical wine skills as well as refine your wine vocabulary.   Follow Your Nose A wine’s smell will play a large role in your perception of the wine before your glass even reaches your lips. Sniffing your wine prior to tasting will give you an immediate sense of a wine’s aroma. Having said that, it is essential to swirl your wine glass first as this will introduce oxygen and therefore, the aromas will open up.  Once the wine has been aerated, you can proceed to experience the aromas more profoundly. As part of developing your wine palate, training your nose to decipher between savoury and sweet notes such as spices or fruit aromas will tremendously improve your confidence in a tasting.  To train your nose, take time to smell fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs at a grocery or market. This will help with building a catalogue of smells in your mind as the olfactory system is linked to memory and this will really help you in identifying them when wine tasting. Take Some Air With Each Sip Since some flavours in a wine are only triggered in the presence of oxygen, you must learn the art of aspiration. This requires you to take a small sip of the wine and suck a bit of air into your mouth …

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Riesling Wine: How Well Does It Age?

A sommelier prepares a glass of Riesling wine for tasting

As a white grape varietal, Riesling is well-known by professionals and consumers in the food and wine industry. While still a fan favourite amongst sommeliers, its limited retail presence has caused this wine to slip under the radar of some. However, the question many ask about Riesling is: Does it age well?  Riesling can in fact be enjoyed both young or aged, depending on the style and structure of the wine. However, there are many considerations that must be kept in mind when choosing to age this wine. Below, we look at the characteristics of the Riesling grape and provide recommendations on how to store Riesling correctly during the ageing process.  What Are the Main Characteristics of Riesling? Riesling is an aromatic grape varietal. Known for producing white wine that is floral and fruit-driven, this grape is grown in many reputable wine regions across the world, most notably Mosel Valley, Germany.  This white grape is often characterized by its moderate size, green skin, high acidity and light body. Notable tasting notes for this grape include citrus, stone fruit, rose blossom and petrol (when aged). Rieslings are also known for expressing their terroir and come in many styles. You can expect variations in terms of flavour, dryness, and sweetness.  For more information on the origins of this versatile grape, read our in-depth guide to Riesling wine.  Does the Riesling Grape Get Better With Age? Many think ageing is only suitable for red wines. But, in fact, many white wines such as Rieslings can evolve beautify with age in bottle. In fact, in recent years, older German Rieslings have come to prominence among sommeliers although it is still somewhat of a secret to consumers of the mass wine market.  As part of aging, one consideration that is looked at is a wine’s structure. Wines that have a complex structure and high acid are known to develop with age. In the case of white wine, the Riesling grape falls into this category – therefore, making it a worthy wine to age.  As noted above, a young Riesling will be unequivocally fresh, vibrant and fruit-forward. However, the profile of an older Riesling is much more complex and interesting. Riesling gains balance and density with age. Prominent flavours such as toast, honey and petrol are known to develop, while the fresh fruit characteristics known in its younger state become more subtle.  Riesling is considered aged after five years and Riesling which is high in acid and sugar or both can sometimes be cellared for twenty years or longer. Having said that, cellaring a Riesling must be done with care – otherwise, it won’t improve with age.  Wine Storage Considerations: How to Store Riesling Correctly How successfully a Riesling ages depends on three factors: the complexity of aromas, acidity levels and residual sugar. As the wine is so versatile and offers both dry, off-dry and sweet versions, you will need a storage method that is as multifaceted as the wine itself.  Wine storage principles such as …

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The Importance of Understanding Wine Aroma

A man sniffing a glass of white wine as part of wine tasting.

We’ve spoken previously about the importance of mastering wine tasting skills in order to truly appreciate every glass of wine. One of the core basics of wine tasting is identifying the nose of a wine – its condition, intensity, and aroma characteristics.  As you may already know, determining a wine’s aromatic profile is just as important as being able to decipher whether a wine is bitter, salty, or sweet. After all, our first initial impression of a wine is based on the scents that we can identify – and the memories that they evoke.  Below, we discuss the importance of understanding aromas in wine and detail the core aroma compounds that can be found in a wine. If you’re looking to improve your next wine tasting, the insights noted below will help you achieve that.  Wine Basics: Why You Need to Understand A Wine’s Aromas There will always be those who roll their eyes when you use descriptors for wine aroma. Can you really denote hints of rose petal, grapefruit, and clay pot just by sniffing a wine? The answer is yes and it is cemented in scientific reasoning.  Our olfactory system allows us to discern between millions of aromas at any given moment. In fact, our sense of smell affects how our brain processes flavour. When evaluating and tasting a wine, the primary method by which this is done is by detecting the aromas. Therefore, having a mental library of scents that you can rely on is beneficial and will noticeably improve your wine tasting skills.  It is important to note that in wine tasting there is generally a distinction between a wine’s “aroma” and its “bouquet”. Aromas refer to the scents that are unique to different grape varieties. A wine’s bouquet, on the other hand, will note those scents that have been created due to chemical reactions during the winemaking process or exposure to oak.  The Core Aroma Compounds Found in Wine Aromas are a result of organic chemical compounds that are found in various grape varietals. Others known as esters are created during the fermentation process. Depending on how sensitive our nose is and how concentrated the compounds are, our brains can naturally decipher many of these core aroma compounds.  Below, we note the core compounds that every wine enthusiast should familiarize themselves with:  Terpenes – Terpenes are compounds that naturally reside in the skin of a grape. They are also commonly found elsewhere in nature such as flowers and plants. These compounds are responsible for scents such as rose petals, desert sage, lavender, white pepper and floral citrus aromas.  Thiols – The thiol compound is responsible for those bittersweet fruit aromas. Oftentimes in small amounts, they appear quite fruity. However, in large quantities, they can appear more earthy or smoky. Three classic examples of thiols are grapefruit in a Sauvignon Blanc, black currant in Merlot and chocolate in an Argentine Malbec. Pyrazines – Pyrazines are an organic compound that are common in various grape varietals. They …

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Chianti: A Guide to Tasting Notes & Food Pairing Ideas

An image depicting a rolling hillside covered in vineyards.

As an export, Chianti is as famous and respected as pasta, pizza, and espresso. Many wine enthusiasts will be able to cast their minds back to a particularly fond memory of tasting this renowned Italian wine.  Many have asked the question: Is Chianti a grape or a region? Similar to Bordeaux or Champagne, Chianti derives its name from its place of origin rather than its grape varietal. Made primarily with the classic Tuscan grape, Sangiovese, this wine is more than just its flavour profile – its true essence derives from the region and sub-regions it is produced in. Below, we will look at the wine region that gave its name to this red wine, the typical tasting notes and the ideal dishes to serve with Chianti.  Chianti: Understanding the Region and its Sub-Regions Located in Tuscany, the Chianti wine region is known for a distinctive Italian characteristic: rolling hills accentuated by vineyards. Stretching over 100 miles north to south, this large region is known for producing wine from some of the most notable appellations in Italy. In fact, Chianti reached DOCG status in the 1980s. However, it is the Chianti sub-regions where the true magic happens.  Chianti has several sub-regions that are mostly found in and around Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Arezzo. Each of these sub-regions can produce wines in various styles such as Chianti, Classico, Annata, Riserva, and Gran Selezione, all having their own aging requirements.  Let’s take a further look into each of the core sub-regions:  Chianti Classico – Considered the most important sub-region of Chianti, it is the only sub-region to hold its own DOCG. Known for their high-quality and aging properties, Chianti Classico wines have high acidity and a firm tannic structure. Variances in terroir lead to different styles produced in this sub-region. For example, wines from Greve are considered to have concentrated flavours while those from Radda are more elegant.  Chianti Rufina – The smallest of the sub-regions, Chianti Rufina is located east of Florence. Nestled at the base of the Apennine Mountains, this region’s elevation, cool climate and agreeable soils produce Chianti wines that are elegant and ideal for aging.  Chianti Colli Senesi – wines from Colli Senesi can offer good value and are notably elegant with fruit-driven characteristics.  Chianti Montalbano – Located north of Florence, the Chianti Montalbano wine region offers vineyards that are heavily influenced by sandstone which gives the Sangiovese grape a light, fruit-forward style.  Chianti Montespertoli – While it used to be part of the Fiorentini region, this sub-region was given its own designation in the late 1990s. This area’s special terroir and favourable climate allow it to produce particularly ripe Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Montespertoli wine is primarily a blended wine.  Chianti Colli Fiorentini – Chianti Colli Fiorentini wines, produced just south of Florence, are known for being easygoing, fruity, and light-bodied. Many would recommend enjoying these wines while young.  Chianti Colline Pisane – Located near the hills of Pisa, this lesser-known sub-region is closer to the coast and has …

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Champagne: Celebrate The New Year With This Classic

A glass of Champagne is a great sparkling wine option to celebrate many wonderful occasions.

Champagne is most often associated with elegance, celebration, happiness and extravagance. With the New Year being reigned in all over the world, many wine aficionados choose this sparkling wine for marking the beginning of a brand new year.  Yet, the history behind Champagne shows that this sparkling wine is more than just the celebrations it is associated with. Below, we discuss its origins and the best food pairing options to choose when serving.  The History Of This Sparkling Wine Many people often categorize all sparkling wine as Champagne. However, only true Champagne comes from the French region after which it is named.  Located in northern France, this small region is centred on the cities of Reims and Epernay. Offering a cooler climate than other wine-growing regions in France, this area has long suffered for lacking adequate temperatures needed to ripen grapes for standard winemaking.  Despite this challenge, the region became famous for its production of sparkling wine. This was accidental, though, as they had problems with secondary fermentations that were happening in the bottle.  This process releases carbon dioxide gas and can cause the bottle to explode, under the wrong conditions. However, the Champagnoise were able to control the process with an understanding of the process of fermentation as well as stronger bottles to withstand the increased pressure. This marked the birth of this region’s renowned sparkling wine.   How Is This Sparkling Wine Made?  The production of this sparkling wine is carried out using the “traditional method”. This begins with a base wine that is fermented normally. A mixture of sugar and yeast is added to encourage a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This secondary fermentation converts the added sugar into alcohol, and carbon dioxide is generated and retained under pressure.  After the second fermentation, the yeast is left in the bottle for at least one year and often much longer. During this time the yeast begins to break down, a process known as autolysis, and impart yeasty flavours and aromas of bread and dough. With time it can also develop even more complex notes of pie crust, brioche and buttered toast. These characteristics are key to understanding Champagne. Winemakers in Champagne are masters at blending. Wines can be a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, and up to four other less common varieties. These will usually be selected depending on the style a winemaker wants to achieve, with Chardonnay typically adding acidity and structure, Pinot Noir adding aromas and body, and Pinot Meunier contributing fruitiness.  A “non-vintage” Champagne will usually have wines from several different vintages, so-called “reserve wines”, added to maintain a particular style.  Food Pairing Tips For Champagne Now that you know the origins of this classic celebratory wine, the next step is to familiarize yourself with recommended food pairing options and considerations to keep in mind when doing so.  A number of wine pairing basics should be kept in mind when pairing food with this sparkling wine. For example, consider the weighting of the …

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Wine Rack Or Wine Cellar: Which Is The Better Storage Option?

When it comes to wine storage, there are many options you can choose from such as wine rack vs wine cellar vs wine cooler.

Wine Storage: Which is the Best Option? For many wine enthusiasts looking to expand their wine collection, one of the main queries they may have is which storage option is right for their needs. There are many considerations that need to be kept in mind when choosing a wine storage option. For example, if you go down the route of a wine cellar then price and location are two factors that will play a large role. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of a variety of storage options for wine including wine racks, wine cabinets and wine cellars in order to give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision for you.  Wine Rack: What Is It? A wine rack is a simple linear structure that is designed to lay bottles on their sides for display purposes. Offering open-front, side and back access, these units can either be wall-mounted or freestanding depending on personal preference.  Wine storage racks are typically made from wood such as cedar, redwood, pine, or mahogany. However, mahogany is a highly recommended choice as its more durable especially in high humidity environments. Stainless steel and wrought iron are also durable options and are frequently used in the storage of wine at home.  In regards to capacity, most wine racks can hold up to 12 bottles at a time and many of these structures are designed to enable stacking if required. The shelving is designed with notches or indents to securely and comfortably fit 750 ml bottles.  Pros & Cons If you are looking for a wine storage option that is affordable and stylish, then a wine rack may be the perfect choice for your needs. Furthermore, this storage option is widely available both online and in homeware stores.  While wine racks are certainly functional and accessible allowing you to store your wine collection in a central location in your home, many argue that their focus is too heavily put on aesthetics rather than correct wine preservation. These structures lack the features needed to control temperature or humidity. Additionally, they’re most often designed to be placed in high-traffic areas such as kitchens which means that wine bottles may be at risk of being directly exposed to high temperatures which can “cook” or prematurely age the wine. To ensure proper wine storage conditions, an easy solution would be to place your wine rack in a cool and dim place.  Wine Cabinet: What Is It? Wine cabinets are another option for wine storage. Unlike wine racks, these structures tend to be more durable and stable. A wine cabinet is a sturdy piece of furniture that offers doors, side panels, and shelving space for wine bottles and other miscellaneous items such as wine glasses. They also come with compressors to cool the cabinet down to the ideal temperature for longer-term storage. Made from wood with various finishes, these units act as the go-to storage solution for your wine collection. Oftentimes, individuals would these …

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An Insider’s Guide to The Rioja Wine Region

Rioja wine is known for its fruity and floral aromatic characteristics and its ability to age as well as wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Exploring Rioja: Spain’s Fine Wine Capital Spain may be well known for its famous bullfighting, flamenco dancers, salty slices of Manchego cheese and delicious paella dishes but, it is also home to one of the oldest and well-respected wine regions in the world, Rioja.  This region is considered Spain’s fine wine capital and it isn’t hard to understand why. Producing almost 300 million litres of wine per year, this Spanish wine region is home to red wines made from key grape varieties, Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano.  In this article, we are going to provide you with an insider’s guide to the Rioja wine region including its rich history, iconic grape varieties and suggestions for which of these wines you need to have as part of your wine collection.  Brief History of the Rioja Region Like many regions in Spain, Rioja is rich in culture and history. Inheriting its name from the river Oja, the winemaking traditions of this Northern Spanish wine region date back to Roman times. During Roman occupation, many wineries were being built around the region; many of which are still standing to this day. Winemaking traditions dwindled after the collapse of the Roman Empire, but in 1512, the love and passion for Spanish wine, especially those in the Rioja region, was reborn. In the decades to come, Spanish viticulture began to mark its place in the winemaking world. In the late 1800s, when devastation fell upon the French wine industry due to phylloxera, many winemakers from Bordeaux travelled to Rioja to start over. With them, they brought their winemaking techniques to this flourishing Spanish wine region and infused Rioja wine with new life.  In the 1930s, this region was the first in Spain to be awarded a Denominacion de Origen (DO) and later was upgraded to the top-level DOCa classification. This in part is due to the excellent terrain and diverse climates this region enjoys which truly influences the quality and style of Rioja wine.  What Are The Main Grape Varietals Grown Here? While wines from Rioja are primarily made using a blend of different grape varieties and can vary in style depending on and the producer and the winemaking techniques, Tempranillo is by far the most dominant grape grown in this region. Having said that, there are other important varieties grown here that should not be ignored.  Tempranillo: an indigenous grape to Spain, Tempranillo is Rioja’s mainstay. This versatile grape is renowned for its well-balanced wines that offer a great level of acidity and flavours like raspberry, currants and cherries.  Garnacha: cultivated widely in Spain and in Rioja, this red wine grape is considered the perfect complement to Tempranillo due to its aromatic brightness, soft tannins and fruit-driven flavours.  Viura: this is the primary white grape of this Spanish wine region. It is considered a versatile wine and is often used in the production of dry, sparkling and sweet wines. Viura is known for being floral and aromatic when young and nutty when aged.  Maturana Blanca: …

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Why is Brunello di Montalcino so Special?

Why is Brunello di Montalcino so Special? Montalcino is a small Tuscan town about 45 minutes drive South of Siena. For many years, the area grew a grape variety they called Brunello. It was only in the late nineteenth century that it was determined to be the same grape as Sangiovese. However, the clone of Sangiovese grown in this area is smaller than the clones grown in Chianti. That, combined with the warner climate, meant that the wines around Montalcino have always been considered among the best wines in Tuscany. The Brunello clone of Sangiovese was further improved by Clemente Santi, who isolated certain vines of Sangiovese that produced grapes capable of extended aging. In 1888, his grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi produced what many consider to be the first modern version of Brunello di Montalcino, a wine that aged for more than 10 years in wood barrels. Today, Brunello are aged 4 years before release, of which a minimum of 2 years must be in oak. This delay in release leads to a cash flow problem for estates who have to wait a considerable period for payment. As a consequence, the region allows producers to produce a Rosso di Montalcino, also made with Sangiovese but with shorter aging requirements. It can be sold after one year with just 6 months of aging in barrel. The Rosso is also 100% Sangiovese and grown in the same area as the grapes for Brunello. Browse through our wines from Montalcino, which include both Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino.

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