Wine Savvy on November 27, 2013 0 Comments There are many cookbooks that offer great advice on what wines to pair with different kinds of meat, but it is not as easy to come across a resource with good tips and strategies for pairing wine with vegetables. These two are perfect pairings as they are both products of the sun and soil. Here are some quick tips for pairing wine and vegetables so you are ready for your next dinner party or family get together. Lettuce and Salads Salads are versatile enough to appear on a dinner table both as an opening appetizer or as the main course itself. Salads that feature herbs and baby lettuce or pungent greens like radicchio or arugula go fabulously with rosé wines. The rosé brings life to the more bitter flavor of the greens and captures the flavor of the salad as a whole. Rosé wines take their color from the skin of the grapes used to make it but not enough to constitute it being called a red wine. This wine is one of the oldest kinds of wine and is available from a multitude of different vineyards and wineries. While red wine pairs best with heavier flavors like red meat, the subtleties of the rosé is what makes it so perfect with so many kinds of lettuce. Onions and Shallots Onions and shallots, both a members of the same botanical variety, are often very integral parts of many meals and appetizers. They can be simply an ingredient for extra flavor, or they can be the main focus of the dish. Because onion can be an overpowering flavor and smell, finding a wine that complements it perfectly can be problematic. A lighter-bodied, soft red wine is always an excellent companion for onions and shallots. Chianti and Pinot Noir both pair well with onions and shallots. Chianti is a very dry red wine that helps develop the flavors of onions. This type of wine also works well as a very good wine to sauté shallots that can be used to make a sauce or to toss in pasta while cooking. Pinot Noir is also a dry red wine that is a little more medium-bodied than Chianti. Its flavor profile leans more towards fruit and earth-driven flavors, making in an excellent contrast to the strong flavor profile of onions and even the milder shallot. All Vegetables There are many types of popular wines that can easily pair with a wide variety of vegetables. Among white wines, Riesling and Pinto Grigio with their dry and crisp flavors can accent tomatoes, basil, garlic and even artichokes. These wines are medium-bodied with slight acidity; this combination does not compete with the flavor palate of these vegetables. These wines also pair well with cucumbers, celery, dill and endive. Besides white wines, there are some red wines that are also extremely versatile. Cabernet Sauvignon with its dry and oak flavor profile complements beets, rosemary and radishes. This red wine can also be used as a sauté for mushrooms and onions, though it is not a perfect drinking companion to go with these two vegetables. Red Zinfandel is a perfect pairing for vegetables with a spicy kick. Any kind of peppers, such as green peppers, jalapeños, chiles and haberneros, all benefit from being paired with a Red Zinfandel. Pairing For Sides Finding the perfect wine pairings for your vegetables and side dishes can be tricky at times, but if you plan your meal ahead of time and implement our tips above, then you should a little bit closer to creating the perfect recipe. Just remember: Avoid strong, full-bodied red wines that can overpower the taste or clash with subtle vegetable flavors. Smooth, dry and fruity wines are often your best choice when looking to add a drink with your vegetable dish. A lot of finding the perfect wine pairing comes from trying your favorites with different dishes. Follow the tips in this article, and you will no longer have to question what wines pair well with what vegetables. Recommended Reading: Quick Tips for Pairing Wine and Meat Wine & Food Pairings Made Easy 3 Perfect Pairings for a Picky Palate The Origins of Pairing Wine and Cheese
