As the chilly winds whistle through the UK, it’s the perfect time to explore the cozy world of winter wine pairings. From hearty stews to rich desserts, the right wine can elevate a winter meal from simply satisfying to truly memorable. This guide aims to warm your spirits and tickle your taste buds with practical and delightful wine pairing suggestions.
The Art of Pairing Wine with Winter Fare
Winter foods, often richer and heartier than their summer counterparts, demand wines that can stand up to their robust flavours. A classic rule of thumb: match the weight of the wine to the weight of the food.
- Red Wines for Hearty Meals: Think beef stew or lamb shanks. A full-bodied red like a Barolo or Bordeaux can complement the richness of these dishes splendidly. Jancis Robinson, a renowned wine critic, once mused that a Bordeaux’s tannic structure cuts through the fat of meat like a knife, balancing the palate beautifully.
- White Wines for Creamy Dishes: Creamy soups and pasta go wonderfully with full-bodied whites. A buttery Chardonnay or an aromatic Viognier adds a layer of complexity to these dishes. As Fiona Beckett, a celebrated food and wine pairing expert, suggests, the creaminess of the wine mirrors the creaminess of the dish, creating a harmonious blend.
- Dessert Wines for Sweet Treats: For winter desserts like plum pudding or mince pies, a sweet dessert wine like Port or Sauternes is a match made in heaven. These wines echo the rich, sweet flavours of the desserts, rounding off a meal on a high note.
Tips for Storage and Service
To get the most out of your wines, proper storage and service are key. Keep wines in a cool, dark place, ideally in a wine fridge set to the correct temperature. Reds are best served slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C), while whites shine at a cooler 9-12°C.
Pairing Wine with Traditional UK Winter Foods
- Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding: A classic British winter dish that pairs beautifully with a robust Shiraz.
- Shepherd’s Pie: The savoury flavours of this dish are complemented by a fruit-forward Merlot.
- Christmas Pudding: A sweet and spicy Moscato d’Asti brings out the rich fruit flavours in this festive dessert.
Conclusion
As Oz Clarke, a famous British wine writer, aptly put it, “Wine is the most civilised thing in the world.” This winter, let wine bring warmth and civilisation to your table with these pairing suggestions.