Great Winter Food and Wine Pairings

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." - John Steinbeck

Winter is a time when things slow down a little bit and you are able to enjoy peaceful and quiet moments with those you love. Although things look a little different this year because of the pandemic, the silver lining is that many families have adapted to the changes, spending more time than ever at home together. One positive change is bringing families back to the dinner table! Recent studies show over half of Americans are cooking and eating at home, furthermore, the survey found that even after the pandemic is over, many consumers anticipate they will dine out less than before or not at all.

If any season is about comfort food it’s the winter and if you’re wondering what wine to serve, here are some tips to help you select the perfect pairing, according to New York Wine Events. 

Butternut Squash Soup- Sauvignon Blanc

Butternut squash is different from its other squash buddies because of the unique sweetness it holds under that tough skin. The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc helps balance the sweet quality of the vegetable without erasing it completely. This goes for any preparation of your squash- soup, roasted, or even butternut squash gratin.

Raclette/ Salty Cheeses: Pinot Noir

Okay, it’s not a full meal but nothing warms up a freezing winter day like hot, melty cheese. We love raclette for that- it’s hearty and dense, and melts in such a gorgeous way that we want to put it on everything. It’s got a pretty high-fat content which is what helps it turn to liquid gold but to offset some of the grease, go for a Pinot Noir. The fruity flavors plus fairly high tannins will cut that fat in half and add such a gorgeous note to the cheese itself.

Beef Stew- Malbec

Nothing says winter like dumping a bunch of things in a pot and calling it a stew. But honestly, how can you say no to a big bowl of beef stew with the carrots and potatoes and hunks of tender meat? You can’t. Wash it all down with a nice robust Argentinian Malbec which will just add to that earthy quality of the beef. If you want, you can even throw some into the pot which will help braise the beef to a tenderness you won’t believe.

Pork and Apples- Red Zinfandel

It’s a classic combination- pork loin with apples. They just go so well together and since apples are an all-season fruit, this is a great way to eat them in the winter. Add in a glass of a red Zinfandel and you’ve got yourself quite a meal. It’s lighter in color and not as intense as other reds like a Pinot or Malbec but it’s got a fairly robust flavor and just a slight touch of sweetness.

Roasted Vegetables- Chenin Blanc

Whether it’s sweet potatoes, white potatoes, beets, or parsnip, it’s a tuber that comes from the ground and tastes great when it’s roasted. These are hearty vegetables and they require a wine that can get through to their soft, delicious insides. Enter Chenin Blanc- a more vivacious wine compared to its cousin Sauvignon Blanc but with similar crisp, refreshing qualities. Pro-tip: Roast the veg with plenty of onion and garlic to really let the Chenin Blanc shine.

As you can see, staying home definitely has its perks, not to mention it’s safer and can get you in the holiday spirit!  Need help selecting the perfect ingredients for your night in? Stop into Universal Fine Wine & Spirits today! At Universal Fine Wine & Spirits, we want to make sure you are going home with the perfect drink to complete your fall meal so ask away. We will be more than happy to help answer any of your questions. Come in and talk to an employee, give us a call at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

Sources:

https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2020/09/how-pandemic-shaping-home-cooking-trends

https://newyorkwineevents.com/winter-food-and-wine-pairings/