Which wine goes with my food?
The basic idea of food and wine pairing can be explained metaphorically with human relationships. It is about creating an embrace between wine and food, where slight tensions are allowed to keep things interesting.
In combination, wine and food should complement each other. Ideally, the aromas should even enrich each other. We know that certain flavors work particularly well together and are perceived as harmonizing, while others are known to lead to negative reinforcements.
Classic examples include:
- Sweetness in wine enhances the flavors of the dishes and reduces acidity and spiciness.
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Tannins in wine reduce the sweetness of dishes.
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Wine and food should have similar intensity.
- High-alcohol wine can make the fat of the food more digestible.
- Roasted aromas in food harmonize with sweetness and moderate acidity in wine.
In our article, we will take a closer look at 5 very popular grape varieties and their characteristics.
Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc is known for excellent quality and aromatically very characteristic wines, distinguished by their graceful scent with an abundance of fruity, floral, and honey-like notes, as well as their lively fruit-acid play.
Low yields and the interplay of climate and soil play an elemental role in the quality of the grapes and the pronounced varietal character of Chenin Blanc wines. Particularly remarkable is the versatility of Chenin Blanc, as a wide variety of wine types can be produced from this grape variety. Depending on the vineyard location and the winemaker's interpretation, the spectrum ranges from light, floral white wine with high acidity to complex growths with great aromatic depth. Chenin Blanc is also capable of producing characterful sparkling wines or excellent, long-lasting sweet wines. Each of these wine styles pairs with different dishes.
Sun-yellow with honey-colored reflections, this wine flows into the glass. The nose reveals an enchanting aroma of melon, peach, guava, and damp stone. This finessed aromatic potpourri continues on the palate and remains in balance with well-integrated wood notes. A creamy texture and mineral freshness accompany the balanced wine acidity. It pairs excellently with seafood and grilled noble fish, and due to its fruit sweetness combined with lively acidity, it is also very suitable for spicy cuisine.
Spicy Tom Yum soup with shrimp, mussels, chili, lemongrass, and coriander
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
KLEINE ZALZE
Vineyard Selection – Chenin Blanc – 2021
CHF 13.90 instead of CHF 17.90
91 Points by WINEMAG SA
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, which means "wild white" in French, is one of the most widely planted white grape varieties. It originally comes from Bordeaux in France, but today Sauvignon Blanc is grown all over the world. There are many different styles and flavors, but it is often made in a crisp, light style with high acidity. We usually distinguish between mineral or fruity, as well as aromatic/grassy/herbaceous or oaked.
A beautiful example from our range would be the Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc. The wine has an impressive, straw-yellow color with a luminous green rim. On the nose, aromas of green apple and lime juice unfold in interplay with gooseberries and a hint of blackcurrants. On the palate, the wine shows astonishing freshness with piquant green apple aromas, leading to a structured mid-palate and a long-lasting saline finish.
It is best served chilled and as an aperitif with fresh oysters in summer. Also pairs excellently with freshly grilled yellowtail with salsa verde, salmon, or caviar.
Pan-seared salmon with avocado and Madagascar pepper
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
TOKARA
Reserve Collection – Sauvignon Blanc – 2021
CHF 18.90 instead of CHF 24.90
5 Stars by Platter’s
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is not very difficult to combine with food. It is an excellent table wine that goes with a variety of dishes, but it is important to note that there are different styles in which wine from this grape variety is made.
Most wines are vinified dry. The aroma is less characteristic than that of a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, but Chardonnay can express the character of the soil and microclimate well. A rich, powerful wine with pleasant acidity and a delicate bouquet.
In addition to aging in stainless steel tanks, aging in wood is also very common for this variety. However, only high-quality base wines are suitable for this. The scent of melons, exotic fruits, overripe gooseberries, or not quite ripe apples is typical for Chardonnay. Higher qualities usually have plenty of alcohol and extract; they are full-bodied and persistent. If they are aged in wood, wood aromas complement the primary fruit aromas. Many producers vinify it as sparkling wine. Depending on the vinification, Chardonnay is enjoyed either in its youth or after several years of storage.
As inspiration, we have the Warwick Estate White Lady Chardonnay. This oaked Chardonnay is a complex and expressive white wine, owing its multifaceted character to the Chardonnay grapes. Fruity nuances of pears and stone fruit are accompanied by citrus aromas and a delicate oak note. The rich and creamy mouthfeel makes the taste experience of the elegant Warwick White Lady perfect.
Fantastic wine with pork tenderloin with glazed apricot jam, creamy cannellini beans and herb salad, or glazed butternut squash gnocchi with a sage cream sauce and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Delicate homemade gnocchi with butternut squash and sage
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
WARWICK
White Lady – Chardonnay – 2020
CHF 19.90 instead of CHF 29.90
94 Points by Tim Atkin
Syrah
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is one of the most famous red grape varieties in the world and is cultivated in many wine regions. In South Africa, Syrah is typically grown in the Stellenbosch region, where the warm climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for cultivation. South African Syrah is characterized by dark, spicy aromas of black fruits and pepper, often mixed with notes of chocolate and tobacco. These wines are often rich and full-bodied, with a strong tannin profile and robust acidity, making them an excellent choice for a variety of dishes.
Our Eagle’s Nest Shiraz has a bright ruby red color. Perfume and floral aromas combine harmoniously on the nose with red cherry and spices. These aromas gracefully lead to a savory, spicy palate, with notes of star anise and cloves. These aromas are complemented by pure, clean red fruit flavors. Soft, well-integrated tannins envelop the palate, leading to a distinct, fresh finish. A truly great wine from maturing vineyards that will age for up to 20 years after harvest.
Drink it with strong meats such as venison, lamb, or beef, goat, spicy sauces, and vegetables.
Lamb stew with colorful vegetables and potatoes
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
EAGLES‘ NEST
Shiraz – 2016
CHF 24.90 instead of CHF 39.90
92 Points by Decanter
Bordeaux Blend
Bordeaux Blend refers to a wine blend made from the grape varieties typically grown in the Bordeaux region of France. These varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Some winemakers blend the grapes already during pressing. This results in the blended grapes fermenting together in the fermentation tank. However, subsequent blending is more commonly practiced. Here, already fermented wines are blended to mature together during storage.
These wines typically have a deep red color and aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant and blackberry. They can also have aromas of vanilla, tobacco, and leather, which come from aging in oak barrels. Overall, South African Bordeaux blends are generally powerful and tannic and are well-suited for aging.
A typical Bordeaux blend from South Africa is, for example, the Glen Carlou Grand Classique. A charming wine with an exquisite balance and refined elegance, and aromas of bell pepper, chocolate, and sweet red berries on the nose. On the palate, lively undertones of plum rounded off by cedar notes. The velvety finish is full of dark fruits, chocolate, and peppermint, framed by soft tannins.
This red wine perfectly accompanies stews or grilled dark meats like Cote de Boeuf. Try it with braised oxtail with a Bordelaise sauce, spiced pear, and celeriac purée.
Pink roasted venison loin with red wine and cassis sauce
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
GLEN CARLOU
Grand Classique – Bordeaux Blend – 2020
CHF 16.90 instead of CHF 24.00
91 Points by Decanter
Combining wine and food is an incredibly exciting topic, and we could probably go on forever. You will see, once you immerse yourself in the world of wine and begin to explore it, ever more possibilities will open up.
Embark on a journey of discovery and order wines to try now. This way, you'll have a delicious bottle ready for every cozy get-together.
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 03.05.2023.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
