What Pairs With Chardonnay

Ventisquero Her Pinot Noir

• Country/Region Chile, Aconcagua, Casablanca Valley
• Type Chilean Pinot Noir
• Aroma Cherry, Raspberry, Almond, Dried Leaves, Charred Oak, Hazelnut
• Grapes Pinot Noir
• Taste Plum, Fig, Plum, Boysenberry, Blackberry, Smoke, Vanilla Spice, Dried Roses
• Alcohol Content 13.5%
• Pairing Salmon, Pheasant, Casserole, Venison, Roast Chicken, Tuna

• A Pleasant And Lengthy Finish

Negatives

Tasting Notes

Packed with earthy aromas and spicy red berry fruits, Ventisquero Herú Pinot Noir starts with a pronounced bouquet. In the mouth, woody and dark fruit flavors are accompanied by creaminess, as smoky flavors find the lingering finish.

A superb New World Pinot Noir, highly expressive of Chiles terroir, the wine displays fragrances of dried leaves, almonds, cherries, and raspberries on the nose. Medium-bodied with a rounded, smooth texture, on the palate tastes of plums and figs, join notes of boysenberries and blackberries, as fresh acidity keeps the mouth upright. Touches of smoke, charred wood, and vanilla spice integrate well with the silky tannins, providing structure and weight. A trace of dried rose lingers on the pleasant aftertaste.

Crafting High-end Quality Chilean Wine

Chardonnay Food Pairings Guide: Rules And Recipes

For a Chardonnay lover, its a buzz-kill when your favorite white gets destroyed by the food its served with. One minute youre loving the wines sweet fruit and round, harmonious flavors, and the next it tastes like bitter, alcoholic lemon water. Some white varieties are flexible at the table, and pair well with a wide variety of cuisines.

But Chardonnays subtle nature is easily overwhelmed by pungent foods. Pour it alongside the flavor equivalent of a noisy action flick, and its totally lost. What you want are quiet flavorsmild, subtle foods that are not too spicy, not too pungent and not too acidic. Bonus: pairing Chardonnay with foods that complement its rich, mild flavors makes the meal taste better, too. So here is our advice on how to create the best chardonnay food pairings that will make every bite worth it.

DONT

Oaked Vs Unoaked Chardonnay

Lets first understand the flavor profiles of oaked Chardonnay vs unoaked Chardonnay. This will help point us to the right pairing.

Chardonnay aged in oak barrels gives the wine a toasty, vanilla flavor and a buttery texture. This means that earthy , and creamy foods work very well.

Chardonnay that is aged in stainless steel has a lighter, crisp flavor. It works best with lightly seasoned dishes and bright, fresh sides.

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Ahi Poke With Quinoa And Heirloom Tomatoes

There are classic seafood pairings with chardonnay, but ahi tuna is not generally one of them. In a healthy, a wine country twist, we create this unusual chardonnay food pairing using the oily fattiness of tuna, nutty quinoa and heirloom tomatoes. Our fruit-forward, high acid wine suits the texture of the fish and freshness of this recipes flavors. Increase the portion for the first or second course of a wine pairing dinner menu.

Pork Belly Wine Pairing

A fatty dish like pork belly cries for a wine with high acidity to cut through the fat and brighten up the palate. And because we are talking about salty meat, acidity becomes even more critical. Champagne with its biting acidity, is an excellent pairing with pork belly, or any Brut-to-Extra Dry sparkling wines. You can also try a fruity Loire Cabernet Franc, acidic Pinot Noir, or off-dry Riesling are all successful matches with pork belly.

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Best Cheese And Wine Pairings

Even though it is a centuries-old tradition, matching cheese and wine together can still be a challenging and intimidating task. If done correctly, a perfect match can be an exquisite experience. Every detail in making the pairing needs to be considered. While a wine or a cheese by itself may be spectacular, that does not necessarily mean that pairing them is a good idea. Most people have not had years of experience focusing on tasting many wine and cheese options and become familiar with the characteristics and qualities of each. Here are some ideas that will help guide you into creating successful pairings:

Layer : Seasonings & Sides

• Spices that brings some heat to the dish.

• Heavily seasoned like some ethnic foods such as Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian.

• Bitter foods like brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage and arugula.

• Acidic foods like uncooked tomatoes, olives, ceviche, tangy vinaigrettes, and sauces.

• Smoked meats.

Are you starting to see the pattern for pairing oaked Chardonnay? Think light, white meat thats grilled or roasted and lightly seasoned with a creamy or earthy sauce.

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How To Pair Chardonnay Like A Sommelier

Pairing Chardonnay with a meal isnt always as straightforward as wed like. Sure its easy enough to know that Chardonnay pairs with chicken but what if its a spicy Thai chicken or what if it has a mushroom sauce or a mango sauce, does it still pair right?

I used to try the easy route with pairings. I have chicken and I have Chardonnay. Done! But of course, its not that easy. It depends how the Chardonnay was produced and how the chicken is prepared to truly get it right. Take your pairings up a notch by following a few simple pairing guidelines and youll look like a pro.

Lets breakdown the flavor profiles a little and youll start to see how to pinpoint a great pairing. There are 2 layers to wine and food pairings. The first layer is the meal base like the type of fish or beef that is being served. The second layer is the preparation and seasonings used along with the accompaniments. And for the wine, its all about how it was produced.

Aged Port And Blue Stilton

Port is a delicious fortified wine variety that can be served to complement dessert or just as an after-dinner drink. While many think of it more sweetly, its flavors depend on the type of aged port and may include notes of blackberry, caramel, raspberry cinnamon, and chocolate sauce with tannins so finely married to the ripe texture.

Stilton cheese has a creamy and subtly sweet flavor with a pungent aftertaste. It is deemed as the cream of choice for blue cheeses because it’s not too salty or bitter on its own.

Blue Stilton is the perfect match for a Port wine of any age. This cheese has an intense flavor and assertive aroma that cuts through the sweetness in Port and other Portuguese wines while providing excellent contrast in texture and mouthfeel.

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General Wine And Cheese Pairing Tips

Before getting started, its important to know a few general things about wine and cheese pairingswhite, red or otherwisegoing in, according to Werlin:

• Look for textural similarities between the wine and cheese. If a cheese is heavy or dense, it is less likely to go with a light and breezy wine. Why? The wine is almost certainly going to get lost in the presence of the big cheese .
• Creamy, buttery cheeses are more challenging to pair with oaky wines, particularly current or recent-vintage ones. Consequently, your best cheese bet for these wines, whether white or red, is semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, Comté , and mild sheeps milk cheeses. Avoid salty ones.
• Always taste the wine before you taste the cheese. Cheese has a much bigger impact on the flavors and aromas in wine than the other way around.
• When pairing so called soft-ripened cheeses , be aware that the rind can affect the perception of the wine. Depending on how salty the rind is and whether it is ammoniated , the rind can negatively affect the wine. However, if the rind isnt strong, then it can sometimes enhance the fruit and other flavors in the wine. The best thing to do is taste, taste, taste.
• In order to get the full flavors from cheese and white wines, the cheese should be served at room temperature while the wines should be allowed to warm up to between 50F 55F after being taken out of the fridge.

Black/striped Sea Bass And Branzino

Bass and Branzino are two of my favorite fish. They are so versatile. And absolutely stunning to serve to guests. The flavor is definitely mild and sweet and the flesh of both is so delicate and tender. Sea bass tends to be larger than branzino, so youll see it filleted more often. Branzinos bones are so small, its usually served whole or halved.

Wine Recommendations: With these two delicate fish I actually like a bit of the pop of a Vinho Verde from Portugal. Its like adding a spritz of lemon on top of your fish. If want to go more conventional, Sauvignon Blanc is also an option, but try to stick to French or California. The tropical notes of a New Zealand variety will be too heavy.

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Best Wines To Pair With Salmon

Yummy and Healthy

Not only is salmon delicious and a perfect companion to a variety of wines, but it is also one of the most nutritious fish in the world. In fact, this fatty fish is packed with nutrients, such as omega-3 acids, and reduces certain risk factors for heart diseases. On top of this, salmon is irresistible, easy-to-cook, versatile, and available at every grocery store. Consequently, consuming at least a serving per week can help you reach your nutrient needs, reduce the risk of diseases, and improve your quality of life.

How to Cook Salmon

Considering how versatile a food salmon is, it can be cooked in a variety of ways, from sautéed and poached on the stovetop top, seared, roasted, broiled, or steamed in the oven. In addition, salmon is super tasty when grilled over hot coals. As a side note, perfectly cooked salmon might be delicious on its own, without extravagant side dishes. But with the right sauce, it can seriously become one of the most palatable foods ever, turning from a weeknight course into party fare.

What Wines Pair Well With Salmon?

Your salmon wine pairing depends on the type of salmon and how you cook it. In general, aim for highly aromatic wines with sharp, racy acidity to cut through the fats of the fish, such as creamy Chardonnay and acidic Sauvignon Blanc. That said, you may be wondering if salmon pairs with red wine, too.

Carrot Hummus With Spring Vegetable Crudites

We know what youre thinking. Carrot Hummus???? Yes, its a thing and you definitely need to try it. Blending sweet California carrots, chickpeas and tahini produces a sumptuous spread with a captivating new taste. Serve with your favorite locally grown vegetables and crispy crackers.

Pro tip: Try pairing this veggie tray with an unoaked Chardonnay. Fermenting the wine in stainless steel produces light, fresh flavors that pair perfectly with this easy appetizer.

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Wine Pairing With Pork Tenderloin And Apples

One of my favorite dishes from childhood was pork tenderloin with apples, or applesauce. I still make it periodically for my own kids, this time with a big ole glass of Riesling or Pinot Blanc. The apple character in the wine really pops with the dish. And if you want to play it safe, you can never go wrong with a bottle of Chardonnay and its tree fruit flavors.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Ctes De Tablas Blanc

• Winery Tablas Creek Vineyard
• Country/Region United States, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles
• Type Californian White Blend
• Aroma Lemon, Orange Peel, White Peach, Nectarine, Licorice, Cinnamon Spice
• Grapes Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne
• Taste Peach, Apricot, Grapefruit, Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Nut, Stones, Violet
• Alcohol Content 13.5%
• Pairing Salmon, Pot Roast, Schnitzel, Beer-simmered Grilled Sausages, Seafood, Spaetzle

Tasting Notes

Tablas Creek Vineyard Côtes de Tablas Blanc begins with elegant aromas of spices, citrus, and white stone fruit, accentuated by minerals. The mouth is balanced with rich flavors of peaches, grapefruits, and red berries. Delicate aromas of Meyer lemon, orange peel, white peach, and nectarine mingle with subtle hints of licorice and cinnamon spice as the wine opens delightfully.

On the palate, fruit flavors of peaches, apricots, and grapefruits join notes of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries shaping the plush mouth. Next, gentle touches of flowers, nuts, and saline minerality form a core of alluring tastes surface. A fresh, elegant finish rounds out the back-palate, impressing wine enthusiasts.

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The Best Foods To Pair With White Wine

While white wine isn’t quite as popular in the U.S. as red wine, it’s pretty close. According to a 2019 YouGov poll, 69% of American wine drinkers favor red, but white is the top pick for 65% . When they broke it down into types of wine, the poll results were all over the map. The most popular white wine, with 23% of the vote, was sweet moscato, while Chardonnay came in second with 17%. Riesling, pinot grigio/pinot gris, and sauvignon blanc were also popular picks.

When it comes to pairing wines with foods, it’s not as simple as red goes with beef, white goes with chicken and fish. For one thing, what about pork? For another, what about cheese? Couldn’t that go either way? Plus, the type of wine itself is going to play a part: sweet or dry? Still or sparkling? French or Italian? Contrary to what some may think, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to wine pairings. If you happen to enjoy a glass of pinot gris with your Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, well, you know, we’re just going to assume you’re onto a good thing there, and no, we wouldn’t mind joining you for a sip and a nibble. If you’re looking for a few other suggestions of foods that play nicely with white wines, though, here are a few you might wish to consider.

Pinot Grigio And Mozzarella

Pinot Grigio has fruity flavors that include lime, pear, honeysuckle, and green apple. Pinot Grigios are less sweet than Chardonnays because they have such high acid content.

Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese that has an elastic texture and tastes slightly sour. As it ages, it becomes softer, and the flavor becomes more delicate with notes of milk, which makes for great “meltability” in many dishes.

Pinot Grigio wine is an excellent match for soft cheese, like Mozzarella, since the acidic taste of this wine balances out the mild and sweet flavors in these cheeses to create an enjoyable pairing experience. Chevre also goes nicely with Pinot Grigio.

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Sauvignon Blanc And Goat Cheese

Among the best wine and cheese pairings are Sauvignon Blanc and Goat cheese. Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine that’s heavy and has pronounced acidity. It’s best known for making your mouth pucker just the slightest bit. Some Sauvignon Blancs have residual sugar, providing an added richness to its slightly sweeter taste.

Goat cheese has an earthy and tangy flavor which can be intense in its youth. The flavors settle to provide a cleaner taste for other foods when you let them linger on your palette.

A good French wine like Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for goat cheese because it complements its earthiness with citrus and mineral notes. This wines acidity also cuts through the weight of the cheese, so your palate wont be bogged down by all that flavor!

Malbec And Aged Or Vintage Cheese

Malbec wines are dark in color, with a full-bodied taste. They have flavors of blackberry and red plum that bring to mind juicy jams and chocolate cake on the nose, without being too sweet or heavy for those who prefer dry wine types.

The flavor of vintage cheese is strong, savory, and nutty. The acidity can be a bit overwhelming at first, but the astringent effect balances it out well with pleasant fruitiness that lingers in your mouth. It’s got an excellent texture with bits of crunchy crystals for added delight.

The robust flavor of vintage cheese is best complemented by a medium to full-bodied red wine that can hold its own against the intense flavors, like Malbecs. While this type of wine often has black fruit and anise notes, it also has herbal qualities which match well with those in your favorite aged cheeses.

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Pairing Chardonnay With Appetizers

White wines usually begin a gathering, whether or not a meal is to follow. So pairing Chardonnay with appetizers is very natural.

Light and bright appetizers encourage the appetite, and unoaked Chardonnay shines here. The vibrancy of fresh tomatoes makes an excellent appetizer pairing for unoaked Chardonnay, especially during the prime-time summer season. If you’re in the mood for something richer, oaked Chardonnays pair nicely with appetizers that have been cooked, like Pumpkin, Ricotta & Arugula Bruschetta or Caramelized Onion, Apple & Brie Flatbread.

Check out the “Rules of Thumb to Follow” in this wine pairing piece to learn how a cooking principle called the Maillard Reaction changes foods. It’s incredibly helpful for pairing foods with different styles of Chardonnay!

How To Enhance Your Chardonnay Experience

Like all white wines, Chardonnay should also be served slightly chilled. Otherwise, you can have a glass of muddled alcohol instead of exquisite wine, yet if too cold, all the flavors come muted. You dont want any of it.

You can make the most out of this wine if you place the bottle of Chardonnay for two hours in the refrigerator or in an ice-water bath for half an hour. If you dont finish the bottle, replace the cork and stick it back in the fridge. The flavours will stay fresh only for 24 days after its use will only be good for cooking.

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