A TASTE FOR EVERY OCCASION
Red Wine: The Depth of the Evening
There’ s something quietly elegant about gathering around the kitchen table with a well selected glass in hand, especially when the wine becomes the thoughtful companion to whatever you’ ve cooked, celebrated or simply savoured. Begin with a red wine that carries the weight of a full evening ahead. Think rich berry notes, a hint of earth, a texture that lingers. Pair that with a roasted mushroom risotto or a hearty slow braised beef cheek and let the savoury profile of the dish meet the depth of the glass.
White Wine: Crisp and Refreshing
When it comes to white wine, look for a glass that feels bright and full of life. Think citrus peel, green apple, and a clean, refreshing finish. It pairs beautifully with lemon herb grilled fish or a light arugula and pear salad drizzled with olive oil. The goal is to match the wine’ s freshness with dishes that share its lively, vibrant character, creating a balance that keeps each bite and sip in perfect harmony.
Icewine: Dessert in a Glass
Finally, the showstopper, icewine. With its concentrated sweetness and luscious texture, it is not merely a wine, it is dessert in a glass. Serve it with a delicate cheesecake, poached pears or high quality dark chocolate. Many sommeliers say a dessert wine should be sweeter than the dessert itself, and here the rule applies.
Rosé: Effortless and Versatile
A rosé is the effortless bridge between casual and timely. Whether you are hosting friends on a summer patio or unwinding after a long day, serve it slightly chilled and pair it with a Mediterranean mezze of olives, feta, and grilled pita, or even something as simple as spicy Asian takeout. Its flirtation between red and white gives you flexibility and fun at the table.
Sparkling Wine: Celebrate the Moment
Then there is sparkling wine, the mood setter and moment creator. When you open the cork, you are saying something has begun, or something is worth marking. Think oysters, popcorn at the movies, or a platter of crisp potato chips and truffle oil. The tiny bubbles cleanse the palate, refresh the moment, and allow even humble dishes to shine.
Allow these styles to frame your dinner table, and each glass will tell its story, not simply as an accompaniment but as a key participant in the evening.
Marynissen Estates Winery, www. marynissen. com