PERFECT PAIRINGS : FOOD & WINE by Simon Parkinson , Whitmore & White
It may not feel like we are in Spring yet , the cold and blustery weather is some what deceptive , yet wonderful spring green vegetables are starting to make an appearance . Purple sprouting broccoli has to be my favourite and here at Whitmore & White we have 3 stunning wines to accompany the different ways of serving it .
Steamed purple sprouting broccoli with Hollandaise - Served with a beautifully crisp Chablis .
Domain d ’ Henri Chablis ‘ Saint Pierre ’ 2015 £ 22.95
La Domain d ’ Henri Chablis ‘ Saint Pierre ’ is a beautiful example of all that is good about Chablis as a wine appellation , its balance between acidity and fruit is beautiful , but what ’ s more , there is a strong minerality to this wine found in only the very best Chablis . It works so well with this dish because it cuts through the richness of hollandaise while allowing the delicate and fresh flavours of the broccoli to come through . Sometimes , simplicity is key to a good food and wine paring .
Hake with clams and purple sprouting broccoli in a cream sauce - Served with a delicious Picpoul de Pinet .
Domaine de Montredon Picpoul de Pinet 2015 £ 10.95 wine making family and with this wine , Marion and her brother Guillaume , have managed to balance exotic fruit and floral notes with crisp acidity and a beautifully subtle saltiness on the finish . It is this saltiness on the finish that sets off the young broccoli so nicely , it is an adventurous wine , but at less than £ 11 a bottle , it pays to take the chance .
Pork loin and mushroom Stroganoff with purple sprouting broccoli - Served with a Chilean Pinot Noir .
Casa Silva ‘ Cool Coast ’ Pinot Noir 2014 £ 15.95
This is one of my all time favourite dishes , with one of my all time favourite vegetables with arguably one of the best priced Pinot Noir I have ever had . Case Silva are the producer , Valle de Colchagua in Chile is the setting and complexity of flavour is the star . Pork , mushrooms and Pinot are no revolutionary combination but from Chile , that ’ s the revolution . This Pinot Noir balances an ugly complex nose of fruit and spice with a palate equally interesting . Fresh berries dominate until the subtle spice from oak ageing creeps across your palate . Not too overwhelming as to take control but more sit in harmony with the earthy tones from the mushrooms and the sweetness of pork . Again it is the acidity in this wine that allows the broccoli to stand proudly in harmony with everything else around it .
This is a classic Southern French wine and is lovely with seafood , especially when served with a cream sauce . Domaine de Montredon are a fifth generation
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