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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