Yummy Magazine Vol 2 - The Seafood Issue | Page 43

SEAFOOD PAIRING Whites with Starters Prawn Cocktail, Octopus Salad and Crab Cakes Domaine Rieflé 2012 Sylvaner Displaying flavours of white flowers and hay, this white wine goes well with cold starters like prawn cocktails or octopus salad which go from sweet to salty. Domaine Rieflé 2012 Riesling Versatile and light with refreshing flavours of grapefruit and pineapple, the Domaine Rieflé 2012 Riesling can accommodate a wide variety of seafood, but crab cake and Riesling especially pair well together. The good balance of acidity and fruits in this delicate wine makes it an ideal match not to overpower the subtle flavours of the crab. Champagne Erad-Salmon Cuvée Prestige Apart from the undeniable good taste, we wondered why Champagne and oysters are recommended for pairing in just about every reputable foodie magazine or blog in the world. So we did our research. As you probably know, real Champagne is typically a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay with some Pinot Meunier thrown in. These grape varietals (both separately and when blended together) provide the lemony tartness and lightness that chases well with the slimy muscle we all come to love and why, for instance, a splash of lemon on an oyster is also highly recommend before sliding it down the hatch. But after all, it’s not just the taste that drives this ultimate pairing, it’s the sense of richness that goes with each bite and sip. What is more decadent, we ask? And if the price of real Champagne is reserved only for rare occasions, you can try your next batch of Kilifi Oysters with most any wine or sparkling wine of the above varieties. Just don’t tell that to the French. Reds or Rose with Main Dishes Firm flesh fish like tuna and haddock that are big on flavours—and have a hearty texture—can accommodate red and rosé wines easily. Once you have tried fish with red and rosé, you will understand this new pairing trend completely. Pommard 2008 by Domaine Charles One hundred percent Pinot Noir, this red has character. It displays aromas of black currant, cherry, chocolate and black pepper and goes down wonderfully with grilled tuna steak. Rose St Victorin, Silver Label, Rose de Provence Beautiful pink with generous fruity flavor, its very light color echoes the delicate and tender evocations of red fruits with light grapefruit taste. This light, dry and fruity chilled French rosé works not just with traditional fish and chips, but all manner of seafood and fish. 43.