By Sheryl Racey, Vintner’s Cellar of Royal Oak

  

Spring is finally here and for some wine lovers you may be making the switch over to white wines shortly.  Here are some useful varietal pairing suggestions.

 

Riesling

Cheese Pairing – Blue Cheese 

This is a semi-sweet white with a light delicate fruity aroma and a fresh crisp finish.  Pair this spicy asian cuisine, summer salads or fresh fruit.

Pinot Grigio

Cheese Pairing – Light Goat Cheese

Light and crisp, this wine has a delicate bouquet of honey and herbs.  Dry on the palate with hints of citrus and melon.  Pair this with light fish, oysters, pastas, chicken and veal.

Chenin Blanc

Cheese Pairing – Camembert

Light, producing flavors from apple, melon, lime & pear with a hint of vanilla & honey.  Pair this wine with a blackened fish for a great balance of flavors.

Sauvignon Blanc

Cheese Pairing – Gruyere

Unique blend of earthy, herbal and fruity aromas that can be lightly oaked.  Very clean, crisp everyday drinking wine.  Pair with delicately flavored foods or slightly acidic dishes.  Goes well with citrus and vinaigrette sauces.

Chardonnay

Cheese Pairing – Mild Cheddar

A well balanced wine with soft buttery and vanilla flavors.  Enjoy this with full flavored dishes that have been sautéed, grilled or roasted.

What wine should I cook with?

The answer to this is simple….ONLY cook with wine that you would drink!!!!  If there’s a wine in your cabinet that you are not fond of drinking, most likely you would not want to add that to your recipe.  Just stick with wines you enjoy and you cannot go wrong!

Stop by and try our take on each of these wines

Simply White – Sauvignon Blanc

Belle Luna – Chenin Blanc

Gris Gris – Pinot Grigio

Woodward White – Riesling

Down Under – Chardonnay

 

Learn more by visiting Vintner’s Cellar of Royal Oak or by taking a Culinary Escapes Food tour of Royal Oak.