Exploring Offbeat Wine Pairings: More than Mimosas for Breakfast!

Wine pairing has traditionally been associated with dinners and elaborate meals and guided by rules like “red wine with red meat” and “white wine with fish.” But there’s no need to stick to the same conventions when wine can be playful and adventurous! In this blog, we dive into offbeat wine pairings that break the mold and prove that there’s a wine for literally every occasion!

Breakfast Wines: Start Your Day with a Splash

Why limit wine to evening hours? Breakfast dishes often feature bold flavours, rich textures, and sweet or savoury profiles that pair wonderfully with the right wines. From bubbly to rosé, morning foods offer a unique opportunity to experiment with wines that enhance the flavours of your favourite dishes. 

• Mimosas with Fresh Pastries: The iconic mimosa—sparkling wine with orange juice—is a classic for a reason. It is fun, light, and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for daytime drinks. Use a sparkling wine that is on the drier side, and pair it with buttery croissants or fruit tarts for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Rosé with Pancakes and Syrup: Complement the sweetness of syrup-drenched pancakes with a dry rosé, offering subtle fruitiness that doesn’t overpower the dish.
• Sauvignon Blanc with Avocado Toast: The grassy, citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the creaminess of avocado, making it a fresh and zesty combination. 
• Chardonnay with Eggs Benedict: Balance the creamy texture of a rich, buttery hollandaise sauce with a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
• Riesling with Waffles: A slightly off-dry Riesling complements the crispy texture of waffles and balances the sweetness of syrup or whipped cream.

Top Tip: Go Light and Refreshing

Mornings call for wines with lower alcohol content and a splash of acidity to keep the experience enjoyable. 

Fast Food Meets Fine Wine

Wine pairing doesn’t have to be limited to haute cuisine. Sometimes, the best culinary experiences come from combining the elegance of wine with fast food, which is often packed with rich, salty and intense flavours. These qualities make it an excellent companion to wine, as the acidity, tannins, and sweetness in wine can balance and enhance these intense flavours. The result? A surprisingly sophisticated take on comfort food.

• Malbec with Burgers: A juicy Malbec complements the charred, savoury flavours of a cheeseburger. For an extra treat, add bacon and let the wine’s smoky undertones shine. Not a wine club member? Try our Merlot and Malbec blend, Dangerous Liaison instead! 
• Syrah with Barbecue Ribs: The bold, jammy notes of Syrah are a perfect match for the smoky, tangy flavours of barbecue sauce.
• Pinot Noir with Pepperoni Pizza: The bright acidity and red fruit notes of Pinot Noir balance the spiciness of pepperoni and the richness of melted cheese.
• Gewürztraminer with Sweet and Sour Chicken: The sweetness of Gewürztraminer complements the tangy and sugary notes of sweet and sour chicken, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
• Sparkling Wine with Onion Rings: A light, sparkling wine cuts through the batter’s richness while enhancing the sweet and savoury flavour of onion rings.

Top Tip: Look for Balance

Choose wines with enough acidity, sweetness, or tannins to balance the richness and saltiness of fast food.

Wine and Dessert: Sweet on Sweet

Pairing wine with desserts is a celebration of indulgence and creativity. While it can seem daunting, the key is balance—let the wine enhance the dessert without overwhelming it. Acidity, texture, and complementary flavour profiles play a significant role in creating the perfect match.

• Port with Chocolate Cake: A rich, velvety Port mirrors the decadence of a dense chocolate cake.
• Gewürztraminer with Cheesecake: A Gewürztraminer that is on the sweeter side can beautifully complement the creamy, tangy notes of cheesecake.
• Riesling with Apple Pie: The spiced apple filling and flaky crust of apple pie are elevated by the crisp acidity and gentle sweetness of an off-dry Riesling.
• Cabernet Sauvignon with Chocolate Truffles: The bold, tannic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of chocolate truffles, enhancing the deep cocoa notes.
• Sparkling Wine with Peach Cobbler: The effervescence and floral notes of Sparkling Wine complement the warm, fruity flavours of peach cobbler.
• Gewürztraminer with Berry Tart: The aromatic and slightly spicy profile of Gewürztraminer pairs wonderfully with the bright, tangy flavours of a berry tart.

Top Tip: Match Sweetness Levels

Ideally, the wine should be as sweet as or slightly sweeter than the dessert to avoid any clashing flavours. 

Snacks and Comfort Foods: Elevate your Favourites

Comfort foods are rich, satisfying and flavourful dishes with bold profiles. These hearty favourites can be elevated with the right wine pairing. 

• Chardonnay with Mac and Cheese: The buttery, creamy texture of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with an oaked Chardonnay, which mirrors the dish’s richness.
• Sauvignon Blanc with Grilled Cheese: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the gooey richness of melted cheese, making it a refreshing match for this classic sandwich.
• Pinot Noir with Lasagna: The earthy, red fruit notes of Pinot Noir enhance the savoury layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and pasta in lasagna.
• Syrah with Beef Stew: The robust, peppery character of Syrah complements the tender, slow-cooked flavours of a beef stew.
• Merlot with Shepherd’s Pie: A smooth, medium-bodied Merlot enhances the savoury meat and creamy mashed potatoes in shepherd’s pie.
• Rosé with Pizza: A dry rosé is versatile enough to pair with a variety of pizza toppings, from Margherita to pepperoni.

Top Tip: Match Intensity and Balance Richness

Pair bold dishes with equally bold wines and lighter dishes with more delicate wines. Choose wines with acidity or tannins to cut through the richness of comfort foods. 

Offbeat wine pairings bring creativity into the world of wine. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with avocado toast or indulging in a glass of Port alongside chocolate cake, there’s no wrong way to pair wine—as long as it brings you pleasure. Don’t be afraid to experiment and you may discover unexpected combinations that make your taste buds dance!