FOOD PAIRINGS FOR ENGLISH WINE
Sun is shining, weather is sweet – an apt lyric from a favourite summertime song. The sound of glasses clinking in pub gardens, the smell of charcoal barbecues and the sight of sun-worshippers laying claim to any available green space - the great British Summer has arrived!
It feels timely that we are celebrating English Wine Week. The beautiful weather has no doubt been welcomed by winemakers and vineyard growers alike as we enter the key stages of the English grape growing season. The last two vintages of English still wine have produced exceptional quality, highlighted by the London Cru Bacchus 2019 receiving 93 points from Decanter (the highest scoring 2019 Bacchus!). The result has seen a surge in interest for English wine and its reputation has started to build. You can shop our English wine collection here.
The recent praise for English wine should come as no surprise. The culinary icons of mid-morning weekend TV, often remind us of the fantastic quality being grown here at home! As environmental concerns shift our focus to seasonal and local produce, combining with endless avenues of inspiration from around the world, British food is more exciting than it has ever been.
Here are my top 5 food pairings for our favourite English Wines
1) LONDON CRU BACCHUS 2020 with SINGAPORE-STYLE CHILLI CRAB
Our Bacchus is wonderfully aromatic. Aromas of sweet blossom, gooseberry, elderflower and notes of passionfruit, pineapple and pink grapefruit create a lasting finish.
Cornish Brown Crab are in the middle of their season and considered some of the best tasting in the world. Sweet, spicy, and savoury, this dish pairs fantastically with a crisp, vibrant aromatic white wine. Do not wear a white shirt when you eat this – I am speaking from experience!
2) WAYFARER WINES PINOT NOIR ROSÉ with STEAK TAGLIATA SALAD
Ruby pink in colour, the nose evokes springtime English hedgerows in full bloom. Smooth and moreish, we will keep reaching for more.
Ideal for sharing as a centrepiece, seared steak with rocket, basil, mint, and cherry tomatoes make for a perfect alfresco steak dinner. Use Rump, Bavette or Fillet steak – cooked to medium rare and sliced into strips. Served with some barbecued corn and flatbreads it goes down a treat shared among friends with a few bottles of rosé.
3) SIMPSONS GRAVEL CASTLE CHARDONNAY with ASPARAGUS, LANGOUSTINE & PEASHOOT SALAD
Kent’s answer to Chablis. This delightful Chardonnay displays fresh, citrus aromas, refreshing fruit flavours and a smooth, textured palate.
The Asparagus season is my favourite time of year. When roasted, the tender spears develop a unique savoury flavour that I just love. Matched with succulent langoustines, sweet peas, and pea shoots, this is a salad that can take centre stage for an evening.
4) DAVENPORT VINEYARD HORSMONDEN DRY WHITE with GRILLED SARDINES AND GOLDEN BEETROOT & ORANGE SALSA
This unique English Wine blend displays delightful blossom & lime aromas, zesty freshness, and great concentrated flavours of green apple and pear.
Grilled sardines are a summer staple for me and evoke memories of the Med. This Ottolenghi-inspired recipe transported me to the beachside chiringuitos that we cannot quite visit yet. Diced, golden beetroot, red onion, orange segments & olives with chilli flakes and Moroccan spices go well with the salty crispy skinned sardines. Washed down with a refreshing glass of white wine, I am in a happy place.
5) RATHFINNY CLASSIC CUVÉE with AMERICAN STYLE PANCAKES, YOGHURT & STRAWBERRY COMPOTE
This Traditional method sparkling wine has an expressive nose of fresh red orchard apples, punctuated by toasty notes of almond and pastry, and a honeydew melon finish.
Brunch & Bubbles – yes please! Start your weekend right with a real treat. Fluffy, American style pancakes are the best. Topped with a homemade strawberry compote and tangy Greek yoghurt, I cannot think of a better match to go with this quality sparkling wine.
