03 Jun Make the Most of This Summer with These Wine Pairing on the Patio
Summers in Toronto are short and hot, with every resident doing their absolute best to enjoy the spurt of good weather. The arrival of summer also means “patio season,” meaning local restaurants put out their patio umbrellas and everyone gathers outside for drinks and tapas while enjoying the sunshine.
Whether you choose to sip your Chardonnay on the patio of a trendy restaurant in town, or prefer to kick back on your own patio at home, pairing your wine with the right foods can really impact the taste and your overall experience. In fact, the perfect marriage of sweet and savoury flavours or light and fruity blends can take your favourite wines to a whole new level.
Wine and Food Pairings
Here are some of the best wine and food pairings for summer that are sure to satisfy your palate.
Pinot Noir and Fish
Think grilled salmon, Arctic char or even shellfish. These fish choices are sustainable and have less contamination than something like swordfish or even shrimp. Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the flavours of your fish, serve it slightly chilled and enjoy.
Chardonnay with Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken makes a delicious pairing with the delicacy of Chardonnay, as both have a light flavours. Whether you choose a Chardonnay with hints of pear or apple, this will generally go well with poultry or any vegetable dish.
Green Salad and Pinot Grigio
Simple and delicious, you can either pair it with a salad topped with all your favourite fixings, or just keep it green and hassle-free. Pinot Grigio does wonders when enjoyed alongside a green salad.
Cabernet with Portobello or Eggplant
Cabernet and greasy foods don’t mix well together, but when you pair a full-bodied Cabernet with something like portobello mushrooms or even eggplants, it creates the perfect marriage of flavours.
Tomatoes and Rose
Though they have lower alcohol content, roses tend to be on the sweet side. These fruity wines pair well with vegetables such as tomatoes which makes a glass (or two) of rose the ideal complement to grilled pizza or bowl of homemade pasta. Either way, you’ll be smiling with every sip.
Seafood and Spanish Whites
Just the thought of this combination should make your mouth water. Seafood in the summer time is traditional and pairing with a smooth Spanish white is the answer your taste buds have been waiting for.
Grilled Chicken and Chilled Reds
As the summer season approaches, you’ll find more and more selections of lighter red wines. When served chilled and paired with some grilled chicken, not only does it make for a savoury meal, but it’s also a healthy option. It’s a win-win!
There’s no better time to pull out those rare bottles from your wine collection than during the summer on your own patio. At Papro Wine Cellars and Consulting we appreciate all wine drinkers and want to help you enjoy your collection all-year-round. If you’re a new luxury homeowner, or simply looking to add a wine cellar to your current home, give us a call at 1.866.651.9229 or email [email protected]