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Residence to a number of grape varieties producing broadly numerous wine kinds, the Loire is a dream area for meals matching. Right here, we discover a few of its pairings for shellfish.
As one of the numerous wine areas in France, probably even Europe, the Loire has all method of wine kinds to please any palate. Names like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are amongst its best-known appellations – these crisp, tart Sauvignon Blancs have been regulars on wine lists for years. However there’s a lot extra to discover.
The big selection of colors and kinds make Loire wines an excellent alternative for meals pairing, regardless of the flavours or textures of the meals in query.
Forming the spine of the Loire is the Loire River – the longest in France. Whereas we could be speaking freshwater right here somewhat than saltwater, the Loire does attain over to the west coast of France. Right here, the Pays de la Loire meets the Bay of Biscay the place each oysters and moules will be discovered.
Talking of oysters, let’s begin with these exalted bivalves and a Loire wine to enhance them. In any case, life can’t at all times be Champagne and oysters.
Muscadet, in my view, is a considerably maligned and misunderstood appellation. It’s generally disregarded for being too refined or unassuming, however I believe this does it a disservice. It’s delicate and stylish. If we observe the adage of wine pairing that “what grows collectively, goes collectively” then a fragile Muscadet from the coastal Loire is a shellfish lover’s dream.
Constructed from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, Muscadet is mild and recent – it have to be 12.5% ABV or much less, in accordance with the legal guidelines of the appellation. It performs extra of a supporting position with meals companions, highlighting sure parts in your dish. Its crispness and excessive acidity are heavenly with oysters, particularly these which have been sourced off the coast of Vendée, additionally within the Loire – the very embodiment of “rising and going collectively”.
Leaping the size of the Loire river and transferring to the far east of the area, we land in Pouilly-Fumé. These crisp and mineral wines are comprised of Sauvignon Blanc. Whereas they do have anticipated Sauvignon Blanc traits of citrus and inexperienced fruit, there’s rather more complexity and richness right here than you’d discover in your common bottle of Sauvignon.
The identify itself (Fumé) confirms the marginally smoky, gunflint ingredient you will see in Pouilly-Fumé which make it an attractive match with prawns. However you needn’t fear right here about fancy sauces. Unadulterated, freshly shelled prawns with oven-warm crusty bread and a cool glass of Pouilly-Fumé are a trio of tempered, briny tang.
One other method for meals and wine pairing (however actually not a foolproof one) is that of matching a meals’s color with a wine of an identical shade. Lighter colored meals like rooster, subsequently, pairs with white wines. By this notion then, our shelly journey with the wines of the Loire ought to cease with the whites. Crimson wine lovers shall be delighted to listen to this isn’t so.
The Sancerre appellation could also be greatest identified for its white wines, however it’s pink Sancerre that I need to discuss right here – however by all means, please do pair a bowl of moules marinières with a white Sancerre.
Made with 100% Pinot Noir, pink Sancerre is a light-weight wine with pink fruit flavours and infrequently, some leafy and extra savoury notes (notably because it ages). It makes a really fairly match with fruits de mer however once more, maintain the sauce right here and let the wine and the shellfish work their magic alone. It even sits nicely alongside a number of the richer, meatier shellfish like brown crab and even lobster because the acidity cuts by means of the brine.
In the end, everytime you plan to get pleasure from a bottle of wine with some scrumptious fare – be it seafood, salad or lamb shank – there’s at all times one query you need to ask your self first. Is it good to drink? That’s the scrumptious oyster and the remainder is simply shell.
Our Loire supply is now reside. Discover the complete vary and uncover extra right here.
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