5 Soup and Wine Pairings To Bowl You Over
Nothing says bring on the cold weather quite like a warm bowl of soup! Whether you’re making a big pot for the whole family, or enjoying a bowl while curled up on the couch, soup is the perfect meal when you’re craving something simple, yet satisfying. The only thing that could make the night better is finding the perfect wine.
Traditionally, soup pairings are thought of as tricky. After all, you’re pairing liquid with…well, more liquid. However, the trick is boiling a soup down (pun intended) to its main components and textures, much like any other dish, and the job becomes easy (split) peasy. Here are a few “soup-er tips” to keep in mind before your next bowl:
“If It grows together, it goes together.”
This simple aphorism is more than an old sommelier’s tale. In fact, it’s some of the most grounding advice when it comes to pairings. Recipes with a regional flair tend to work best with wines that are rooted in the same region. For example, Beef Bourguignon and Pinot Noir from Burgundy, or Spanish gazpacho and zesty Rueda. Why? Well, think about it -- the local folk of yore were not traveling too far to get the best wine for dinner. So, they developed recipes, and indeed wines, to complement the flavors closest to home.
Body-Ody-Ody-Ody
Consistency, or thickness, and mouthfeel are also important to consider when pairing wine with soup. For example, a creamy soup can benefit from being paired with crisp, racy white to contrast its texture, while a chunkier vegetable minestrone can shine alongside a medium-bodied red. However, be careful with tannins. Highly structured reds, like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon can clash against light or brothy soups, such as consommé.
Temperature and Spice
Hot and spicy soups can be tricky to pair, as they can compete with tannins and overwhelm delicate fruit notes in wine. For these soups, aim high -- high acid, relatively low-ABV white wines, such as Riesling, Chenin Blanc, or even dry Gewurztraminer.
Ready to stir things up in your own kitchen? We’ve got a list of our favorite combos all lined up, so settle in and get cozy folks.
