Pairing Food with Wine: 6 Ideas for English Wine Week and Beyond

This sparkling organic wine,  is a taste of British summertime.  Pop the cork for a celebration.  It is ideal for a light fish starter, finger food or for serving with fish, shellfish or chicken dishes.  It is bright and fruity with delicate hints of strawberry, raspberry, pear, and apple with a recognisable toasty finish.  A super simple food pairing would be thinly sliced smoked salmon with cracked black pepper on brown bread.  Or perhaps lightly battered tempura prawns.

An un-oaked pure, crisp and zesty chardonnay with citrus aromas and flavours of apple, lemon, tropical fruit and buttered toast with a smooth finish.  If you like fresh oysters, lobster or prawns then this is the one for you.  Or you could pair the creamy texture with something like a baked cheese soufflé or cheese fondu.

A semi aromatic, refreshing wine made from ortega grapes.  A super popular, off dry, medium bodied wine with aromas of green apple, grapefruit and grass.  It is fabulously fruity with a hint of lime and would suit lightly spiced dishes or simple seafood dishes.  Perfect for a wine and cheese night due to the fruit sweetness.

A still white made from 100% bacchus grapes.  Aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, elderflower and apple.  Very floral and delicate with flavours of grapefruit and peach.  Pairs beautifully with salmon or grilled chicken and a simple salad or you could serve with homemade fish pie.  Or pasta with a light cream sauce with asparagus, mange tout and peppers.

Pale crimson, silky and made from 100% pinot noir grapes.  Flavours of cherry, cranberry and vanilla with a gentle spice.  If you are having a summer get together in the garden, you could do no better than serving this with a platter of continental meats and salami combined with medium firm and delicate flavoured cheeses.  Pinot Noir is very versatile – roast chicken, pasta dishes and salmon are all good choices. 

Brioche, apple, honey, citrus, white flowers are all in the aromas and echoed in the flavours.  The classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.  Delicious and with ageing potential.  Pair with canapés, seafood, salmon, chicken or soft cheese or perhaps be a bit wicked and serve with classic fish and chips.