Author Charlotte Kristensen has released a new book, "Wine & Dine At Home," which aims to demystify wine pairings for a variety of meals. The book presents creative combinations designed to enhance everyday dining experiences, suggesting wines that complement dishes from simple snacks to more elaborate dinners.
Kristensen's approach focuses on accessible and often surprising pairings. For instance, she suggests pairing a rosé with burrata, strawberries, and tomatoes, noting that the wine's bright berry notes can echo the fruit and complement the richness of the cheese. A light, fresh sparkling rosé, such as a Cava rosado or a French rosé Crémant, is recommended for this dish.
Another unexpected pairing featured is an off-dry Riesling with a spicy prawn noodle salad. Kristensen highlights how the wine's sweetness can temper the chili's heat, while its citrus notes can mirror the salad's dressing. She suggests German Rieslings with a specific sweetness level or alternatives like honeyed Chenin or off-dry Pinot Gris.
The book also champions pairing Cava with truffled cheese toasties, emphasizing how the wine's minerality can align with the earthy notes of truffle. For this pairing, quality Cava with depth, such as a Reserva or above, and a dry style (Brut Nature or Extra Brut) is advised.
For those who enjoy Italian cuisine, Kristensen suggests a Sangiovese with duck ragu and pappardelle. She explains that the wine's cherry and herb notes harmonize with the ragu's rich flavors, recommending key regions like Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino.
Kristensen also explores dessert pairings, recommending Moscato d’Asti with white chocolate rainbow bark. She describes the wine as light, fragrant, and low in alcohol, providing a joyful finish that complements the sweet and fruity bark.
Seafood lovers can consider pairing Chablis with scallops and samphire. The acidity of the unoaked or lightly oaked Chablis is said to cut through the scallops' richness, while the lemon and salty notes of samphire echo the wine's citrus and marine character.
For a comforting meal, Viognier is suggested to pair with chicken and pumpkin pie. The wine's textural weight, stone fruit notes, and subtle floral and spice nuances are said to complement the creamy pie filling and aromatic spices.
Finally, Kristensen offers an indulgent pairing of Champagne with mac and cheese. She suggests that the Champagne's crispness cuts through the cheese's richness, while the salt in the dish enhances the wine's vibrancy. A rich Blanc de Blancs style is recommended to match the dish's flavor intensity.
"Wine & Dine At Home" by Charlotte Kristensen is available for purchase, with special offers for ordering through mailshop.co.uk/books or by phone. The book features photographs by Laura Jalbert and was published by Mitchell Beazley.