Wine Pairing for Vegetarian Dishes
I have been asked by a number of people “What wine goes with Vegetarian food?” That is a very broad questions when you think about it because there are many factors to consider - what is the dominant flavor? It is spicy? Is it sweet? Is it bitter? Is it umami? Is it salty? Let’s go over some basic pairings and use the KISS theory (keep it simple stupid) otherwise we’ll get lost in the weeds.
Vegetarian dishes are less fatty, have lower protein and a higher umami factor. That being said, generally speaking I would suggest a white, rosé or a light red. Here are some suggestions by dominant ingredients to help you make a better wine and food pairing choice:
Green Vegetable flavors are concentrated with bitterness and umami. The best pairing would be a fruity rosé such as a Spanish Garnacha, a light white Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Gourds are large, fleshy fruits with a hard skin, some varieties of which are edible such as squash, pumpkin, butternut. Gourds have a rich mouthfeel, a bit sweet. The best pairing would be a richer white such as a California Chardonnay or South African Chardonnay, Vigonier, Riesling or a medium red such as Spanish Garnacha or New World Grenache , Merlot or Tempranillo.
Legumes are considered higher in protein with intense umami. Pair with a fruity, full bodied white such as a White Bourgogne/Burgundy, oaked Chardonnay or a medium red such as Spanish Garnacha or Grenache, Merlot or Tempranillo.
Mushrooms are very high in umami. Best pair with a fruity, unoaked white, an aged white such as White Bourgogne/Burgundy, light to medium aged red wine such as Tempranillo, Grenache or Merlot.
Nuts are bitter and have high umami. AVOID at all costs medium to big/heavy red wines. The high tannins will interact with the bitter and umami properties of the nuts and will amplify the bitterness. Pair with a white or rosé that has some residual sugar which will balance out the bitterness such as a Grenache Rosé or an oaky Chardonnay.
Happy pairing! Please feel free to contact me if you have any wine and food pairing questions.
