So often wine is paired with meats and cheeses. Maybe this is because vegetables and fruits have more delicate flavors or can be so easily destroyed if ill-prepared. Veggie dishes and spices can be quite complex but easily over run by big wines. One of my favorite chefs in the world once said that meats are very full and fatty making them somewhat easier to show off – they come laden with flavor. Creating vegetable based dishes, on the other hand, can be more challenging – each has its own preparation technique, season and locality can really be a limiting factor, and for some they can be intimidating. I think that people are much more likely NOT to try a vegetable again if their first experience with it was prepared poorly. I think that there must be a million outstanding wine matches but they are certainly underplayed.
On a weekend in Seattle recently, I had some of the best vegetables I have had in a long time – the produce was spectacular! The best artichoke I have ever seen or tasted, unbelievable kale, and garlic to die for. These were all from a grocery chain. It was amazing. I went to our graciously donated condo overlooking the water and cooked up these simple items for one of the best late night dinners ever. We had a bottle of red wine, also had excellent bread and goat cheese. Long story short – the wine and the vegetables were heaven! It just got me thinking about why there isn’t more discussion and experimentation with wines and vegetables – fruit for that matter as well.
I did find one cookbook at the condo to my surprise, that actually did just this: Charlie Trotter’s Vegetables.
I also found a pretty good article with some quotes from Mr. Trotter about pairing: Eat Your Vegetables! I think there are maybe a few misleading stereotypes about “bland vegan establishments” but I am not sure where the author chooses to eat vegan food. I have only had the best experience with vegan at restaurants and at home, but I digress. Mainly, I just wanted to throw out there, next time you are getting ready to have a meatless meal or next time you have the opportunity too, taste that wine with the side dishes – and see what you think. Here are a couple other “pairing with vegetables” articles for suggestions.
