Pickled Fish and Wine Pairing
Are you in a pickle about which wine will pair well with your fish?Photo Credit : Cape Malay Cooking
Easter Weekend, or as fondly nick-named by some as “Pickled Fish Weekend”, is fast approaching and if like me, you are eagerly waiting to learn what the “Catch of the Day” will be – I’ve got a few wines that might make eating fish for the entire weekend less daunting.
Pickled fish is the South African food traditionally eaten at Easter time together with Hot Cross Buns.
The recipe was originally devised by a Cape Malay fishermen in an effort to preserve the catch for as long as possible, since then people have adapted the recipe to their personal preference however in this case tradition wins.Over the years we’ve seen some amazing delicious meals of Pickled Fish, served with salads or just on its own with some crusty bread.
My Aunt normally prepares our pickled fish for the family however Fatima Sydow from the facebook page @Cape Malay Cooking with Fatima Sydow has a great recipe right here too (insert link) https://www.facebook.com/CapeMalayCookingWithFatimaSydow/posts/584486571686745
Or you could purchase yours from @Woolworths South Africa, I promise it’s good.
I recently completed a food and wine course at the Stellenbosch Private Hotel School which has really encouraged me to experiment with food and wine.
When pairing food with wine there are various factors to consider, the weight, flavor intensity and taste of the food should marry well with the wine.
I’ve enlisted some help from fellow wine enthusiasts on some great wines.
Chenin Blanc
When it comes to wine and pickled fish in particular I’ve always played it safe with Chenin Blanc, because of its versatility you’ll find a Chenin for any occasion.
Lanzerac Chenin Blanc 2018
Cellar Door Price R90.00
The Lanzerac Chenin Blanc is packed with stone fruit flavours of apricot and peach, supported by ripe pineapple on the mid palate. 22% Oak maturation ensures a soft, creamy finish with a lingering tail.
Mulderbosch “Steen op Hout” Chenin Blanc 2017 R69.50 @CyberCellar
With a delicate green golden appearance, the 2016 vintage promises a fresh array of wonderful fruit aromas.Papaya, melon and limes jostle for attention aside freshly sliced Granny Smith apples and touches of oak spice.
Sauvignon Blanc
I rarely pair a Sauvignon Blanc but having had this Nitida Golden Orb Sauvignon Blanc with a spicy seafood paella however having aged this one is a winner.
Nitida Golden Orb Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Ltd Release R327 @ Nitida Online Wine Store
The Golden Orb is a true expression of the remarkable Durbanville terroir. The grapes were harvested by hand from a single vineyard high on the hill from the only block that can “see” the Atlantic Ocean, benefitting most from its cooling breezes. The variety of soils found on this hill, along with multiple pickings, result in incredibly complex flavours. Highlights of spice and celery merge gently with very fresh granadilla and peach. Such refined craftsmanship
Viognier
The oaked Viognier should work well as it has a higher perfume-like, aromatic quality and an oily texture that makes it taste slightly less acidic here we have
DiemersfonteinCarpe Diem Viognier 2015
(by @Blacksommelier) R124.00 @Cybercellar
Apricots, orange peel, citrus and biscuit aromas explodes in the glass and then follow through to the palate for a rich mouth feel with a lingering orange marmalade aftertaste.
Eagles Nest 2016 Viogner
R199.000 @Cybercellar
Barrel fermented and matured, the nose of this wine is typically Viognier, with apricot and ripe peach aromas, subsequently joined by jasmine. A refreshing, expressive palate displays white stone pip flavours and spices. A crisp, pure, persistent finish rounds it off. Versatile in terms of pairing, it will accompany
Theuniskraal Riesling (From @Boozy_Foodie)
R55.00 @ Cellar Door
This wine is described as fresh, lively and bone-dry, with subtle grassy hints and fruit flavours, this is a deliciously refreshing wine, ideal for everyday enjoyment
DelheimGewurtztraminer 2016 (From @ TulipsandPhoenixes R129.00 @ Cybercellar
Fragrant aromas of perfume, litchi, turkish delight and rose petals, underpinned by subtle hints of white pepper and ginger spice. The palate is fresh and elegant, with a delicately balanced fruit / acid structure. The litchi and turkish delight flavours follow through beautifully onto the palate, and the wine ends with lingering flavours of ginger spice and fresh pineapple.
Chardonnay
Newton Johnson
Felicite No Oak Chardonnay 2017
R69.00 @ Cybercellar
This beautifully expressive, unoaked Chardonnay shows prominent peach notes that dominate the palate, accented further by alluring floral nuances. The Felicite No Oak Chardonnay is a great accompaniment to light meals and alfresco dining.
Glen Carlou Wine Estate Unwooded Chardonnay 2017
R99.50 @ Cybercellar The richly textured creaminess and length is generated by extended lees contact in the cement tanks prior to bottling, allowing the fruit to express itself with little human intervention and little preservative being used throughout the maturation period. An exciting new wine added to our ‘Classic Range’.
Some other great suggestions include Axe Hill Winery Tant Lenie, De Wet Cellar Pettiland Fronte Recommended by https://twitter.com/awethentiq , Lords Wines https://twitter.com/LordsWines Pinot Noir Recommended by https://twitter.com/DestinationMcG https://twitter.com/brianmahanke
The best part is that you can find most of these wines at www.cybercellar.com they have a great selection and delivery normally takes place within 3-4 business days (depending on volumes)
Use my code #throughmywineglass to get R75 off a R500 spend
Should you wish to add to the list or have experience of which pairings will be a miss, please comment on this post.
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