I recently got flak from one of my vegetarian friends for (and fish) pairings with my wine recommendations. I took the scolding to heart. It might come as a surprise but I am former vegetarian myself. It wasn't just a six-month phase, either, but rather a 13-year commitment, which included about seven of my wine drinking years.
So yes, I was drinking Aussie Shiraz and Chilean Cab with my meatless preparations and enjoyed them tremendously, thank you very much. I wasn't a fan of veggie burgers and tofu hotdogs and preferred to get my protein by combining grains and pulses. Above all, cheese, nuts and mushrooms were my best friends. And in fact, they still are. I often bust out some of my favourite vegetarian recipes this time of year and am never at a loss for a wine to go with them.
The dish: Cheesy potato gratin
Comprised of layers of thinly sliced potatoes held together by cream and butter and topped with lots of grated cheese, potato gratin is filling enough to be the main event at the dinner table. You can serve a salad of bitter autumn greens on the side for balance.
The wine: Livermore Valley, California, $19.49 BC Liquor Stores
I see this as an excuse to drink a rich Chardonnay. Some might call it overkill but I like matching the creaminess, the toastiness. Here the oak is balanced by some luscious melon notes.
听
The dish: Peanut butter noodles
My riff on authentic Dan Dan Noodles is a simple combination of peanut butter, garlic, soy sauce, green onion and ginger. I keep the chili spice moderate so as to not obliterate whatever wine I choose to go with one of my favourite go-to dishes.
The wine: , Turckheim Gewurztraminer, Alsace AOC, France, $34.99 BC Liquor Stores
A striking match! Gewurztraminer's intense rose water, sweet spice, pink grapefruit and peach flavours marry surprisingly well with Asian ingredients. This one also has the richness to go with all that nutty goodness.
听
The dish: Frittata
I simply can't face omelets in the morning, so I eat my eggs at night. A frittata is my favourite egg specialty and I simply 鈥渂eef鈥� it up with whatever vegetables are in the fridge.
The wine: C么tes du Rh么ne AOC, France, $18.99 Everything Wine
A medium-weight, easy drinking red with raspberry, red plum, dried herb nuances and soft tannin, this Grenache/Syrah blend is as casual as an eggy meal. Add some thyme to your frittata for a tasty bridge.
听
The dish: Mushroom and barley risotto
Mushrooms give so much oomph and flavour to any meal, and they are extremely friendly with a range of wines. This hearty repast calls for a fairly gutsy partner.
The wine: , Ribero del Duero DO, Spain, $21.99 BC Liquor Stores
A Tempranillo-based wine with a short passage in oak, the Sarmentero offers ripe blackberry and currants with vanilla and cinnamon. The smooth, suave texture is perfect with the creamy consistency of a risotto.
听
The dish: Lentils
Meat-eaters might have a hard time imaging lentils without bacon, but I've slowly stewed these pulses with red wine and tomatoes along with the requisite carrots and celery achieving delicious results.
The wine: Chianti Classico DOCG, $23.49 BC Liquor Stores
A lovely mouthful of vibrant red cherries. The intriguing tea and tobacco notes work well with the earthiness of the lentils. Then there is that bright juicy acidity which will stand up to those tangy tomatoes.
听
鈥� Prices exclusive of taxes
