What Wine Goes with Pickles? A Surprisingly Versatile Pairing
Pickles, with their briny tang and varying degrees of sweetness and spice, might seem like an unusual wine pairing. However, the right wine can complement these fermented delights beautifully, enhancing both the pickle and the wine experience. The key is to consider the type of pickle you're enjoying. Dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, spicy giardiniera – each presents a unique flavor profile requiring a different wine partner.
What Kind of Pickles Are You Having?
This is the most important question to answer before selecting a wine. The acidity, sweetness, and spice level of your pickles will drastically influence the best pairing.
What are the best wines to pair with dill pickles?
Dill pickles, with their characteristic vinegary tang and herbaceous notes, call for wines that can stand up to their assertive flavor. Crisp, acidic whites are excellent choices.
- Dry Riesling: The high acidity of Riesling cuts through the pickle's brine, while its subtle sweetness and minerality complement the dill's herbaceousness. A German Riesling with its petrol notes can be particularly interesting.
- Sauvignon Blanc: This classic white wine offers vibrant acidity and grassy notes, creating a refreshing and lively pairing. Look for Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire Valley or New Zealand for a zesty counterpoint to the pickle's brine.
- Albariño: From the Rías Baixas region of Spain, Albariño provides a refreshing citrusy acidity and a slight salinity that complements the briny character of the dill pickle.
What wines pair well with bread and butter pickles?
Bread and butter pickles, with their sweeter profile, require a wine that can balance their sweetness without being overpowered.
- Off-Dry Riesling: The slight sweetness of an off-dry Riesling echoes the sweetness of the pickles, while its acidity provides a necessary counterpoint.
- Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine, known for its lychee and rose petal notes, offers enough sweetness and body to stand up to the bread and butter pickle's sweetness without being cloying.
- Rosé: A dry rosé, particularly those with notes of strawberry or red fruit, can be a refreshing and unexpected pairing. The fruitiness of the rosé complements the sweetness of the pickles, while its acidity helps to balance the overall flavor profile.
What about spicy pickles like giardiniera?
Spicy pickles introduce a new dimension – heat! You'll need a wine with enough body and acidity to stand up to the spice.
- Pinot Grigio: A crisp, dry Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, Italy, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the heat, while its subtle fruitiness complements the other flavors in the pickle mix.
- Dry Rosé: Again, a dry rosé with its refreshing acidity can help to balance the spice.
- Light-bodied Red: A light-bodied red like a Gamay or a Pinot Noir can also work surprisingly well, particularly if the spicy pickle also has some sweetness. The fruitiness of the red wine provides a nice contrast to the spice.
Are there any other types of pickles that require different wine pairings?
Absolutely! The world of pickles is vast. Pickled onions, watermelon rind pickles, and various other pickled vegetables will require different wine pairings depending on their individual flavor profiles. Experiment and discover your own perfect matches!
Can I pair wine with pickles as an appetizer?
Yes! The contrasting flavors of pickles and wine can make for a delightful and unexpected appetizer pairing.
Ultimately, the best wine to pair with pickles is a matter of personal preference. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what you enjoy most. Consider the specific type of pickle, its flavor profile, and your own taste preferences when making your selection. Happy sipping!
