snowkiss winery

wine. reimagined.



Pairing Vins with meals





20 April 2024



Perhaps the ultimate expression of culinary blending, pairing wines with full meals can be a challenge. When pairing with any dish, the full impact of the flavor profiles of both the food and the wine needs to be accounted for in order to deliver a combination that turns an ordinary meal into a sublime dining experience.





When it comes grape wines, my main pairing decisions are fairly simple, for example, serving a red wine with beef or a white wine with chicken and fish. While my wine pairing abilities will never be envied by a professional sommelier, I’ve progressed in more recent years, learning to save those heavy California Zins for the rare occasions I grill a steak, and keeping a nice bottle of Pinot Noir around for Thanksgiving. I’ve also learned to appreciate the various hues of white wines when distinguishing between Chardonnay, Pinot Griego, or Sauvignon Blanc when serving lighter fare. Still, I find it challenging to make those slight differences line up properly with a food choice. Ever since we started making our wines, I’ve found that the wider flavor profiles of fruit-based wines lead to some truly interesting and unique pairing opportunities, and I’m excited to learn more about them as we continue to explore the world of fruit winemaking. For now, here are some of my favorite combinations we’ve stumbled across so far, hope you enjoy!





Vin Apricot paired with Sushi



Vin Apricot is our most delicate wine and yet is surprisingly complex.. I immediately thought about pairing this wine with sushi. Here, I chose salmon and tuna nigiri, spicy tuna rolls, and my favorite, the Longmont roll (combination of spicy tuna, yellowtail, salmon, and avocado on a single roll, made by several sushi places in Longmont). In every case, the understated flavors of the Vin Apricot mingled beautifully with the subtle flavors of the fish, resulting in a very delightful meal!



Vin Blackberry with Seco de Ternera



Our full-bodied, rich Vin Blackberry pairs wonderfully with red meat. Since we aren’t talking about a heavy bodied Cabernet Franc, we decided to stay away from the traditional steak paring and instead opted for Seco de Ternera. Seco de Ternera with beef is kind of the Peruvian version of pot roast, cooked with a delicious and herby sauce alongside carrots and canary beans. Warm and hearty, this meaty dish with a Papa Rellena on the side tasted wonderful with our Vin Blackberry.



Vin Blueberry with Chicken Tikka Masala



Vin Blueberry, with its silky richness and berry heavy flavor, is a unique wine that demands an equally rich and velvety pairing. After some consideration, I decided that my favorite Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, would be an ideal partner. The creamy and complex flavor of the masala sauce fused perfectly with the robust berry body of the Vin Blueberry while the smoothness of the wine helped helps tame the spice…at least a little! Throw in some crispy appetizers like samosas and paneer pakora and you’ve got a magnificently matched meal to enjoy!



Vin Cranberry with Turkey Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries



While many meals would pair nicely with our crisp Vin Cranberry, it’s hard to deny the connection between this wine and a classic Thanksgiving dinner. So, rather than fight the inevitable, I embraced it! Thanksgiving is only once a year, but there are all sorts of tasty turkey dishes we eat year-round. I matched this wine with a turkey burger served with sweet potato fries. Unsurprisingly, this was a delectable pairing. The tart bite of the Vin Cranberry evoked chilly November evenings, even though I made this meal in the middle of summer!



Vin Peach with Lemon Pepper Salmon



When I first tried our Vin Peach, I knew that it would be a superb match for a nice seafood dish. Unfortunately, I developed a shellfish allergy a while ago or I would have paired this wine with sautéed shrimp or grilled scallops. Luckily I can still eat fish, so I decided to pair this wine with baked lemon pepper salmon and paprika-crusted roasted potatoes. The fruitiness of the wine coupled splendidly with the zest of the salmon and spice in the roasted potatoes.



Vin Plum with Pho



Finding a compliment to the spicy and fruity Vin Plum took some thought, but I wondered if this wine would pair well with Vietnamese food, specifically a nice bowl of tofu pho. I was not disappointed! The lightly spiced undertones of the wine were nicely balanced by the rich flavors and warmth of the steaming broth. It was an excellent fall feast!



Vin Raspberry with Pizza



With its crisp profile, Vin Raspberry is the perfect complement to pizza. Whatever your favorite slice happens to be, the tartness of the wine dances exquisitely with the tomato tanginess of the pizza. I tried the wine with vegetarian, meat lovers, and traditional Margherita pizza and all paired perfectly!



Vin Strawberry with Chicken and Waffles



Deciding on a pairing for our Vin Strawberry was the most challenging of our meal pairings. I reached deep into my southern roots to come up with a match. Vin Strawberry always evokes a rich, slightly sweet warmth to me, making this wine a perfect match for classic chicken and waffles! Crispy fried chicken, warm hearty waffles, and a pour of maple syrup (make sure to use the real stuff from up North!) is a combination that was made for Vin Strawberry.



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Proudly made in Longmont, CO



snowkiss winery
wine. reimagined.