Vincent Coon 
The rise of veganism has brought about a delightful challenge to the traditional world of wine pairing. Gone are the days when wine pairings were exclusively designed around meat and dairy products. Today, the rich and diverse world of vegan cuisine offers a plethora of flavors, textures, and aromas to complement and enhance with the right wine. This guide explores the art of pairing wine with vegan cuisine, ensuring that every dish, from the lightest salad to the heartiest stew, can be elevated with a thoughtful choice of wine.
Understanding vegan cuisine
Vegan cuisine is characterized by its diversity, drawing from a global pantry of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This variety presents a wide array of flavors, from the earthy and umami-rich to the fresh and fruity, creating a rich tapestry for wine pairing.
The basics of wine pairing
The fundamental principle of wine pairing is to match the wine with the dominant flavors and weight of the dish. Wines can either complement the flavors of the food, by mirroring them, or contrast them, by offering a counterpoint. The goal is to achieve balance, where neither the wine nor the dish overwhelms the other.
Pairing wine with vegan appetizers
Vegan appetizers often feature fresh vegetables, fruits, and light dips. For these dishes, look for wines that are crisp and refreshing.
Dish: fresh spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce
Wine pairing: a dry riesling or sauvignon blanc. The wine’s acidity and citrus notes can cut through the richness of the peanut sauce while complementing the freshness of the vegetables.
Pairing wine with vegan mains
Vegan main courses can range from light and fresh to rich and savory. The key is to focus on the dish’s primary flavors and textures.
Dish: grilled portobello mushrooms with herb marinade
Wine pairing: pinot noir. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms are beautifully mirrored by the earthiness of a pinot noir, creating a harmonious pairing.
Dish: lentil and vegetable stew
Wine pairing: merlot or a medium-bodied syrah. These wines can complement the richness and umami flavors of the stew without overpowering it.
Pairing wine with vegan desserts
Vegan desserts often utilize fruits, nuts, and alternative sweeteners, offering a wide range of flavors for wine pairing.
Dish: vegan chocolate cake
Wine pairing: port or a late-harvest zinfandel. The sweetness and robust flavors of these wines can stand up to the richness of the chocolate.
Dish: lemon tart
Wine pairing: moscato d’asti. The light sweetness and effervescence of moscato d’asti can complement the tartness of the lemon without overwhelming it.
Tips for successful pairing
Consider the sauce: often, the sauce or dressing on a vegan dish will be the dominant flavor. Pair your wine with the sauce for a more cohesive pairing.
Don’t overlook texture: the texture of the wine should match the dish. Creamy dishes pair well with wines that have a rounder mouthfeel, while dishes with crisp textures pair well with wines that have higher acidity.
Spice wisely: for spicy dishes, opt for wines with a bit of sweetness, like an off-dry riesling, which can help balance the heat.
Conclusion
Pairing wine with vegan cuisine opens up a world of flavors and possibilities, challenging the traditional paradigms of wine pairing. By focusing on the balance of flavors and textures, any vegan dish can be enhanced with the right wine, making every meal an occasion to remember. As the popularity of vegan cuisine continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for innovative and delightful wine pairings.
