As August descends, wine enthusiasts gather to mark Washington Wine Month. Beyond just celebrating the impressive wine legacy of the region, it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in delightful snack and wine pairings — all sourced from the rich soils of the Evergreen State.
Washington's viticulture roots run deep, its winemaking story teeming with history and innovation. From early plantings in the 1820s to the burgeoning of more than 1,000 wineries today, the state has firmly planted itself on the global wine map. The secret behind its success? The perfect marriage of cool coastal breezes and the warmth of prolonged summers creates a favorable environment for diverse grape varieties.
Yet, as we raise our glasses this month, it's not just about the wine — it's about the symphony of flavors when paired with the right snack. In the spirit of celebration, let's dive into eight exquisite combinations that promise a tantalizing journey for your taste buds.
1. Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio & Stoneridge Dried Fruit
When these two culinary delights come together, magic happens. The lively acidity of Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio acts as a palate cleanser, perfectly balancing the natural sweetness of dried fruits. The apricots, with their sun-soaked sweetness, harmonize with the wine's citrus notes. The rich and plump raisins resonate with its gentle hints of almond. It's a delightful and nuanced partnership for a truly memorable tasting experience.
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle IW Chardonnay & SeaBear Smoked Salmon
The Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay is renowned for its fruity complexity and subtle oak undertones. And when paired with the buttery, smoky texture of salmon, these shine even brighter. As the rich oils of the fish mingle with the wine's fruity notes, they feel refreshing and indulgent. The light oak undertones of the wine, meanwhile, serve to boost the salmon's smoked nuances, ensuring a crescendo of flavors that both contrasts and complements.
3. Chateau Ste. Michelle CV Riesling & Tim's Cascade Potato Chips
When you bring together the elegance of Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling and the bold simplicity of Tim's Cascade potato chips, something extraordinary happens. The salty crunch of the chips cuts through the wine's fruity flavors, creating a dynamic tension that keeps taste buds intrigued. As the wine washes over the palate, it acts as a reset button, readying it for the next salty punch from the chips, while every bite beckons another sip of the wine. It's an unexpected and satisfying experience, a testament to the brilliance of contrasting snack and wine pairings.
4. Charles & Charles Rosé & Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews
Charles & Charles Rosé and Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews are testimony to the beauty of harmonizing flavors. The pronounced berry notes of the wine find a complement in the fruity hints of the cashews, creating a seamless link. The vanilla, on the other hand, offers a touch of warmth and comfort. As you sip the rosé and savor a handful of cashews, the vanilla acts as a bridge, enhancing the wine's aromatic profile and amplifying its depth.
5. 14 Hands Merlot & SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds
The 14 Hands Merlot is known for its lush berry undertones, making it the perfect companion for dark chocolate's deep, rich notes. The wine's fruitiness complements and enhances the chocolate's bittersweet depth. At the same time, the crunchy almonds introduce a rich texture that complements the medium-bodied merlot. It's easy to get lost in this sensory journey, evoking warmth, comfort and pure gastronomic joy.
6. Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon & Chukar Cherries Dark Chocolate-Covered Cherries
The intense fruit-forward nature of Columbia Crest's H3 Cabernet Sauvignon needs a companion just as bold, and what could be more fitting than dark chocolate-covered cherries? The wine's velvety tannins resonate beautifully with the cherries' sweet tartness. At the same time, the depth of the dark chocolate mirrors the wine's intense aroma of ripe blackberries, plums and hints of spice. It's a testament to how two distinct products can create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
7. 14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend & Moon Cheese
The Hot to Trot Red Blend, known for its robust flavors, requires a snack that can match its intensity. With its savory profile and noticeable crunch, Moon Cheese provides just that balance. The wine's deep flavors find a counterpart in the umami notes of Moon Cheese. Additionally, the tactile sensation of the cheese's crunch contrasts beautifully with the wine's smoother character, making the pairing as memorable in texture as in taste.
8. Charles Smith Boom Boom! Syrah & Oberto Jerky
This pairing is a nod to the synergy of intense flavors. Boom Boom! Syrah, characterized by its bold, spicy undertones, meshes seamlessly with the smoky, rich profile of the Oberto jerky. The wine's pronounced notes resonate with the savory depth of the jerky, enhancing and deepening the flavors of both. Additionally, syrah's tannin structure accentuates the meaty, chewy texture of the jerky, elevating the taste experience.
Washington Wine Month isn't just a celebration of wine but of the rich tapestry of flavors the state offers. Each pairing showcases the versatility and depth of Washington wines, offering a multisensory experience that resonates with both the heart and palate, and all available for delivery or at your local Bartell location. So, here's to the Evergreen State — may we continue to explore, taste and toast its bountiful offerings for years to come!
Please drink responsibly.