Autumn is the season of new wines. These wines of the year, just fermented, quickly taken out of their vats, juvenile, fresh, fruity and crisp, are consumed in the first few months after bottling. In the middle of winter. Here are a few tips for food and wine pairing.
New wines: what are they?
Although Beaujolais Nouveau is well known, it is not the only appellation to produce its primeur wine. In all the vineyards, autumn arrives with the wines of the vintage. Called "vins nouveaux" or "vins primeurs", they all have in common that they are the first to come out of the cellars, barely 2 months after the harvest.
Unfortunately, they are sometimes marred by a bad image, judged too quickly as bad wines. However, it must be acknowledged that all qualities exist among new wines and some are more than worth tasting, discovering, enjoying and sharing the bottle. They even open up during meals and accompany an incredible variety of dishes, without fuss, without pretension and with conviviality.
Passing through the region? Visit the Beaujolais wine estates.
Food and wine pairing: let's twist the rules on the ideas we've always had about primeur wines.
White wine with fish? No red wine with cheese? Here's good news: you can associate new wines with many dishes and finally, brave the prohibitions.
The young wines are fruity and light, so they go deliciously with grilled fish and even... oysters! In the same way, red wine lovers can take advantage of winter and new wines to enjoy an original but relevant pairing, accompanying goat cheese with the red wine of the year.
Autumn dishes with new wines
Mother Nature is well done, the seasonal agreements are the proof. The new wines, crisp, tangy, fruity, like to be served with warm autumn dishes: grilled sausages, salted with lentils...
Lamb or veal meat is also a delicious accompaniment to the spicy notes of en primeur wines.
Everyday dishes for wines of pleasure
New wines are associated with pleasure, sharing and conviviality. We break the crust with the primeur wines, we associate them with simple everyday dishes, regional dishes generally go very well with the new wine from the local producer: cold cuts, poultry, cheeses, primeur wines... warmth on the table for autumn.
Manon Mouly (for Les Grappes)