Wine Dining: How to pair the perfect drop with your dish

After a long day, many of us enjoy a glass of vino. But in a world with so many choices, which drop do you drink? Is food pairing a thing you should care about? How can you impress your mates with the lingo without looking like a right Michael Scott? We’d advocate for drinking responsibly – not only in terms of consumption but also in credentials.

photos KATIE WHITE

Founded in 1849 and based in the beautiful Barossa Valley, Yalumba is a family-run business that has worked with the land for over a century. Allowing Mother Nature to guide its processes and championing vineyard biodiversity, a trademark ‘less is more’ approach has solidified the brand as a pioneer in low-intervention winemaking. But, with grape power comes grape responsibility, and last year the team solidified its commitment to betterment with the launch of Yalumba GEN – a collection of ACO-certified, sustainably made vegan wines.

Like chips and dip or avocado and toast, every hero needs an equally delicious partner. And because good food and great wine is pretty much a no-brainer, next time you’re pouring some plonk, why not make it an all-vegan affair?

Chardonnay

We all know Australian icons and vinophiles Kath Day-Knight and Kimberly Diane Craig née Day are particularly partial to a glass of ‘cardonnay’ – “The haitch is silent.” And with a palate dominated by stone fruits mixed with delicious hints of lemon and pineapple, this ripe and rich variety is made for alfresco dining. Forgo the footy franks and try a mixed mushroom and thyme risotto or a creamy asparagus and lemon fettucine.

Shiraz

Shiraz? In this heat? Hear us out… This medium-bodied red wine is bursting with flavour – lingering plum and cherry, a mix of violets and spice, hints of Dutch licorice. Delightful! Like all the wines on this list, it’s wild fermented, certified by ACO standards, 100% vegan and bottled without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in the vineyard. Next summer barbie, pair a glass with a juicy mushroom burger or get fancy with a caramelised onion, pine nut and vegan fetta tarte tatin. Yum!

Light Bright Red

If you prefer your reds a little lighter and brighter, this variety is exactly as it says on the tin – light, bright and a great heat beater when served chilled. We’d go so far as to say it’s a real people pleaser and you can never go wrong when serving a platter to guests who come a knockin’. You want to hit the four Ss here – salty, sweet, savoury and spicy – so think olives, vegan cheese, pickled veggies and fresh fruit and you’re onto a winner worthy of the grape.

WANT MORE DELICIOUS FOOD CONTENT? RIGHT THIS WAY!

Pinot Grigio

Quick! Somebody page Tim Minchin because we’re dreaming about ‘Drinking White Wine in the Sun’. The heartwarming ode to an Aussie Christmas touches on many deeply relatable themes: love, family and the sheer satisfaction of savouring a delicious glass of vino on a hot summer’s day. We like to think he’s singing about this Pinot Grigio – beloved by many for its crisp acidity and floral finish, and a dear dinner date for lighter dishes like miso roasted fennel on white bean puree. 

Sauvignon Blanc

More than just your mum’s go-to at the RSL, Savvy B, like many popular things, is popular for a reason. People like it! And if notes of pawpaw, passionfruit and fresh herbs get you going, we can attest this one’s for you. Maybe you’re stuck at home, dreaming of an island vacay. Why not let your tastebuds journey on? The textural palate of tropical flavours and lemongrass is tailor-made for a green mango salad and blissing out under a palm tree.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT YALUMBA AND THEIR COLLECTION, YALUMBA GEN! COMMITTED TO BETTERMENT WITH A FIERCE DETERMINATION FOR THE FUTURE, THE FAMILY-OWNED WINERY BOASTS MORE THAN 173 YEARS OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE AND IS COMMITTED TO ALLOWING NATURE TO WORK ITS MAGIC WITH MINIMAL INTERVENTION. SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE.