Spring is a culinary delight, heralding the return of fresh, local produce and inspiring chefs and wine enthusiasts alike to create delightful pairings. During this season, the region and our local marketplaces are filled with a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, each bursting with flavour and vitality. This abundance allows for a plethora of creative food and wine combinations. Here are a few suggestions to take to the kitchen paired with some delicious Hunter Valley drops. (Image Brokenwood Wines)
De Iuliis Single Vineyard Pecorino with Prawn Pasta
The zippy salinity and textured palate of their Single Vineyard Pecorino is the perfect accompaniment for this delicious Prawn and Chorizo pasta. You’ll be transported to the warm Italian sun as soon as this combination hits your tastebuds. Click here to see the full recipe.
Scarborough Wines Offshoot Tempranillo Rose with Crispy-Skin Ocean Trout
Although some people are a little nervous about preparing a whole side of fish, this recipe is so simple. You can also use the salsa verde in this recipe as a marinade for just about any meat, so make a little extra and pop it in the fridge for later. The fresh flavours of this dish make it an ideal match for just about any crisp white wines, but we particularly enjoy this most matched with our Offshoot Tempranillo Rosé. Click here to see the full recipe.
Audrey Wilkinson Winemaker's Selection Shiraz with sow cooked roast lamb
Gather the gang for a Sunday roast with this delicious slow cooked roast lamb recipe, straight from the Audrey Cellar Door Managers' cook book. Think rosemary, onion and garlic with a splash of Shiraz and Worcestershire sauce infused lamb, paired perfectly with a generous glass of Audrey Wilkinson shiraz.
Brokenwood Shiraz range with Spring beef & lamb dishes
If you're a meat lover, you'll be pleased to know that Shiraz is a perfect wine to pair with red meat, such as beef, lamb, and venison. The tannins in Shiraz can complement the rich flavours of red meat, and the wine's bold taste can stand up to the intense flavours of grilled or roasted meat. Brokenwoods Wade Block 2 shiraz pairs perfectly with any kind of beef dishes from slow and low cooked brisket to a delicious charred steak. Or, their area blend Shiraz pairs perfectly with lamb, perfect for koftas or salads.
De Iuliis Estate Chardonnay with Greek Chicken Skewers and Homemade Flatbread
The crisp acidity of a Chardonnay complements the tangy flavors of Greek chicken skewers, creating a delightful and refreshing pairing. A delicious and vibrant dinner pairing for any meal of the week!
Silkman Chardonnay with fresh goats cheese and betroot salad
Aromas of melon and preserved citrus peel are layered with toasty oak to complete the nose with this Chardonnay. The palate is long and elegant with notes of citrus and creamy mouthfeel delivering a wine with great persistence and body, perfectly matched with a fresh and simple goat's cheese, rocket & beetroot salad on a warm Spring day.
Mercer Wines Pinot Grigio with Caprese Salad
A young Pinot Grigio, with its crisp acidity, light body, and notes of white flowers, pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caprese Salad. Made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic glaze it is a perfect match. The wine's acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and enhances the salad's flavours.
Tyrrells Hunter Valley Shiraz with Pauline Tyrrells roast pork
"Porchetta is one of my favourite meals for the family when we are all together. And my gravy is very simple – the flavour comes from the beautifully rich, dark, pan drippings," said Pauline herself after noting that her roast pork brings the family together and is paired perfectly with Tyrrells shiraz.
Tulloch Cuvee with smoked salmon blinis
With the season’s blossoming flowers and warmer weather, it provides the ideal backdrop for indulging in the fun complexity of a carefully curated Cuvee. With its green apple and citrus notes, it’s incredibly refreshing to start, and finish, and spring soiree. Serve as an aperitif with canapes of oysters or smoked salmon blinis.
Little Wine Co. Vermentino with Japanese Sushi
This Vermentino has wonderful aromas of jasmine, sweet white nectarine and a touch of warm spice. The palate is full bodied with flavours of pear and a crisp minerality, complimenting the refreshingly fresh flavours of Asian style sashimi and sushi.
