Choosing wine for Midsummer can be a delightful task, as the Midsummer table often consists of a variety of flavors, from herring and salmon to new potatoes and strawberries.
For Midsummer dishes, it is best to choose wines that are fresh and light with good acidity to match the various flavors. A combination of sparkling wine, white wine, rosé wine, and perhaps a light red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais provides a nice balance that can satisfy all taste buds at the Midsummer table.
Here are some wine recommendations that pair well with the different dishes of Midsummer:
1. Sparkling Wine
- Prosecco or Cava: These are excellent choices to start the celebration. Their fresh and bubbly character complements lighter appetizers and can serve as a pleasant welcome drink.
2. White Wine
- Riesling: A dry or off-dry Riesling from Germany is perfect for herring and other fish dishes on the Midsummer table. The high acidity and fruitiness of Riesling harmonize well with the salty and sweet-sour flavors.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and aromatic wine from New Zealand or France (Loire Valley) is also an excellent choice. It pairs well with salads, new potatoes, and vegetables.
- Chablis: A fresh and mineral-rich wine from Burgundy, France. Its elegant flavor profile makes it a great choice for salmon and other seafood.
3. Rosé Wine
- Provence Rosé: A light and fresh rosé wine from Provence, France, is perfect for summer festivities. It pairs well with both fish, seafood, and lighter meat and vegetable dishes.
- Spanish Rosé: A fruity rosé wine from Spain can also be a nice alternative, especially if you want something a bit fuller.
4. Red Wine
- Pinot Noir: A light and fresh red wine, preferably from Burgundy in France or from New Zealand. Pinot Noir has sufficient acidity and a light body to not overwhelm the delicate flavors on the Midsummer table.
- Beaujolais: A light and fruity wine made from the Gamay grape from the Beaujolais region in France. It is best served slightly chilled and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
5. Dessert Wine
- Moscato d'Asti: A light and sweeter sparkling wine from Italy that is perfect for strawberries and other sweet desserts.
Regardless of which wines you choose, make sure they are well-chilled and ready to be enjoyed along with good food and pleasant company. Happy Midsummer!
