Rosé and Sparkling Wine Summer Food Pairings Made Easy

Summer is a time for patio gatherings, backyard barbecues, and lakeside picnics. Nothing elevates these warm-weather moments quite like a rosé or sparkling wine.

Many find wine pairings intimidating, but the truth is, pairing these wines with traditional Canadian summer dishes is refreshingly simple. Here's your easy-to-follow guide to enjoying rosé and sparkling wines with your favourite summer foods.

Understanding Wine Pairings

Luckily, you don’t need a sommelier's education to learn how to pair your wine with your food. Start by matching the wine's intensity and acidity with your food's flavours and richness.

Rosé and sparkling wines are versatile, complementing a wide range of dishes thanks to their refreshing acidic qualities and vibrant fruity notes.

Rosé Pairings

1. Grilled Salmon:

The fruit notes in a rosé complements the smoky, fatty richness of grilled salmon. A chilled Canadian rosé from Niagara or the Okanagan will balance the fish's robust flavours. Plus, Salmon Candy is a surprisingly great pairing with rosé.

2. Fresh Salads:

A crisp, refreshing rosé pairs delightfully with summer salads featuring strawberries, feta, or spinach. The rosé highlights the freshness of greens without overpowering delicate flavours.

3. Charcuterie Boards:

Charcuterie boards have almost become synonymous with wine. But, consider what your board will contain – choose cheeses like Brie, chèvre, and Camembert to pair with rosé. Plus, add a variety of cured meats and gourmet olives to elevate this pairing.

4. Lobster Rolls:

A classic Maritime lobster roll meets its match with a dry rosé. The wine's acidity slices through the creamy mayo, enhancing the lobster’s sweet flavours.

Considering the pairings above, you can be confident that rosé will pair well with most seafood, as well as lighter, refreshing summer dishes.

Sparkling Wine Pairings

1. Fish Tacos:

Sparkling wine cuts through the rich, fried textures of fish tacos, refreshing your palate. Canadian sparkling wines from Nova Scotia complement seafood’s flavours the best.

2. Fried Chicken:

Surprisingly, fried chicken and bubbly make an ideal match. The effervescence cuts through crispy textures and balances salty seasoning, turning this casual dish into a gourmet experience.

3. Grilled Peaches and Ice Cream:

Sparkling wine with grilled peaches topped with vanilla ice cream creates a dessert pairing that is both refreshing and decadent. The wine's bubbles cleanse and refresh the palate between sweet bites.

Bonus tip: You can make your own wine syrup to drizzle on the ice cream by reducing Icewine on the stovetop.

4. Poutine:

Canada’s iconic comfort food, fries topped with gravy and squeaky cheese curds, needs no introduction. The wine's acidity and bubbles help manage the oiliness on your palate, creating a balanced experience.

As a rule of thumb, think of the bubbles in sparkling wine acting similarly to the carbonation in a soda. It provides a refreshing feeling on the palate, which makes it a great pair for heavier, richer dishes.

Quick Tips for Easy Wine Pairings

Balance Intensity: Match delicate wines with delicate dishes, and fuller-bodied rosés with richer, grilled foods.

Acidity Matters: Wines with high acidity (like rosé and sparkling wines) cut through fatty or rich foods, refreshing your palate.

Experiment and Enjoy: Wine pairing isn't strict science, feel free to mix and match to discover combinations that match your personal taste.

Enjoy uncomplicated pairings all summer long with a Rosé and Sparkling Wine Monthly Subscription. Every box is curated, with a tasting note card and recommended pairings. This means you don’t have to think about what bottles to buy this summer – we choose the bottles, and all you need to do is sip and enjoy.