Pairing wine with food is more than just a culinary choice; it’s an experience that elevates both the drink and the dish, creating harmony and balance on the palate. With the rich diversity of Portuguese wines and the hearty, flavourful nature of British cuisine, there’s an exciting world of pairing possibilities waiting to be explored. Here, we’ll delve into some classic and creative ways to pair Portuguese wines with popular British dishes, highlighting the unique qualities of each wine.
1. Fresh Whites with Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are a British classic, and a crisp, refreshing Portuguese white wine makes a perfect companion. Look to Vinho Verde, with its light body, citrus notes, and slight effervescence. The acidity in Vinho Verde cuts through the oiliness of fried fish, enhancing its natural flavours without overpowering them. For a slightly fuller option, try Arinto – a Portuguese white grape known for its bright acidity and green apple notes, which complement seafood beautifully.
Recommended Pairings: Vinho Verde, Arinto
Why It Works: The acidity and lightness balance out the richness of fried fish, making each bite and sip feel fresh.
2. Rich Reds with Roast Dinner
There’s nothing quite like a Sunday roast, and Portuguese reds bring the boldness and structure needed to stand up to roast beef, lamb, and all the trimmings. Douro reds, known for their depth, dark fruit flavours, and earthy undertones, pair exceptionally well with red meat. For a more fruit-forward red, Alentejo wines offer a round, smooth profile with notes of plum and spice, ideal for complementing the savoury, herb-infused flavours of a roast dinner.
Recommended Pairings: Douro red, Alentejo red
Why It Works: The body and tannins in these reds match the richness of roast meats, enhancing the meal’s hearty flavours.
3. Elegant Whites with Creamy Chicken Dishes
For creamy chicken dishes or a classic chicken pie, a well-balanced Portuguese white brings freshness and complexity. Encruzado, a versatile grape from the Dão region, is known for its floral and citrus notes, as well as a subtle creaminess that matches beautifully with creamy sauces. Alternatively, Antão Vaz from Alentejo offers a fuller-bodied option with a slight tropical hint, adding a lovely contrast to rich, buttery dishes.
Recommended Pairings: Encruzado, Antão Vaz
Why It Works: The freshness of these whites balances the richness of creamy sauces, while their structure complements the chicken’s texture.
4. Portuguese Rosé with Indian Curries
The UK’s love affair with curry is no secret, and a Portuguese rosé is an unexpectedly delightful pairing with spicy dishes. Look for a rosé from the Alentejo region, with its soft red berry flavours and refreshing acidity, which can soften the heat of a curry without overpowering its spices. The fruitiness of rosé also complements the aromatic spices in dishes like tikka masala or korma.
Recommended Pairings: Alentejo rosé, Setúbal rosé
Why It Works: Rosé’s fruitiness and acidity offer a cooling effect, balancing the spice while enhancing the complex flavours of Indian dishes.
5. Light Reds with Sausage and Mash
When it comes to a classic sausage and mash, a lighter red wine is an ideal choice. Castelão is a Portuguese grape known for its light body, berry notes, and soft tannins. It’s perfect for more casual, rustic dishes and pairs well with the savoury, comforting flavours of sausage. Baga, a slightly bolder option from the Bairrada region, offers a bit more structure with earthy undertones, enhancing the depth of flavours in sausage dishes.
Recommended Pairings: Castelão, Baga
Why It Works: These lighter reds bring out the savoury elements in the dish, without overwhelming the simplicity of sausage and mash.
6. Fortified Wines with British Desserts
For dessert, Portuguese fortified wines bring a sweet and indulgent touch that complements traditional British puddings. A glass of Port pairs beautifully with sticky toffee pudding, its rich flavours of dried fruit and caramel mirroring the dessert’s sweetness. For lighter desserts, like fruit tarts or lemon drizzle cake, try Madeira, a fortified wine from the Madeira Islands, known for its complex layers of caramel, nuts, and citrus.
Recommended Pairings: Tawny Port, Madeira
Why It Works: The richness of Port and Madeira mirrors the sweetness of dessert, while their depth and complexity enhance each bite.
7. Cheddar and Portuguese Wine – A Match Made in Heaven
Britain’s favourite cheese, cheddar, pairs beautifully with Portuguese wines. A mature cheddar matches well with Touriga Nacional, Portugal’s flagship grape, which brings bold flavours of blackberries, herbs, and a touch of spice. For a softer pairing, Moscatel offers a sweet, floral contrast that highlights the creaminess of mild cheddar.
Recommended Pairings: Touriga Nacional, Moscatel
Why It Works: The bold flavours of Touriga Nacional stand up to the sharpness of aged cheddar, while Moscatel provides a sweet, contrasting harmony with softer varieties.
Exploring Portuguese Wine: An Adventure in Pairing
Pairing Portuguese wines with British dishes is an adventure in balancing flavours and discovering new combinations. With such a rich diversity of wines, from light and fresh whites to robust reds and indulgent fortified wines, Portuguese wine offers something for every palate and every meal. So next time you sit down to a British classic, consider reaching for a Portuguese bottle. You might just find a new favourite pairing that brings out the best in both the food and the wine.
Cheers to bringing a taste of Portugal to British tables!
