Perfect Pairings for Cozy Winter Meals
As we settle into the Winter season, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Monterey County wines. This California wine region is renowned for its cool coastal climate and unique soils that yield a variety of outstanding wines—from robust reds to elegant whites—that are ideal for pairing with hearty, seasonal dishes. Here’s a guide to pairing some of the best Monterey County wines with winter-inspired foods, creating a culinary experience that’s distinctly Californian. And some of these wines will be featured in our Carmel Wine and Wandering Tours, so come and stroll through our fabulously unique town with us!
1. Butternut Squash Soup with Monterey County Chardonnay
Dish: A creamy butternut squash soup with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon is perfect for the darker evenings and cooler nights.
Wine Pairing: Monterey County’s cool-climate Chardonnays offer a creamy texture and notes of apple, pear, and vanilla that blend seamlessly with the earthy sweetness of the squash. Try a Chardonnay or Pinot Gris from Carmel Valley or Arroyo Seco AVA, where cool coastal breezes give these wines a balanced acidity, lifting the soup’s richness.
Toby’s Picks:
2023 De Tierra Russell Vineyard Chardonnay
2019 Albatross Ridge Cuvée Beaudry Chardonnay
2022 Silvestri Tre Bambini Chardonnay
2018 Blair Estate Delfina’s Vineyard Chardonnay
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Monterey Pinot Noir
Dish: Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Wine Pairing: A Monterey County Pinot Noir, particularly from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, offers earthy undertones and vibrant red fruit flavors, which pair wonderfully with the charred, savory notes of the sprouts. The wine’s light tannins and crisp acidity enhance the dish without overwhelming it, creating a perfect harmony.
Toby’s Picks:
2021 Silvestri Piave Estate Pinot Noir
2021 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir
2022 De Tierra SLH Pinot Noir
3. Herb-Roasted Chicken with Monterey Grenache
Dish: Herb-roasted chicken with garlic, sage, and root vegetables.
Wine Pairing: Monterey’s Grenache is an excellent companion for herb-infused roast chicken, bringing in flavors of ripe berries and subtle spice. Look for a Grenache from the Chalone or Arroyo Seco AVAs, known for producing wines with layered fruit and a smooth finish. The Grenache complements the herbs beautifully, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken and vegetables.
Toby’s Picks:
2020 Morgan Côtes du Crows Grenache/Syrah
2021 Caraccioli Private Property Syrah
4. Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter & Monterey Viognier
Dish: Pumpkin ravioli with a drizzle of brown butter and sage.
Wine Pairing: Monterey Viognier offers floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a lush mouthfeel, making it a wonderful pairing with pumpkin. The fruit-forward notes in a Viognier from the Monterey AVA play beautifully with the creamy, nutty flavors of the dish, adding depth without overpowering the delicate pasta.
Toby’s Picks:
2023 Windy Oaks Viognier
2021 Calera Mt. Harlan Viognier
5. Wild Mushroom Risotto with Monterey County Syrah
Dish: Rich, savory mushroom risotto.
Wine Pairing: Monterey County Syrah, with its bold, earthy, and peppery profile, pairs splendidly with mushroom risotto. Syrahs from the Arroyo Seco and San Antonio Valley AVAs bring forward dark berry notes and smoky undertones, which enhance the umami-rich mushrooms, creating a decadent pairing perfect for chilly evenings.
Toby’s Picks:
2018 ROAR Sierra Mar Vineyard Syrah
2018 Wrath San Saba Vineyard Syrah
6. Braised Short Ribs with Monterey Cabernet Sauvignon
Dish: Tender, fall-off-the-bone braised short ribs cooked with red wine and herbs.
Wine Pairing: Monterey’s Cabernet Sauvignons, especially those from the Carmel Valley AVA, feature deep, concentrated flavors of blackcurrant and dark cherries with a hint of earthy complexity. These Cabernets hold up well against the richness of braised meats, bringing out savory notes while cutting through the fattiness of the dish. It’s a robust pairing that’s perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Toby’s Picks:
2021 Galante Red Rose Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Silvestri Eugenia Red Wine
7. Apple Tart with Late Harvest Riesling from Monterey
Dish: Caramelized apple tart with a flaky crust and a hint of cinnamon.
Wine Pairing: Monterey’s Late Harvest Rieslings, with notes of honey, apricot, and ripe apple, is an excellent match for an apple tart. These Rieslings balance sweetness with acidity, enhancing the tart’s caramelized flavors while remaining light and refreshing. Look for one from the Monterey AVA for the perfect end to a winter meal.
Toby’s Picks:
2009 De Tierra Late Harvest Riesling
8. Sweet Potato Gratin with Monterey Rosé
Dish: Creamy sweet potato gratin with layers of cheese and a hint of nutmeg.
Wine Pairing: Monterey Zinfandels bring in dark fruit flavors with a touch of spice, making them a great match for the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes. The berry and pepper notes in a Zinfandel from the San Antonio Valley AVA add a nice contrast to the gratin’s rich, creamy texture, creating a pairing that’s comforting and layered in flavor.
Toby’s Picks:
2023 De Tierra Rosé of Pinot Noir
2023 Dawn’s Dream Rosé of Pinot Noir
9. Roasted Root Vegetables with Monterey Côtes du Rhône-Style Red Blend
Dish: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips.
Wine Pairing: Monterey produces exceptional Rhône-style blends that feature Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. These wines bring out flavors of ripe red and dark fruits with a touch of spice and earthiness. This red blend pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, enhancing the natural caramelized sweetness while complementing the earthy flavors.
• Toby’s Picks:
2019 Windy Oaks Night Owl
10. Pecan Pie with Port-Style Fortified Wine
Dish: Classic pecan pie with a gooey filling and crunchy topping.
Wine Pairing: Monterey’s Tawny Ports, aged to develop caramel and nut flavors, make an indulgent pairing for pecan pie. The Port’s richness and velvety texture mirror the pie’s flavors, creating a satisfying end to a winter feast. Look for a Tawny Port from a Monterey winery to experience the full effect of this luxurious pairing.
Toby’s Picks:
2018 Galante Bull’s Eye Red
Monterey County’s varied terroirs, coastal influence, and diverse AVAs make it an incredible wine region with options to suit any winter meal. As you explore these pairings, you’ll not only support local vintners but also discover a deeper appreciation for the beauty of seasonal flavors through the lens of Monterey’s wines. Here’s to celebrating the season, local wines, and warm, delicious meals!
