Classic White Wines and Seafood Pairings

Warm weather will be here before we know it! With this in mind, we thought we would whet your appetite with some classic white wines and delicious seafood dishes to match.

Featured Photo from Tripadvisor.com

  • Don Olegario Albariño 2015 (SRP $19.99) pronounced “Alvarinho,”  is 100 percent Albariño grapes, a light, elegant varietal with great acidity. The grapes are beautifully aromatic, with white pear, apple and floral undertones. It is late ripening grape that grows in moderately cool to warm climates.  The Bodega Don Olegario Albariño is medium-bodied that shows opulent, powerful aromas and flavors of citrus and flowers, with tropical notes.

o   With the versatility to pair with a wide range of dishes, Albariño is the perfect match. The classic pairing is with various seafood (due to its origin), Albariño’s crisp, clean flavors compliment sushi perfectly, which is commonly known to be difficult to pair with wine.

  • Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (SRP $21.99) is produced in Martinborough Zealand, the higher-elevation of Te Muna Road Vineyard is harvested about a week later than other sites, resulting in grapes with terrific freshness and acidity. The vineyard’s lower terrace has stony soils with limestone, excellent for Sauvignon Blanc. White wines from this vineyard show a distinctive fine, subtle and elegant texture. This pale lemon straw colored wine has complex aromatics of white peach, lime, lemon blossom and Thai basil. The palate is refreshing with nectarine and citrus notes that carry long across the palate to a refined, chalky-dry finish.

o   This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely with citrus dressing or garlic marinated oysters, scallops, crab, clams, or lobster. The flavors will be a crowd pleaser as well as make the flavors of the wine stand out.

  • Fernando Pighin & Figli Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave 2016 (SRP $17.99) is produced in the Friuli region of Italy. Known for its advanced technology in wine making Fernando Pighin Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave shows slightly candied aromas with notes of banana and pear on the nose and palate, with bright acidity and medium body. It is crafted without oak contact or malolactic fermentation in order to retain the grape’s freshness, minerality and bright acidity.

o   This is considered to be the classic “fish” wine. It pairs well with fried or grilled fish, crab or shrimp salads along with light pasta dishes.

  • Maison Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages 2015 (SRP $14.99) is the classic expression of a Chardonnay from Burgundy. Produced from the famous Maison Louis Jadot, this wine embodies traditional style and quality. The wine shows bright white flower, apple and citrus aromas and bracing, fresh, clean fruit on the palate, with mineral notes.

o   It pairs well with shellfish, grilled firm-fleshed fish such as swordfish accompanied by luscious salads.

Basignani Winery – Wine and Cheese Pairing

Basignani Winery is one of Baltimore’s premiere vineyards, located near Falls Road.  Established in 1986, Basignani hosts a variety of events throughout the year and local Marylanders can visit for a tasting, movie night, farmer’s market, or tuscan christmas event.

Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery

As a member of the Junior League of Baltimore, our President Elect – Cylia Lowe hosted a July BBQ at the winery for members.  We enjoyed a traditional wine pairing starting with dry white, dry reds and sweet wine. Members also savored a variety of cheese  and cracker selections to help enhance our palate.

Junior League of Baltimore
Junior League of Baltimore
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing

Normally I prefer a glass of Chardonnay but after enjoying a few options at Basignani I concluded that the tasting was worth the visit. And aside from having delicious wine and cheese the vineyard was beautiful and comfortable.  Visitors were also able to purchase a bottle of wine after their pairing to take home.

We concluded our afternoon under the patio (piazza) with a meeting and chat.  The location made a beautiful backdrop for photos and warm memories.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon and beautiful atmosphere, visit Basignani Winery and tell them Style + Life + Fashion sent you there!

Junior League of Baltimore
Junior League of Baltimore