Crazy about wine
What should we drink with lumpfish roe?
The accompaniments make the difference.
The perfect match between food and wine is as much of a science, if not more, as the pairing between a gin/tonic and its garnish (and I REALLY love gin/tonic). In this first edition of our new wine blog "Crazy About Wine," I will focus on one of February's seasonal dishes, lumpfish roe, and explore which wines pair well with it.
Fresh and light white wine
Lumpfish roe, in itself, has a relatively simple expression, and it is only when you add your favorite accompaniments that the wine pairing requirements become more demanding.
As a starting point, a fresh and light white wine without oak aging is recommended. The white wine can cleanse the palate after the slightly sticky and egg-like texture left by the roe.
When you add the classic accompaniments such as blinis, egg yolk, crème fraîche, raw red onions, etc., you can opt for slightly more complex wines. This could be a French or Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, a dry Riesling from Germany, or a Chenin Blanc from the Loire.
Lumpfish roe and bubbles
Champagne and lumpfish roe are best friends. The carbonation from the champagne acts as a natural palate cleanser, and most champagnes also have enough body and depth to withstand the creaminess of the egg yolk. The acidity from the sparkling wine further complements the light acidity in the crème fraîche.
If your wallet doesn't quite stretch to champagne, a dry crémant or cava works just as well.