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While embracing the timeless union of cool, crisp wine and velvety, soft cheese is a time-tested classic for a reason, it is always fun to try something completely different.

This time, why not go beyond the ordinary and try these interesting wine pairing options, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds, get your imagination moving, and entertain and delight any guest?

Pairings only work wonders if the wine is wonderful, which is why we recommend checking out the stunning range of award-winning wines from Anthonij Rupert. The focus is on terroir-specific wines and therefore the ranges and brands are made from several sites, including the titular Anthonij Rupert range, the Cape of Good Hope range, the Jean Roi range, the Terra Del Capo range and the Protea range. Browse your favourites here and see what they would pair well with.

Irresistibly Unique
One of the more avant-garde ways to enjoy wine is by pairing it with music. By adding an auditory dimension to the sensory experience you can elevate traditional pairings.

Allow effervescent, upbeat pop from Dua Lipa to accompany sips of crisp rosé, or indulge in the richness of spicy Shiraz while immersing yourself in vintage rock from the likes of Dire Straits. You can even let the smooth jazz tunes of Norah Jones enhance the pleasure of a wooded Chardonnay if you’re so inclined.

Gourmet Snacking
Wine and biltong pairing is an official affair. The aromatic spiciness of biltong complements various wines, enhancing the appreciation of unique flavours. Smooth red blends soothe the heat of chilli sticks, while lean game biltong, like ostrich or eland, finds synergy with medium-bodied Sangiovese or Merlot.

Indulge in a nibble of ultra-rich Wagyu biltong alongside a cherry-forward Cabernet Sauvignon for a satisfying treat.

Elevated Desserts

Try this delicious L’Ormarins Cap Classique and nougat pairing that emerged from the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, guaranteed to get your taste buds tickling.

 

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Breaking with tradition three L’Ormarins Cap Classique wines have each been paired with handcrafted artisanal nougat, which perfectly complement the wines as well as showcasing their versatility as a partner to food.

Traditionally Champagne style wines have been enjoyed as an apéritif with oysters, caviar and strawberries, but through this pairing your world is opened to so many more possibilities to enjoy this superb wine. Each nougat has been designed to bring out a certain characteristic found in its Cap Classique partner.

 

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The L’Ormarins Brut NV is paired with a delicious morsel of Cassata nougat, which is fashioned on the traditional Italian-inspired dessert. The candied fruit, vanilla and almond perfectly partner the fruity and toasty notes of the Brut. Then, the beautiful blush pink Brut Rosé is paired with a cherry, cranberry and rose nougat, which amplifies similar flavours in the Rosé. Completing the trio is the stately Blanc de Blancs and it’s a match made in heaven with the toasted pecan, orange and fleur de sel (salt) nougat.

No longer will you only associate Cap Classique with savoury and the odd sweet pairing as you discover its alternative pairing possibilities. Bookings are essential.

Braai Brilliance
Surprise and captivate at your next braai with a braaibroodjie and wine pairing extravaganza. Move beyond traditional offerings and explore new taste sensations on the grill.

Match a snoek and cream cheese braaibroodjie with a crisp Chardonnay. Elevate a goat’s cheese, honey, and fig sandwich with a robust Shiraz. Delight in a piquanté pepper, mozzarella, and biltong braaibroodjie alongside a glass of Pinotage.

Points to Remember
Crafting a unique wine pairing is a creative endeavour with endless possibilities, but the fundamental principles remain steadfast: seek harmony between food and wine that allows both to shine.

The only thing to avoid is pairing high-alcohol content wines with spicy foods. You also may want to pay attention to the serving temperature of each wine to perfect the pairing and match lighter-intensity meats with lighter-intensity wines to preserve the effervescence of a light wine.

Pairing unveils fleeting notes in wines by coaxing them out with complementary, sometimes unconventional, flavours. There’s no definitive “right” wine, so step out of your comfort zone and experiment!

[source:foodandhome]