What wine is good for Fat Tuesday?

I love a Moscato d'Asti (not just a plain Moscato) or white port with king cake. You could also opt for with a late-harvest Riesling. Happy Fat Tuesday y'all and cheers to wines for all the Mardi Gras foods!

What wine is best with Cajun pasta?

Overall, white wines will be the most versatile for the majority of Cajun cuisine and Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best options you will come across. That doesn't mean that reds are out of the question, although something like a Pinot Noir or Shiraz will be a more suitable choice.

What is the Holy Trinity of Creole food?

The "holy trinity" in Cajun cuisine and Louisiana Creole cuisine is the base for several dishes in the regional cuisines of Louisiana and consists of onions, bell peppers and celery . The preparation of Cajun/Creole dishes such as crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya all start from this base.

What wine goes with Cajun jambalaya?

Pairing Wine with Jambalaya “My go-to would be a Reserva Rioja like R. López de Heredia 2009 Viña Tondonia Reserva,” says Plas. “ A wine with more age ought to meld seamlessly with the smoked, meaty flavors of the dish. Plus, the tannins become soft and stewed down with time and would match the texture.”

What type of red wine burns belly fat?

Which Red Wine Fights Obesity? There is just one type of wine grape known to contain fat-fighting ellagic acid. Nope, it's not Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Red Muscadine (aka “Scuppernong”) is a wine grape native to southeastern US and grows primarily in Georgia.

What do Italians eat for Fat Tuesday?

The Food of Carnevale It's only fitting, then, that lasagna is a popular food at Carnevale feasts, as it's a sumptuous combination of meat, pasta, ricotta and mozzarella . Sausages, cheeses and antipasti also have a special place at the table. Still, the main attractions of Carnevale are typically the sweet treats.

What wine pairs with gumbo?

Assuming your gumbo is meaty but not too spicy, you can opt for juicy, low-tannin reds . Lightly chilled cru Beaujolais from places like Brouilly or Chiroubles are good options. Another fun choice: Garnacha (the local name for Grenache) from Spain.

What wine goes with creole shrimp and grits?

A light-bodied wine with only a slight zest is a perfect choice. A young, unoaked Chenin Blanc from any region would pair well. Also, an Italian Prosecco, a dry sparkling wine, is a good choice, especially if you are enjoying your Shrimp and Grits at brunch.

What wine goes with crawfish etouffee?

Crawfish Étouffee Like spicy Asian and Indian cuisines, dishes such as this generally play well with aromatic white wines, whether they are dry or off-dry. Alsatian Riesling, Vouvray, Viognier and Torrontes all offer up floral and honey aromas and flavors that can combat the heat in a typical étouffée.

What wine goes best with Caribbean food?

1. Chardonnay – Best for Creamy Dishes. Chardonnay is a white wine that is commonly associated with creamy dishes, such as seafood chowder. The buttery flavor and full-bodied texture of a Chardonnay make it the perfect wine for Caribbean dishes such as conch fritters, shrimp and grits, and lobster tail.

What wine to serve with crawfish etouffee?

Crawfish Étouffee Like spicy Asian and Indian cuisines, dishes such as this generally play well with aromatic white wines, whether they are dry or off-dry. Alsatian Riesling, Vouvray, Viognier and Torrontes all offer up floral and honey aromas and flavors that can combat the heat in a typical étouffée.

Mardi Gras Wine & Cajun Creole Food Pairings

When you pair Cajun and Creole favorites with the right wine, you've got yourself a party. Explore our Marti Gras wine and food pairings!

Even without the parade, Mardi Gras is still a day to celebrate. In fact, it’s easy to put together a Mardi Gras fête at home that honors the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans.

Cajun cuisine is beloved for its heat and smothered sauces. When you pair Mardi Gras favorites with the right glass of wine, you’ve got yourself a party.

This week, we’re spicing things up with a wine pairing guide for our favorite Louisiana Creole and Cajun dishes. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Hot Tips for Cajun and Creole Pairings

While Cajun and Creole dishes are made in a variety of cooking methods, they are generally somewhat spicy. Regardless of the type of protein, you want to consider the level of heat when picking a wine so you don’t set your palette ablaze.

9 Wine and Cajun and Creole Pairings

Gumbo

Made with sausage, shrimp, or chicken, gumbo is a classic Cajun dish. This boldly flavored soup pairs well with a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. Red wine lovers can go with a low-tannin red wine like Pinot Noir.

Crawfish Étouffée

Smothering, a technique similar to braising, is popular in Cajun and Creole cuisine and imparts a ton of flavor. With caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a kick of cayenne, crawfish étouffée uses this technique to pack a flavorful punch. Since it’s usually spicy, choose an aromatic white wine like an off-dry Riesling, Viognier, or even an oaked Chardonnay. You could also go with a light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais or a Garnacha rosé.

Jambalaya

This popular Creole rice dish made with a combination of shrimp, andouille sausage, and chicken is an excellent main course at any Mardi Gras gathering. Enjoy this flavorful favorite with an off-dry Riesling or an aged Rioja – a Spanish red wine with soft tannins and a slight earthiness.

Shrimp Creole or Cajun Catfish

When it comes to broiled or smothered seafood entrees, your best bet is going to be a white wine. An aromatic, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer will pair nicely, or you could go with a dry light-bodied wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Red Beans & Rice

This Creole classic is now a staple in many Louisiana restaurants. Keep in mind that this is not always a vegetarian dish. Often doused in hot sauce and infused with the rich flavor from a ham bone or smoked sausage, this dish pairs well with a medium-bodied white wine like Gewürztraminer or Chardonnay, or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.

Po-Boy

Whether it features fried jumbo shrimp or fried redfish, a po-boy is always a crowd-pleaser. With crunchy lettuce, pickles, and a creamy remoulade, this tasty sandwich pairs well with a light-bodied sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne.

Muffaletta

Another popular New Oreleans sandwich, the Muffaletta is typically made with meats like salami and ham, sliced cheese, and olives. Enjoy this southern favorite with a medium-bodied slightly earthy red wine like Rioja or Schiava – an Italian red with notes of strawberry and smoke.

Crawfish Boil

On a hot Louisiana spring day, a crawfish boil is a real treat. While you might think that a steaming pot of corn, potatoes, and spicy crawfish needs an ice cold beer, the truth is that certain wines are just as refreshing. The trick is to go with a light-bodied wine you can chill. Go with a sparkling wine like Prosecco, a sparkling rosé, or an off-dry Riesling.

King Cake

Finally, no Mardi Gras celebration is complete with a king cake. This sweet brioche cake pairs well with a sweet sparkling wine like Moscato d'Asti, or a sweet white wine like Moscato. If you go with another sparkling wine, just be sure to look out for “demi-sec” or “doux” (meaning sweet) on the label, and avoid anything “brut” (meaning very dry). When it comes to dessert, you always want your wine to be sweeter than your sweet treat.

In Vino Finito

We hope you enjoyed these Marti Gras wine and food pairings! Is there another Cajun or Creole dish you love to make at home? Email us and we can help you find the right wine to pair with it!

Mardi Gras Wine & Cajun Creole Food Pairings - Bright Cellars (2024)