Wine Pairings for Complex Vegetable Dishes

Exquisite Wine Pairings for Savory Plates

Shrimp, Cucumber, Lime & Vadouvan

“Revolution” White Solera – Johannes Zillinger, Niederösterreich, Austria

• Grapes: Riesling, Scheurebe, Chardonnay
• Vinification: Biodynamic; part fermented in amphora and old oak, then blended through a Solera system that began in 2013 — meaning each vintage adds layers of complexity over time.
• Soil: Loess and limestone.
• Character: Bright and complex — notes of lime zest, green apple, dried herbs, and a gentle oxidative nuttiness that gives depth without heaviness.
• Why it works: The lively acidity cuts through the shrimp’s sweetness and cucumber’s freshness, while the Solera’s subtle oxidation mirrors the warm spice of the vadouvan and lime.

Mushroom Broth, Root Vegetables & Lemongrass

2022 UBE “El Reventón” – Bodegas Cota 45, Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Cádiz)

• Grape: 100% Palomino Fino
• Vinification: Fermented in old sherry casks under flor; no fortification, minimal intervention.
• Soil: Albariza (chalky limestone).
• Character: Saline, nutty, and textural — hints of green apple, almond, and dried herbs with a sea-breeze finish.
• Why it works: The subtle oxidative and saline tones highlight the umami of the mushrooms and the aromatic lemongrass.

Celeriac, Apricot, Kale & Coffee

2017 “Höllenberg” Spätburgunder – Robert König, Rheingau

• Grape: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
• Vinification: Hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts, aged 18 months in neutral oak.
• Soil: Slate and quartzite on steep slopes above Assmannshausen.
• Character: Elegant, silky Pinot with red cherry, dried herbs, and a touch of smoke.
• Why it works: The earthy-spicy depth of the Pinot mirrors the celeriac and kale, while its gentle fruit lifts the apricot’s sweetness.

Onion, Potato, Spinach & Marjoram

2017 “Alte Reben” Riesling – Achim von Oetinger, Rheingau

• Grape: Riesling from 50-year-old vines
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, long lees aging in stainless steel and large neutral oak.
• Soil: Slate and loess with quartz.
• Character: Mature, dry Riesling — honeyed citrus, stone fruit, and smoky minerality.
• Why it works: Its depth and age balance the creamy potato and sweet onion, while the acidity refreshes and connects the herbs.