Winter seasonal food and wine pairings
Working with the vineyard, at Radlow Hundred, we’re in tune with the seasons and acutely aware of how the changing weather affects the wine we produce. In recent years, there’s been a growing understanding and interest in the UK to eat more in line with the seasons too, with seasonal menus popping up across the country and consumers paying more and more attention to where their fruit and veg is coming from. And if you’re looking to take it a step further and pair with some local English wine, read on below for our favourite food and wine pairings with our 2022 Vintages, ideal for late winter feasting.
Our Solaris 2022 English white is crisp and exceptionally fruity. WIth a honeydew melon nose enlivened by the natural citrus of the late ripening vine, hints of honey and lemon follow on the palette leading to an enticingly dry and delicate clean finish. Similar to a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, we love our Solaris with a hearty risotto or warm goat’s cheese tart. For seasonal eating, add some colourful purple sprouting broccoli to your risotto and a side of parsnips to your goat’s cheese tart for the freshest, in-season ingredients.
Whilst you might not immediately think of drinking Rosé in the wintertime, our Rosé 2022 English wine is a fruity and juicy alternative to the paler Rosé wines that tend to dominate the summertime, and perfect paired with warming winter dishes. Crafted from a blend of our Rondo and Solaris grapes, alluring summer berry aromas burst through with hints of green tea. Refreshing flavours of strawberries and limes balance the sweetness with a medium dry finish. Close to a fruity Grenache Rosé, it can stand up against stronger winter flavours. Enjoy alongside salmon blinis for a seasonal seafood option when entertaining guests, or with a cult classic rhubarb crumble for those with a sweet tooth.
Lastly, we have our Rondo 2022 English red, with delicate hints of vanilla, dark cherries and a damson nose. Notes of dark currants and a hint of pepper lifts the cherry flavour, and a gentle oaked edge and light tannins bring this single variety wine to a playfully pleasing finish. If you like fruity Pinot Noirs, this is a brilliant English wine to explore. Try our Rondo matched with a signature winter beef and kale pie for a cosy night in, or alongside an indulgent dessert like caramelised apples and custard, delicious for devouring in front of a warm fire.
If you’re interested in finding out more about seasonal eating, The Soil Association has a wealth of information and resources on their website about what’s best to eat and when. At Radlow Hundred, we love seasonal eating as it challenges us all in the kitchen to use different ingredients all year round and work with the locally available food in the UK. We’d love to hear your seasonal pairing suggestions, make sure to tag @RadlowHundred on Instagram or Facebook with your winter cooking creations.