Quel vin pour accompagner une blanquette de veau ?

Veal blanquette, an iconic dish of French gastronomy, is a traditional and comforting meal that calls for carefully selected wines to balance its smooth and delicate flavors. Between the creamy sauce, veal meat, mushrooms, and rice, this recipe demands wines with distinct aromas and enough freshness to enhance this family meal.

Which white wine to pair with veal blanquette?

White wine is undoubtedly the best companion for veal blanquette. Its freshness and natural acidity perfectly contrast with the creamy and slightly gelatinous texture of the sauce. For a classic pairing, a Chardonnay-based white wine from Burgundy is a must. An AOC Chablis, AOC Mâcon, or AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune will offer a lively acidity and subtle notes of citrus and white-fleshed fruits, ideal for balancing the richness of the cream. If you wish to explore other regions, an Alsace Riesling or a Loire Chenin also pairs wonderfully with this dish. Their mineral notes and citrus and white flower aromas add lightness and a touch of freshness to the veal blanquette.

Which red wine to pair with veal blanquette?

Although red wine is not the traditional pairing for veal blanquette, it is entirely possible to choose a light and supple red wine. Beaujolais wines, made from Gamay, with their fruity aromas and soft tannins, are an excellent choice. You could also opt for an older vintage of Pinot Noir from Burgundy or Alsace, which will offer a softer structure and smooth tannins, perfect for not overpowering the dish.

On Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of wines to accompany your veal blanquette. Whether you choose a white Burgundy wine or a light red, you'll find the ideal cuvée to elevate your meal. Take advantage of our direct offers from the estate or château of your choice, and have your bottles delivered straight to your door!

Old-Style or Lemon-Brightened Blanquette: Adjusting the Wine

If you follow the old-style recipe, the sauce starts from the white stock the veal cooked in: thickened into a velouté, it is then finished with cream and egg yolks. Smooth, soaked up by the rice and flavored by button mushrooms, it goes well with a dry white that is full-bodied yet lively.

A white Saumur, made from Chenin Blanc, is a good example, with aromas often described as stewed orchard fruit. Its acidity lightens the cream without masking the taste of the veal.

If you brighten it with lemon juice, the sauce turns tangier, and the wine has to keep up. Pick a crisper white without obvious oak, and serve it nicely chilled: a richer wine would feel heavy next to it.

For red, consider Gamay too, which is naturally low in tannin. A Chiroubles, from the Beaujolais cru with the highest vineyards, or a Régnié, the last of the ten crus to be recognized, can be served lightly chilled without clashing with the cream.

Chicken or Lamb: Other Ways to Make Blanquette

What wine goes with chicken blanquette?

With chicken blanquette, choose a dry white with a round texture, from Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc grapes, to match the mild meat and the creamy sauce. For red, a light Gamay, served cool, also works.

What wine goes with lamb blanquette?

With lamb blanquette, which tastes stronger than veal, serve a broad, full-bodied white or a soft red that goes easy on tannin. The sauce is still creamy, so a very structured red would taste harsh next to it.

Where can you buy wine for veal blanquette direct from the winemaker?

You can buy wine for veal blanquette direct from the producer on Avenue des Vins. Every wine’s page shows its appellation and region.

See also: What wine to drink with veal - What wine should you drink with quenelles? - What wine should you drink with suckling pig?