Vins et Salades

Which wine to choose to accompany a salad?

Fresh, crunchy, and often colorful, salads come in endless variations depending on the season and personal preferences. But which wine should you choose to enhance these light and varied dishes? The acidity of the dressing, the sometimes sweet and salty ingredients, or even the presence of proteins all influence the choice of wine. Discover our selection of the best wine and food pairings to harmonize with your salads.

The golden rules for pairing wine and salad

Pairing wine with salad might seem complex, but a few simple principles can help you make the right choices:

• Opt for fresh and lively wines: the acidity of the dressing pairs best with dry white wines or light reds.
• Avoid overly tannic wines: they may clash with the raw vegetables and acidic dressings.
• Consider the dominant ingredients: cheese, meat, dried fruits, or fish all influence the wine selection.

Which wine with a classic green salad?

A simple green salad with a tangy dressing and aromatic herbs pairs ideally with dry, mineral white wines:

• Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc): vibrant with citrus notes that enhance the freshness of the salad.
• Chablis (Chardonnay): a structured white with floral aromas and a flinty character.
• Picpoul de Pinet: a Languedoc wine with marine accents and a lovely acidity.

Wine and composed salads: how to choose well?

Composed salads offer a multitude of possible combinations. Here are some recommended pairings based on the main ingredients:

• Caesar Salad (chicken, parmesan, croutons, creamy dressing)
  Recommended wine: Burgundy Chardonnay – its roundness and buttery notes balance the creamy texture of the dressing.
• Nicoise Salad (tuna, olives, anchovies, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs)
  Recommended wine: Côtes de Provence Rosé – a fresh and fruity rosé that enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
• Warm Goat Cheese Salad (goat cheese, honey, walnuts, toasted bread)
  Recommended wine: Sancerre white or Jurançon sec – the acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey.
• Landaise Salad (gizzards, smoked duck breast, foie gras, walnuts)
  Recommended wine: Pinot Noir from Alsace or a light Beaujolais red – soft tannins that respect the delicacy of foie gras and smoked duck breast.

Wine and fruit salad: a subtle pairing

Salads containing fruits (apples, grapes, citrus fruits, berries) require slightly aromatic and fresh white wines:

• Gewurztraminer: ideal with an exotic salad made with mango or pineapple.
• Riesling: perfect for pairing with a sweet-salty salad with apples and walnuts.
• Viognier: a white wine with peach aromas that pairs beautifully with a summer salad of melon and prosciutto.

A light meal enhanced by the right wine

Whether your salad is simple or indulgent, choosing the right wine is essential to bring out all its flavors. Discover our selection of wines tailored to salads and enjoy perfect pairings for a light and refined meal!