Let’s start by talking about the connection between wine and florals. What is it?
We often see floral descriptions of wine and they’re more than poetic fancy or wine geek speak. It’s actually a reflection of the intricate chemistry of grapes and the artistry of winemaking. Grapes, like flowers, are profoundly influenced by their terroir – the unique environment in which they grow. So I’ve brought in five different wines representing very different bouquets today.
Today you’ve brought a selection of wines and paired them with flowers that would make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day this weekend! For our first pairings, you’ve gone classic. What bottle and bouquet are we starting with?
We’re starting with roses and bubbles! Both roses and sparkling wines share a timeless association with celebration. The delicate perfume of roses mirrors the subtle floral notes in this sparkling wine. Just as roses unfold petal by petal, this wine reveals layers of complexity with each sip. The rose’s soft fragrance and the wine’s gentle effervescence both create an experience that engages the senses while maintaining remarkable subtlety.
Westcott Vineyards Brilliant Sparkling Rosé
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada
What sparkling wine have you brought for us to try?
My first “pick” of this floral bunch is the Westcott Vineyard Brilliant Sparkling Rosé from Niagara, Ontario. This sparkling wine is elegant, with fine bubbles and aromas of delicate rose petals, especially like this light pink rosé.
Pair with fresh spring greens like asparagus or in a quiche.
Next we’re moving on to peonies and sauvignon blanc. Why did you pair them together?
There’s something wonderfully unapologetic about both peonies and Sauvignon Blanc. The peony’s explosion of petals and intense fragrance corresponds beautifully to the wine’s bold aromatic profile. Both have a certain vibrancy that demands attention – neither the flower nor the wine fades into the background. The structured complexity of a peony, with its many layers of petals, reflects the multifaceted character of this Sauvignon Blanc, which reveals different notes as it opens up in the glass.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
What sauvignon blanc are we sipping?
I have a crisp Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. This wine offers aromatic notes often including floral tones alongside citrus elements. I’ve paired it with a bold and striking peony, with its vibrant colours and citrus aromas that match the assertive character of Sauvignon Blanc.
Pair with sautéed scallops and field greens.
You have one more white wine pairing for us. What is it?
Lilacs and Vermentino share an intoxicating aromatic intensity that lingers in the memory. The lilac’s distinctive sweetness with hints of spice perfectly complements the exotic character of Vermentino. Both possess a certain nostalgic quality – lilacs evoke memories of spring gardens, while Vermentino offers unexpected aromatic twists that remind us of forgotten sensory experiences. There’s also something inherently luxurious about both; the lilac’s lush clusters of blossoms mirror the wine’s opulent mouthfeel and generous fruit profile. It’s like walking through a garden in full bloom after a spring rain.
Cantine Lunae Etichetta Grigia Vermentino
Liguria, Colli di Luni D.O.C., Italy
Tell us about this wine.
I have the Lunae Vermentino from Liguria, Italy. This grape is known for its vivid aromatics, often reminiscent of blossoms and stone fruit. I’d pair it with lilacs for its sweet and slightly spicy aroma.
Pair with a pineapple grilled chicken or pasta primavera.
We’re moving into reds now with pinot noir and cherry blossoms! Why have you paired them together?
The ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms perfectly captures the elusive nature of Pinot Noir – both are delicate yet profound, fleeting yet memorable. There’s a certain luminosity to cherry blossoms, a quality of light seeming to shine through them, just as Pinot Noir often has a translucent ruby glow in the glass.
Both the flower and the wine represent a perfect balance of delicacy and intensity. The cherry blossom’s brief, magnificent blooming season also reminds us of Pinot Noir’s reputation as a temperamental grape that requires precise conditions to reach its full expression.
Corcelettes Estate Winery Pinot Noir
South Okanagan, British Columbia
Tell us about the pinot noir you selected.
I’m pairing the Corselettes Estate Winery Pinot Noir from the South Okanagan, British Columbia. This wine is bursting with juicy layers of cherry and berry aromas. Cherry blossoms, with their bright, fragrant nature, mirror the vivaciousness and elegance of this Pinot Noir.
Pair with pan-seared duck breast and white truffle risotto.
Our final pairing is orchids and gamay. Why do they go together?
The mysterious allure of orchids beautifully complements the intriguing character of Gamay. Both possess an exotic quality that’s simultaneously approachable. Orchids are among the most diverse flower families, with endless variations in form and color, much like how Gamay can express itself differently depending on terroir and winemaking techniques.
The orchid’s reputation for complexity despite its apparent simplicity mirrors Gamay’s status as a seemingly straightforward wine that reveals surprising depth. There’s also something slightly untamed about both – the orchid’s wild origins and Gamay’s rustic charm that refuses to be entirely domesticated by winemaking.
Chiroubles La Grosse Pierre
Beaujolais, France
Tell us about the last wine you have for us.
The Chiroubles La Grosse Pierre from Beaujolais, France, is made from the Gamay grape so I’m pairing it with orchids. This Gamay has lovely raspberry and plum notes along with dark florals such as orchids, violets and irises. It’s a smooth, medium-bodied wine with a juicy, mouth-watering character.
Pair with wild mushrooms and a spring lamb osso buco.
Posted with permission of The Social.
