Cheers to National Wine Day!

May 25th is National Wine Day! It’s is the ideal time to sit down with friends and family, open a bottle of your favourite wine and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re into reds, whites, or Rosé, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds.

Wine, an elixir crafted through centuries of human ingenuity, stands as a testament to our love affair with the finer things in life. It embodies history, culture, and the delicate balance of artistry and science. The story of wine stretches back thousands of years, intertwined with the rise and fall of civilisations. From the ancient vineyards of Mesopotamia to the terraced hillsides of Tuscany, each glass of wine carries with it a legacy of human endeavour. The Romans celebrated Bacchus, the god of wine, while medieval monks meticulously tended to vineyards, preserving the knowledge of winemaking through the ages.

Behind every bottle of wine lies a careful blend of artistry and science. From the moment the grapes are harvested to the aging process in oak barrels, winemakers employ centuries-old techniques alongside modern innovations to achieve perfection. Fermentation, blending, and aging all play pivotal roles in shaping the final product, resulting in wines that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. Today, wine stands as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting us to our ancestors and the traditions they cherished.

A kaleidoscope of flavours

At the heart of every exceptional wine lies its terroir, a French term encompassing the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that shapes the character of the grapes. From the chalky slopes of Champagne to the sun-drenched hills of Napa Valley, each region imparts its signature flavours and aromas to the wine it produces. Winemakers, akin to artists, harness the nuances of terroir, crafting wines that reflect the essence of their land.

The world of wine is a vast tapestry of grape varieties, each offering a distinct sensory experience. From the robust intensity of Cabernet Sauvignon to the delicate elegance of Riesling, there exists a wine to suit every palate and occasion. Whether exploring the earthy notes of a Pinot Noir or savouring the tropical fruitiness of a Sauvignon Blanc, wine enthusiasts delight in the diversity of flavours waiting to be discovered.

Wine and charcuterie

Wine is frequently paired with food to delight palates, with culinary experts and sommeliers dedicating their careers to discovering what wine goes with what food. Today, we dive into its pairing with charcuterie (another French word) which refers to prepared meats on a serving board. There’s a reason wine and charcuterie boards are so popular: they are a match made in culinary heaven. Imagine platters decked with aged cheeses, salami, and nuts – a pure gastronomic pleasure!

The texture, fat, salt, and spice of all the delicious nibbles on a charcuterie board helps to balance and soften the flavours of wine. The salty and savoury flavours of cheese enhance the fruit aromas of sparkling and light-bodied white wines like Prosecco. Bright, acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness of creamy cheese. Rich cured meat and nuts counterbalance the tannins in bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Each sip and bite becomes a celebration of life's simple pleasures, reminding us to slow down, savour the moment.

Nutrition profile

While wine is primarily enjoyed for its taste and aroma, it also offers some nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. A standard serving of wine (150 ml) typically contains around 120-130 calories, with minimal fat and protein content. Additionally, wine contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may offer protective effects against heart disease and other age-related conditions when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The alcohol content of wine varies depending on factors such as grape ripeness, fermentation duration, and winemaking techniques. On average, most table wines contain between 9% and 16% alcohol by volume (ABV), with fortified wines like Port and Sherry reaching higher levels, often exceeding 20% ABV.

So there you go! As the weather warms up and outdoor gatherings become more popular, charcuterie boards are the perfect addition to any event. And what better way to enjoy them than with a perfectly paired glass of wine?

Tip: Pairing tasty treats on a charcuterie board with the right wine is an art form. A well-curated selection of meats and cheese next to wine isn’t only perfect for Instagram but a recipe for your guests’ sensory pleasure (and memories!). The right combination can deliver the perfect array of tart, tangy, and smokey flavours and aromas that will make your gathering one to remember for years. Cheers!