Unconventional Wine Pairings with The Brits’ Favourite Comfort Food

British cuisine is like a warm embrace for the soul, offering hearty, filling, and satisfying dishes that have become beloved classics. While the natural go-to for many may be a pint of beer or a refreshing cider, why not elevate your dining experience with a surprising twist – a perfectly paired glass of wine? Let’s explore the unconventional yet delightful wine pairings with some of the Brits’ all-time favourite comfort foods.

Roast Dinner: A Sunday Tradition

A Sunday roast is at the heart of British culinary tradition, bringing families together over a hearty meal. Picture this – succulent slices of roast beef, tender roast pork with crackling, or perfectly seasoned roast chicken, served with perfectly roasted potatoes, crispy Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables with some generous gravy…

Roast Beef with Bordeaux Blend
The rich, robust flavours of roast beef find a delightful companion in a Bordeaux blend. The tannins and structure of the wine complement the meat’s intensity, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate.

Our pick: Durfort-Vivens Les Plantes – a classic Bordeaux with sixteen months in clay jars and oak barrels, creating a seductive bomb of flavours. For a quirky one, Dagon Jar Senior Bordeaux Blend from Romania is fragrant with a good structure. A great budget-friendly alternative!

Roast Pork with Garnacha or Chenin Blanc
The juicy and red-fruit-driven notes of Garnacha or the crisp acidity from Chenin Blanc beautifully balance the savoury goodness of roast pork and the crunchy pork crackling. It is a pairing that elevates the pork dish with a refreshing note.

Roast Chicken with Viognier or Pinot Noir
For the classic roast chicken, opt for the elegance of Viognier or the red fruit nuances of Pinot Noir. The tropical note and creamy texture of Viognier will complement the succulent chicken; while the soft palate and tannin of Pinot Noir will not overpower the flavour of the chicken but enhance the dish with its elegant red fruit palate and a touch of earthy note.

Our pick: Sept Viognier, from the first biodynamic winery in Lebanon, this wine is packed with aromas of tropical fruits, citrus, and blossom. The round mouthfeel and crisp acidity are the perfect match with your roasted pork.

Vegetarian Options with Gamay
Vegetarian roasts often feature mushrooms or earthy ingredients. A light and fruity Pinot Noir or Gamay complements these flavours, creating a delicious pairing that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a good glass of red wine!

Full English Breakfast: Morning Bliss on a Plate

The Full English Breakfast is a national treasure, boasting a delightful array of sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, and more. And what better way to start your day than with a glass of bubbly?

Champagne, especially Blanc de Noir
The effervescence and vibrant and racy acidity of Champagne, especially Blanc de Noir, is a match made in breakfast heaven. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, Blanc de Noirs often offer a lively note of red fruit such as raspberries and strawberries, with a lingering and vibrant acidity that can cut through the richness of the dish, creating a delightful contrast that uplifts your breakfast experience.

For a Casual Twist, go with dry sparkling wines
If Champagne feels too formal for your breakfast affair, opt for dry sparkling wines like Cremant or dry Prosecco. The racy acidity will serve the same purpose as Champagne but with a lighter body and a more budget-friendly option!

Our pick: Bulles de Miniere Cremant de Loire Rose – A dry Rose Cremant from the Loire Valley, notes of  freshly picked strawberry and raspberry and a refreshing finish.

Cheese Toasties: A Toast to Comfort

The humble cheese toasties are the ultimate comfort food, a warm hug in a sandwich. Pairing it with the right wine can uplift this simple pleasure to a culinary delight.

Oxidised Wines, like Jura Sous Voile
The umami-rich flavour of the cheese toasties finds its match in oxidised wines, such as Jura wines made in sous voile. The nutty notes and oily texture complement the richness of the melting cheese, while the orchard fruit note will refresh your palate, creating a comforting harmony.

Our pick: Jean-Luc Mouillard Jura Flor Selection A sous volile from Jura made with Chardonnay and Savagnin. The almond and dried fruit note from this oxidative style white wine is going to indulge you hand-in-hand with the cheese toasties.

Go with dry Riesling for a lighter option
For those who are seeking a refreshing option, the racy acidity in dry Riesling is the perfect companion. It cuts through the richness of the toasties, providing a refreshing contrast.

Burger & Chips: Brits’ Beloved Indulgence

A quintessential British indulgence that never goes out of style – a juicy succulent burger with freshly fried chips. 

Garnacha or Shiraz Wines
When enjoying a juicy burger, it’s important to choose a wine that complements its flavours without overpowering them. Consider a lighter-bodied Garnacha from Spain, which boasts lively acidity and the delicious taste of red berries. This wine will add an extra touch of brightness to your meal. Another excellent option is a powerful and peppery Shiraz, which celebrates the beloved pairing of burgers and British cuisine.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Sweet Finale

No meal is complete without something sweet, and a gooey and soft toffee pudding is the perfect way to satisfy your comfort food craving.

Ruby Port or Sweet Fortified Wine
Picture a gooey and moist toffee pudding paired with a glass of ruby port or sweet fortified wine. The sweetness of the wine enhances the caramel goodness of the pudding, while its acidity ensures your sweet tooth journey is not just shorter but also refreshed.

Our pick: You can find countless great options of Port out there but not for Angelica. Sabelli-Frisch Angelica is a historic fortified wine from California made with the Mission grape. This port-like fortified wine has layers of nuttiness that complement the sweetness and velvety texture. So, next time, why not have a twist with your pudding?

The world of wine and comfort foods is a delightful playground to be explored. Next time, when you indulge in a classic British comfort dish, consider reaching for a glass of wine to make your experience slightly different.

This Blog post is written by Sharon Wong
Consumer Sales and Marketing Manager of Wanderlust Wine 

Sharon is the the driving force behind our website, wine club, marketing activities, and Wanderlust Wine events. 

Next in our food pairing series: Pairing UK Autumn Seasonal Produce with the Wide World of White Wines