Wine and food are a pair as old as time. Each is better with the other—especially when you intentionally choose what’s on your plate and in your glass. In fact, wine enhances the dining experience by elevating different foods’ unique qualities and flavors.
Summertime brings a rich bounty of seasonal produce. It also brings long, warm days perfect for savoring refreshing wines alongside just the right meal or snack. Our varied selection of Virginia wines offers plenty of paths to take when crafting your own summer wine pairings.
A Note on Wine Tastings
Before we talk about specific pairings, it’s important to address the tasting experience. Many people may feel an initial sense of trepidation when exploring the complex world of wine. If this sounds familiar, have no fear: our welcoming staff is eager to answer your questions and help spark your culinary creativity.
Understanding common tasting terms is the first step in developing a sharper palate. When tasting and describing wine, keep these things in mind.
- Acidity is the degree to which a particular wine tastes sharp and crisp.
- Body describes a wine’s heaviness from the first sip to the strength of the aftertaste.
- Dry means that a wine consists of nearly no sugars.
- Tannins create the bitter and astringent qualities of wine, typically in younger reds, that make your mouth feel dry after tasting.
Pairing is more of an art than an exact science, especially because everyone’s individual palate is different. When recommending which Chiswell wine matches best with specific foods, there are a few things we consider…
- Flavor. When choosing wine and food, you want the flavors to either complement or contrast one another. A complementary pairing could mean choosing similar flavors, like the fruitiness of rosé with fresh-picked strawberries. Contrasting flavors are a bit more complex. For example, dessert wines like petit manseng taste wonderful with spicy flavors. This is because the sweetness of the wine cuts the food’s palatable burn.
- Balance. Neither the wine nor the food should overpower the other. An adequate balance of strong and subtle flavors will ensure that the two work together to create one wonderful experience, rather than flooding your palate with overwhelming sensations.
- Mouth feel. This element is particularly important because it encapsulates the physical components of the dining experience. Consider how the wine sits on the inside of your mouth after tasting, and whether that aftertaste will match well with certain foods.
Our Recommendations
Our family is deeply ingrained in Virginia’s farming community, so it’s only natural that we prefer fresh, local produce, especially in the summer. Whether packed for a picnic or hot off the grill, there are many delicious dishes to pair with our wines.
Chiswell Farm & Winery features local and seasonal snacks, including pimento cheese, chocolate, baguettes, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food as well! We encourage scenic wine picnics that make the most of our expansive views.
Sauvignon Blanc Pairings
As our lightest wine on the menu, sauvignon blanc is a quintessential summer favorite. This vibrant white has a strong acidity that cuts the taste of fatty cheeses and hearty meats, balanced with aromatic qualities that accentuate vinegar-based dishes.
Considering that, the perfect partner for a bottle of our sauvignon blanc is a savory, strong-flavored charcuterie board featuring gouda, salami, or pickled veggies—we recommend Chiles Family Orchards’ very own zesty pickled asparagus.
Rosé Pairings
Our cabernet-sauvignon-based rosé is an ideal summer wine, with notes of pink grapefruit and raspberry. Its lively and aromatic qualities, while similar to the sauvignon blanc’s flavor profile, enhance flavor nuances in lighter foods like salads, prosciutto, and melon.
For a meal, consider pairing it with seafood or a simple pasta. One rule of thumb is that chicken-based dishes are classic matches for rosé. For a southern twist on this timeless pair, try it with chicken salad, where the wine’s fruity notes counterbalance the strong salty flavors.
Chardonnay Pairings
Our chardonnays feature the crisp and savory flavors of chardonnay grapes, which our family grows on the tallest point of Carter Mountain Orchard. Undergoing different aging conditions, however, changes their flavor profiles considerably.
Our 2020 Chardonnay is lightly-oaked, which accentuates vibrant fruit notes. The clean, light body of this white wine makes it the ideal accompaniment for mild-flavored fare. Seafood and fish, especially halibut or trout, are clear choices.
Meanwhile, our fully-oaked 2021 Chardonnay features a creamy mouthfeel and a grounded, delicate tropical flavor. Meals cooked with butter or cream let this chardonnay’s flavors sing, as can rich dishes (like lobster, risotto, chowder, alfredo) and nutty hard cheeses (Gruyère, Edam).
Sparkling Wine Pairings
Our sparkling chardonnay and rosé have bright flavor profiles, making them refreshing palate cleansers. The dryness inspired by forced carbonation makes them easy picks for a day under the Virginia sun!
When choosing between sparkling chardonnay and rosé, note that the chardonnay is slightly brighter than the rosé. It features tasting notes of stone fruit and citrus, while the rosé’s profile more closely resembles tart berries.
The strong acidity in each of our sparkling wines stands up to bold flavors. For summer wine pairings, think pimento cheese or cured meats like prosciutto or salami. Conversely, those looking for lighter food options might pair their bubbly with fresh mozzarella or vegetables.
Specialty Drinks
Our specialty drinks can complement your food or serve as a unique treat all on their own. We keep things fresh by varying our specialty drinks regularly, so make sure to stop by and see what’s pouring!
We love welcoming guests to our estate to learn about summer wine pairings, experience them in a beautiful setting, and create memories with friends. As always, let one of our team members know if you want any suggestions for the perfect pairing. No matter your preference—red, white, rosé, you name it—we’ll find a combination suited to your unique palate.
