Foie gras, ‘fat liver’ in French, has a rightful luxurious place in French cuisine as it overtakes the tastebuds with its rich fattiness and earthy flavor that can’t be ignored. All you need is a glassful of the right wine to enjoy the brilliant foie gras. Let’s look at some of the wines that work best with foie gras.
· Sauternes
The sweet white wine Sauternes deserves a special mention in any list of wine and foie gras pairs. You can’t go wrong with Sauternes as it is a go-to companion to every foie gras delicacy. It works exceptionally well with dishes that have fruits. So, if you are ever in a foie gras-wine dilemma, simply serve a glass or two of Sauternes.
· Champagne
The acidic and bubbly Champagne is an excellent drink to go with any rich foie gras dish. So, if it’s a very special occasion with foie gras on the menu, go for this celebration drink. After all, both are special-occasion items, aren’t they? But always remember, goose foie gras goes with light champagne, and the robust champagne suits the duck foie gras better.
· Riesling
Riesling wine, as the name suggests, is the wine obtained from the highly aromatic and acidic Riesling grape. The sweetness of the wine, ranging from dry to extremely sweet, depends on the season of harvest. It’s fragrance and fruity flavor adds to the rich flavor of foie gras. So next time you have some foie gras, be sure to try an aged Riesling, perhaps an Auslese or Spatlese.
· Red Wine
Red wine is a comparatively modern companion for foie gras if we look at the traditional customs. A good aged red wine is an exceptional choice for foie gras dishes that have meat. But beware- don’t go for light or young red wines. Instead, choose a good quality wine, for example, Bordeaux, to complement the earthy taste of the luxury. Barolo is also a great red wine and has acidity and alcohol, thus accentuating the exquisite flavor of the liver.
· White Wine
White wine and foie gras always promise a delightful experience, especially when sweet condiments are in the picture too. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Gris are quite famous among foie gras lovers. Chardonnay goes well with the creamy texture of the liver and is an excellent alternative to Sauternes. Chenin Blanc is a wonderful acidic white that balances the buttery flavor of the delicacy. The fruity and zesty Pinot Gris is perfect for the rich liver flavor.