The Art of Cheese and Wine Pairing 2

April 1, 2025

South African wines are famous for their diversity and character, and they pair perfectly not only with grilled meat but also with surprisingly delicious vegetarian dishes. Get ready to dive into the world of wine and plant-based gastronomy with a touch of humor, scientific facts, and practical advice.

1. Grilled Vegetables + Chenin Blanc

What could be better than a plate of juicy, grilled peppers, zucchini, and eggplant? Of course, a glass of chilled South African Chenin Blanc . Its bright acidity and fruity notes perfectly complement the sweet taste of caramelized vegetables.

Scientific Fact: The thermal processing of vegetables leads to the caramelization of sugars, which pair perfectly with the wine's acidity, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Why it works: The balance of acidity and fruit enhances the vegetables' flavors and aids digestion—your enzymes will thank you!

Bonus Tip: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the umami flavors in the vegetables, making the wine pairing even more dynamic.

2. Chickpea Curry + Sauvignon Blanc

Aromatic, spicy, and warming chickpea curry practically begs for the company of fresh and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. This duo is like two old friends who know how to have a great time together.

Scientific Fact: Capsaicin, found in spices, activates heat receptors, and Sauvignon Blanc helps cool them down thanks to its high acidity.

Why it works: Sauvignon Blanc balances the curry's spice and adds a touch of citrus accent.

Fun Fact: Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

3. Caprese Salad + Rosé

Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella... and a glass of South African Rosé, and suddenly you're not in Cape Town but somewhere in Tuscany.

Scientific Fact: Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is better absorbed with wine rich in antioxidants, making this pairing not only delicious but also healthy!

Why it works: Rosé adds freshness and a delicate floral aroma, perfectly highlighting the Italian classic.

Pro Tip: Try adding a splash of balsamic reduction to the salad for an extra layer of complexity that pairs beautifully with the wine.

4. Mushroom Risotto + Pinotage

The deep, earthy flavor of mushroom risotto calls for a wine with character. South African Pinotage, with its dark berry and spice notes, creates a stunning harmony.

Scientific Fact: Mushrooms contain umami—the fifth taste—that enhances the perception of sweetness and depth in wine.

Why it works: The wine's rich tannins and structure perfectly complement the creamy texture of the risotto.

Did You Know? Pinotage is unique to South Africa, created as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault in 1925. 

5. Vegetable Stew + Syrah

When the weather cools down, nothing warms the soul like vegetable stew with a glass of rich South African Syrah.

Scientific Fact: Phenolic compounds in red wines interact with vegetable proteins, enhancing the dish's flavor and softening its texture.

Why it works: The full-bodied wine confidently handles the stew's rich flavors.

Cooking Tip: Slow-cooking the stew allows the flavors to develop fully, making the pairing even more satisfying.

6. Goat Cheese Salad + Chardonnay

Goat cheese and a glass of South African Chardonnay — a timeless classic.

Scientific Fact: Goat cheese is rich in caproic acid, which perfectly complements the creamy notes of aged Chardonnay.

Why it works: The creamy texture of Chardonnay harmonizes with the tanginess of goat cheese.

Interesting Fact: Chardonnay grapes are one of the most widely planted white wine grapes in the world, thriving in South Africa's diverse climates.

7. Falafel + Grenache

Crispy falafel drizzled with yogurt sauce demands an energetic companion, and Grenache steps up to the plate.

Scientific Fact: Grenache is a grape variety with high glycerin content, giving the wine a rounded and balanced feel, even with the rich spices of falafel.

Why it works: The wine's fruitiness and moderate tannins balance the falafel's spice.

Health Tip: Falafel is a great source of plant-based protein and pairs well with antioxidant-rich Grenache.

8. Spinach and Feta Pie + Viognier

A flaky spinach and feta pie (or spanakopita for the fancy folk) deserves the lush, aromatic South African Viognier, which enhances the creamy feta and delicate greens.

Scientific Fact: Viognier is known for its floral and stone fruit aromas, which bring out the richness of dairy-based dishes.

Why it works: The wine's floral notes highlight the feta's saltiness, while the acidity cuts through the richness.

9. Roasted Pumpkin Soup + Gewürztraminer

Creamy roasted pumpkin soup paired with the aromatic and slightly sweet Gewürztraminer is a match made in heaven.

Scientific Fact: The spice profile of Gewürztraminer enhances the natural sweetness of pumpkin while complementing warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Why it works: The wine's slight sweetness and floral notes perfectly balance the creamy, earthy soup.

Cooking Tip: Roasting the pumpkin caramelizes its sugars, bringing out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

The Art of Experimentation

Of course, rules exist to be broken, especially when it comes to food and wine. Experiment, try new pairings, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Scientific Fact: Moderate wine consumption promotes endorphin release—so enjoy without guilt!

Enjoy your gastronomic adventures, and may your glasses always be filled with the best South African wines!