We're taking a trip down to The French Quarter for Mardi Gras festivities and bringing some of our favorite wines that pair with the local New Orleans cuisine.
From Crawfish Boils to Beignets and King Cake, we are more than prepared for Fat Tuesday. So get your masks ready and grab a glass! Here's what we're pairing for Mardi Gras...
Crawfish Boil
Paired with Sparkling Rosé and Chardonnay
Crawfish Boils bring the spice. You're going to want a wine that helps make that spiciness palatable so you can go back for more. Lot 49 Sparkling Rosé is a great example of a wine that will help cleanse the spice with its fizzy bubbles. If you're not into bubbles, consider a Chardonnay with a cleansing full-body and a bit of oak like our Lot 152 Chardonnay.
Jambalaya
Paired with Burgundy and Riesling
It's not really a trip to NOLA without some Jambalaya. If we're talking reds, we would keep it French and opt for a Burgundy, like our Lot 160 Bourgogne Rouge. This wine's delicate finish melds nicely with the smoky, meat forward flavors in the dish. Looking for a white wine option? Lot 66 Riesling from Mosel, Germany has just the right amount of sweetness and acidity to cool down Jambalaya's heat.
Po'boy
Paired with Champagne and Sauvignon Blanc
Fat Tuesday called... and it's asking for Po'boys. Fried, juicy, spicy, sweet and delicious. This Louisiana specialty calls for a great French wine, and what's more French than Champagne? Champagne wasn't just made for caviar pairing... in fact, fried and salty foods call for the delightful effervescence of Champagne. Again, if you're not into bubbles, there are some great alternatives. A crisp and acidic white wine like Lot 2 Sauvignon Blanc would also be a perfect match.
Red Beans and Rice
Paired with Merlot and Pinot Noir
A wine that has some fruit expression and a little bit of body pairs nicely with the starchy and spicy nature of red beans and rice. Try Lot 92 Merlot or Lot 75 Pinot Noir, both out of California's Sonoma County.
Beignets and King Cake
Paired with Moscato d'Asti
When you're pairing for dessert, sweet goes with sweet! These classic New Orleans treats are delectable with a semi-sweet white. So, after you hit Café du Monde, make sure you have a bottle of Lot 134 Moscato d'Asti on deck to put your sweet tooth in check.
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