Okay, we get it... it's all about Guinness on Saint Patrick's Day, but who says wine lovers can't get in on the festivities? While you're likely celebrating St Patrick's Day from the comfort of your home this year, there's no reason you can't still say "cheers!"
The luck of the Irish is on our side, because we've got plenty of great wines to go around. Planning on cooking your favorite Irish staples, from Corned Beef and Cabbage to Shepherd's Pie and Irish Soda Bread? Here's what we're pairing with them!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Paired with Riesling and Beaujolais
The slight sweetness of our Lot 66 Riesling cuts through the fatty-saltiness of this meal and balances out the peppercorn flavors. If you're into reds, go for something light-bodied and easy-to-drink such as our Lot 158 Beaujolais.
Shepherd's Pie
Paired with Merlot and Cotes du Rhone
Shepherd's Pie is a hefty meal that favors a wine with earthiness, dark fruit and smoke, like our Lot 92 Merlot. And if you're looking for a peppery punch to go with this classic meat and potatoes comfort food, try Shepherd's Pie with Lot 162 Cotes du Rhone; notes of dry herbs and a cool, peppery finish complement this savory pie.
Lamb Stew
Paired with Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a classic pairing for lamb, so we're grabbing two of our favorites to pair with Irish Lamb Stew. You can't go wrong with our Reserve Lot 75 Russian River Pinot Noir or our Core Lot 179 California Pinot Noir; both are expressive Pinots at slightly different price points.
Irish Soda Bread
Paired with Sparkling Rosé
Light and fruity wines with a little bit of bubbly effervescence pair nicely with Irish Soda Bread. This bread is known to have a yeasty flavor offset by sweet raisins or currants. We're topping our piece off with a pad of Kerrygold butter and pouring a tall glass of Lot 49 Sparkling Rosé!
Potatoes and Roast Rib of Beef
Paired with Chardonnay and Bordeaux
Would we event be talking about Ireland if we didn't include potatoes on here? Chardonnay is the perfect balance to the dense starchiness of potatoes so we're pairing this meal with Lot 152 Mendocino Chardonnay. And for a red, we're breaking out our Lot 161 Bordeaux, a full-bodied red with nice tannin structure that will pair perfectly with the Roast Beef.