Happy Pancake Day from Grinning Goblet Wines!
Shrove Tuesday (aka Pancake Day!) is here again. The days are getting a little longer, the weather is a little warmer and what better way to celebrate the end of a January detox than to dig out your best pancake mix recipe and dust off your cooking skills. If there’s not at least one limp piece of dough hanging listlessly from the ceiling by the end of the night, you haven’t tried hard enough!
But which is the best wine to pair with your sweet treat or savoury snack? Fear not! For when it comes to wine and pancakes, you’re spoilt for choice.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy your pancakes oozing with honey or perhaps with a decent dollop of ice cream – Yum! In terms of a suitable accompaniment, I tend to go for a Sauternes. Something like the Ginestet Classique Sauternes 2016, which is everything you’ll expect from the famous dessert-wine-producing area of Bordeaux. With sweet floral tones and hints of citrus marmalade on the nose, the palate which follows is rich and smooth. Honeyed apricot flavours develop with a faintly citrus note on the finish. This is a sophisticated pairing with will have you begging for more.
For the more decadent ones amongst you, who insist on a good smothering of Nutella (you know who you are!), you maybe looking for something even more hedonistic! If rich and luxurious are the bywords of your pancake extravaganza, might I suggest the Cline Cellars Late Harvest Mourvèdre 2017. This rather naughty drop is not for the faint hearted. Layers of coffee, chocolate, blackberries and prunes dominate, divinely balanced with good structure. This wine may be definition of decadence, but it exudes real class. Don’t blame me if you get totally hooked!
Don’t forget, sparkling wine can be an excellent partner too. From a cheeky Prosecco to a classy bottle of Champagne, pancakes are a great excuse from to crack open the bubbles. Crémant, in particular, can be a fantastic alternative to Champagne, not least because it is made in exactly the same way as its more expensive cousin, but without the price tag. Why not try Domaine J. Laurens, Crémant de Limoux ‘Les Graimenous’ 2018. This is a bright and citrussy number with a combination of lovely sweet fruit and yeasty savouriness, which makes it as versatile as it is delicious!
If something less sweet it more your thing – perhaps a ham and cheese filling rather than a calorie-charged sugar overload – don’t worry. A Pinot Gris or a Riesling would be perfect. Or perhaps a nice full-bodied bottle of Chardonnay. The possibilities are endless.
Wherever you are and however your celebrating, I wish you a very happy Pancake Day and may your wine choices be as eclectic as the fillings you choose to devour them with!