Wine Pairings for Dishes with Pecan
as recommended by Karen Bonarrigo & Merrill Bonarrigo
5 Things to know about pairing wines with pecan:
- Pecans are not only Texas state nut but it is a heavy producing tree that anyone can grow in the back yard. You can harvest your own! And there is nothing better than fresh pecans.
- Pecans are easy to store for winter use. Freezing them will slow the oxidation process which is the browning of the nut. You can thaw and use them as fresh as snacks or in recipes.
- I love pecans with dried fruits and cheese between the entrée and dessert or dipped in chocolate or frozen whipped cream or candied for dessert with Papa Paulo Port.
- Pecans add an earthy sweetness, natural fat, some tannin and crunchy texture to any dish – sweet or savory
- Wine pairings with raw pecans range from sweet whites to dry reds to ports. The fresher the pecans, the lighter and sweeter they are, which complements the white wines like Gewurztraminer. As the pecans age, the flavors are heavier and lend themselves to reds. The tannins in the pecan marry nicely with reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir.
Merrill and Karen Bonarrigo, Wine and Food Pairing experts at Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc.