5 Tips on Pairing Wine with Cucumbers:
as recommended by Karen Bonarrigo & Merrill Bonarrigo
- Cucumbers are neutral in flavor with an almost delicate melon character with a hint of bitterness. They work with most wines since they do not compete with flavor.
- The main pairing consideration with cucumbers is the preparation and what other strong flavors might be included like peppers, vinaigrette, etc.
- Raw peppers added to the recipe are high in acid so pair with high acid wines. Try Messina Hof Pinot Grigio, Messina Hof Serenity or Father & Son Riesling.
- Hot peppers can scorch taste buds. Sweet wines mask the heat and allow you to taste the flavors. Try Messina Hof Gewurztraminer, Messina Hof Moscato or Beau.
- In the Cucumber Salad recipe, the strongest flavors are the jalapeno, onion, and lime juice. A wine with a hint of sweetness and good acidity would work best. Messina Hof Gewurztraminer, Messina Hof Serenity, and Father & Son Riesling are good pairings.
- In the Tzatziki Sauce, garlic and dill are the strongest flavors. In this recipe the yogurt adds a creamy coolness to balance the strong flavors. Messina Hof Pinot Grigio, Messina Hof Chenin Blanc, and Beau work well.
Merrill and Karen Bonarrigo, Wine and Food Pairing experts at Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc.