The quiche lorraine is a flagship dish of French cuisine, appreciated for its simplicity and tasty flavor. Composed mainly of eggs, cream, bacon, and shortcrust pastry, it is often served at friendly lunches among friends or family. But faced with this culinary specialty, which bottle of wine to open to enhance the flavors of this savory tart? Here are some suggestions to help you find the perfect pairing between dishes and wines.
Light and fruity red wines
To accompany a quiche Lorraine, it is preferable to opt for light and fruity red wines that contrast with the indulgence of the dish without overwhelming it. These wines provide a welcome touch of freshness to balance the richness of the quiche.
Beaujolais: a must-have for red wine lovers
The Beaujolais is an ideal choice to accompany a quiche lorraine. This light and fruity red wine, made from the gamay grape, is characterized by its red fruit aromas (cherry, raspberry) and its vivacity in the mouth. It offers a nice balance between acidity and roundness, which makes it an ideal companion for lunch.
Bourgueil: an attractive alternative from the Loire Valley
The bourgueil, made from the cabernet franc grape variety, is also an interesting option to accompany your quiche lorraine. This red wine from the Loire Valley has aromas of red and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) as well as spicy and peppery notes. Its light tannic structure and good acidity make it an ideal ally to counterbalance the richness of the quiche.
Fresh and mineral white wines
If you prefer white wines, go for fresh and mineral vintages that will enhance the flavors of the quiche Lorraine without overpowering them. These wines add a touch of elegance and finesse to the food-wine pairing.
Alsace Pinot Blanc: a subtle balance between freshness and roundness
The alsace pinot blanc is a dry white wine with floral and fruity aromas (apple, pear) that pairs very well with a quiche lorraine. Its freshness on the palate and its slight roundness help to balance the dish’s richness while adding a welcome hint of acidity to balance the flavors.
A white sancerre: the expression of the Loire’s terroir
The white sancerre, made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, is another enticing option to pair with your quiche. This wine from the Loire Valley stands out with its expressive nose and its citrus notes (lemon, grapefruit) and tropical fruit (passion fruit, pineapple). Its vibrant taste and minerality bring a beautiful freshness to the pairing with the Lorraine quiche.
Some advice to succeed in your food-wine pairing
To enhance your lunch with a quiche lorraine, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Adapt the wine choice to the guests: if you know the preferences of your guests, do not hesitate to choose a wine that will match their tastes while respecting the balance between the quiche and the vintage.
- Consider the ingredients added to the quiche: if you decide to enrich your quiche lorraine with other ingredients (cheese, vegetables, etc.), remember to adapt your wine selection accordingly.
- Serve wines at the correct temperature: to fully enjoy the aromas and flavors of wines, make sure to serve them at the ideal tasting temperature (10-12°C for whites, 14-16°C for reds).
By following these tips and experimenting with different combinations, you will be able to find the perfect balance that will delight your taste buds and those of your guests at your next lunch around a quiche lorraine.