Ritika Janiya
Portugal is famous for many things: the beautiful beaches, the rich history, and of course, its delicious food. But perhaps one of the most popular Portugal dishes is its salted cod, or as they say, bacalhau. Did you know that Portugal consumes quite a huge amount of cod, about 20% of all cod in the world yearly? That’s a lot of fish! While for many, cod in Portugal is about red wine, the fact is that there are some great arguments why white wine might be a better fit. Here’s why white wine and salted cod might just be the ultimate pairing.
Unfolding the Charm of White Wine
As famous as Portugal is for its red wines, so are their white wines something else. In fact, unique flavor profiles in the country’s white wines can hardly be found anywhere else. So, next time you have salted cod, try reaching for a Portuguese white wine.
Now, some of the standout Portuguese white wines that do an excellent job with bacalhau are as follows:
Esporão Reserva White Organic
First, there is the Esporão Reserva White Organic from Alentejo. Wine is a certain adventure in every bottle: smoky oak notes, fruity flavors of peach, and the taste of grapefruit with its zesty notes. The blend of grapes used in this wine includes antão vaz, arinto, and roupeiro. The result is a fresh wine, full of character, which goes very well with salty and savory flavors from bacalhau.
Waitrose Loved & Found Cerceal
Another great option would be the Waitrose Loved & Found Cerceal from the Dão region. This is actually a very good example of Portuguese creativity. It’s made with a grape called cerceal, which only grows in Portugal. This wine is fresh and nutty and has this undertone of brightness that will lift up salted cod flavors. It’s almost like that secret ingredient that makes your meal even better.
Symington Mendes Contacto Alvarinho
Last but definitely not least, Symington Mendes Contacto Alvarinho from Vinho Verde. You might have heard of Albariño; that is just the same grape, different name for it in Spain. In Portugal, it’s known as alvarinho. A known grape to make wines that are crisp, refreshing, and with a real citrus zing. A great example is the Contacto Alvarinho with its flavors of white peaches, slightly overripe and accented by wild flowers. It really is like a breath of fresh air that pairs perfectly with the rich savory taste of salted cod.
Why White Wine Works So Well
So, why does white wine go so well with salted cod? It’s all about balancing flavors. Salted cod has that strong, salty taste that overpowers any flavor associated with it. A good white wine offers a refreshing contrast. Fruity, zesty flavors of white wines allow crisp cutting through the richness of fish and make every bite taste even better.
Exploring Portuguese White Wines
White wines from Portugal are like a variegated treasure chest, as each region possesses its grape variety and wine production method. Here is the quick guide to explore white wines from Portugal:
Alentejo: The region in the south of Portugal is prominent for its rich, full-bodied white wines. Look out for a wine that is made from a blend of grapes to give more complexity.
Dão: These wines from central Portugal have a tendency to be crisp and refreshing, with local grapes used in their composition, such as cerceal and encruzado.
Vinho Verde: This region, which is set up north of Portugal, offers light wines with an appealing zest. Alvarinho from this region, in particular, goes well with seafood.
Tips to Enjoy White Wine with Salted Cod
Following are some of the tips that will make the experience of white wine and salted cod better:
Serve Chilled: White wine needs to be cold. Keep it chilled while serving for the refreshing taste.
Pair with Different Ones: Feel free to pair any of these white wines. Each will bring a different flavor in the cod.
Take It Easy: Wine tasting with food is just another way to enjoy the event. Take your time and savor the moment.
Portuguese white wine with bacalhau-a marriage made in heaven. Rich Esporão Reserva or unique Waitrose Loved & Found Cerceal, refreshing Symington Mendes Contacto Alvarinho-the wines show a contrastive taste to the salty-savory flavors of bacalhau. It is likely that the next time one tastes this classic Portuguese delicacy, he/she reaches for a glass of white wine. You might find it just the right partner for your meal.
Enjoy the adventure of food combined with Portuguese white wine and salted cod-gracia a vida, heaven matched!
