Schug Winery

Free delivery on all orders over $150

Schug Winery

Free delivery on all orders over $150

Food and Wine Pairing

Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

An elegant bubbly with a hint of roses and strawberries. Lovely with canapés or simple sipping. Also pairs nicely with toned-down Asian flavors, smoked seafood, lighter pates, “softer” herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, medium-weight cheeses (including milder blues). Also nice with classic Manchego cheese and quince paste pairing. Note: this wine is fruity and delicate, not sweet. We recommend pairings be limited to lighter savory appetizers and not with dessert.

SAUVIGNON BLANC, SONOMA COAST

This is a versatile wine, ideal for aperitif or starter courses. Shows lively varietal fruit character, very little oak. Pairs beautifully with chevre, tarragon, lemon thyme, poultry recipes, pistachios, shellfish, light cream sauces. Lots of fun with “tamed” ethnic recipes- mild Thai sauces (peanut), mild curries, and some Mexican ingredients (sauces with toasted cumin, very mild green chilies).

CHARDONNAY, CARNEROS and CHARDONNAY, “SCHUG ESTATE”

Both wines are rich in texture; show modest oak components and long bright finishes. Wonderful when paired with French dishes and sauces, these wines sing with rich recipes. Try seafood, cream soups, some pates (rillettes), lemon thyme, thyme, roasted garlic, Chanterelle mushrooms, caramelized onions, and mild, creamy Thai flavors (coconut-based soups, sauces… little or no heat).

PINOT NOIR, CARNEROS and PINOT NOIR, “HERITAGE RESERVE”

Fuller bodied, excellent with most grilled ingredients (vegetarian recipes, too). Excellent with so many cuisines (Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian, Southwestern), try with: lamb, duck, beef, chicken, tuna or salmon, mushrooms, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried cherries, roasted beets, plums, fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme). Not recommended with desserts.

MERLOT, SONOMA VALLEY and CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SONOMA VALLEY

Medium- to full-bodied reds, ideal for rich cheeses, nuts, rich sauces (demi-glace). These wines have lots of big, intense fruit but still need fats and richer dishes to mellow their youthful tannins. Try some dried ingredients (tomatoes, cherries), wild mushrooms, olives, game meats, grilling some or all ingredients. Desserts not recommended. Sometimes an exception can be made with the Merlots: try dark chocolate, mocha, dried cherries, nuts and minimal amounts of sugar.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “HERITAGE RESERVE”

Full-bodied with wonderful fruit and structure, we love to see this wine paired up with little known cheeses. This wine also works well with earthy mushroom or olive ingredients and red meat and game recipes. Not recommended with dessert courses.
For more ideas, contact Kristine@schugwinery.com
chef-chirstine
Chef Kristine Schug

Key Ingredients and Flavors for Pairing with SCHUG Wines

Direct from Kristine Schug’s kitchen